Coventryvs.Bristol City

Frank Lampard's men prevailed on penalties over Sheffield Wednesday last time out in the cup, whereas the Robins were no match for Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Match preview

No stranger to a successful penalty during his playing heyday, Coventry boss Lampard witnessed his players score four of their five spot kicks against second-tier foes Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday, where an injury-time Anthony Musaba strike denied them progression in 90 minutes.

Jake Bidwell's unsuccessful 12-yard effort did not prove fatal, as Jamal Lowe fluffed his lines before Oliver Dovin kept out Olaf Kobacki's strike, presenting Norman Bassette with the opportunity to send Coventry through to round four.

A home tie with Premier League new boys Ipswich Town is now in the diary for February, but Lampard's men have some Championship mistakes to rectify first and foremost, having failed to win any of their last three matches in the second tier.

Back-to-back draws with Millwall and Cardiff City preceded a 2-1 defeat away at Norwich City on January 4, an especially gut-wrenching one as Amankwah Forson struck twice in second-half injury time to complete a captivating Canaries comeback, one that leaves Coventry 16th in the Championship standings.

Only six points separate the Sky Blues from the relegation zone as Lampard struggles to consistently get a tune out of his players, although they are yet to lose a Championship home game since the departure of Mark Robins, going unbeaten in their last five such matches.

As Coventry booked a date with Premier League opposition in the FA Cup, Bristol City fell short against a top-flight outfit in the third round, succumbing to strikes from Wolves pair Rodrigo Gomes and Rayan Ait-Nouri at Ashton Gate on January 11.

Scott Twine's free kick on the stroke of half time refuelled Robins hopes for the second 45, but their efforts were futile, as Liam Manning's men suffered their first defeat since the turn of the year following a fabulous festive period.

Away from FA Cup matters, Bristol City have entered into the playoff conversation thanks to a stellar run of Championship form, taking 10 points from their last four matches and most recently edging out Derby County 1-0 on January 4 thanks to a Luke McNally goal.

The ninth-placed Robins now find themselves just four points off the top six, but they do not have their away form to thank for their top-half standing, as the Robins have failed to win any of their last five Championship games on rival territory, only taking two points from a potential 15.

However, should Bristol City end that hoodoo at the CBS Arena, a fascinating set of head-to-head results would emerge; the Robins have prevailed in 25 of their previous games versus Coventry, who have in turn won 26, and another 26 matches have incredibly ended level.

Coventry City Championship form:

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L

W

D

D

L

Coventry City form (all competitions):

L

W

D

D

L

W

Bristol City Championship form:

D

L

W

W

D

W

Bristol City form (all competitions):

L

W

W

D

W

L

Team News

Coventry came out of their gruelling win over Sheffield Wednesday unscathed, but they suffered a crushing blow in their recent loss to Norwich, where Ben Sheaf picked up a muscle injury that could rule him out for six weeks.

The former Arsenal youngster is being kept company in the treatment room by Haji Wright and Ephron Mason-Clark, and the hosts' attacking situation is further complicated by reports of Blackburn Rovers making a bid for Brandon Thomas-Asante.

However, Rovers boss John Eustace has affirmed that nothing is "imminent" regarding a transfer, so Thomas-Asante could still operate as part of a two-man attacking unit on Saturday.

As for Bristol City, midfielder Marcus McGuane is a new absentee after sustaining a concussion in the FA Cup loss to Wolves, meaning that Max Bird should now partner Jason Knight in the centre.

Manning has also confirmed that neither Joe Williams nor Sinclair Armstrong are expected back just yet, but the pair are now training again, while Rob Dickie has also made a complete recovery from illness.

George Tanner's place in the backline could therefore come under threat, while at the other end of the pitch, a recall should await 34-year-old attacking veteran Nahki Wells.

Coventry City possible starting lineup:

Dovin; Van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching, Latibeaudiere, Bidwell; Rudoni, Eccles, Allen; Bassette, Thomas-Asante

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Vyner, McNally, Dickie; McCrorie, Bird, Knight, Roberts; Twine, Wells, Mehmeti

We say: Coventry City 1-1 Bristol City

There was nothing to separate Coventry or Bristol City in August's Championship contest at Ashton Gate, and Saturday's reunion looks primed for another closely-contested affair.

Written by

Ben Knapton

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