Preview: Coventry City vs. Rotherham United - prediction, team news, lineups

Both clubs earned draws when they were regarded as the underdogs, laying the foundations to push for all three points in the Midlands.

Match preview

After a season of progression under Mark Robins during 2021-22, Coventry head into this campaign with the ambition of making a a sustained bid for the playoffs.

That particular effort faded during the closing weeks of last season, but Robins will take encouragement from their 1-1 draw at Sunderland last weekend.

The Sky Blues came from behind to claim a point through Viktor Gyokeres's 84th-minute strike, and belief will be high ahead of their first home fixture of the season.

Although Robins will naturally point to it remaining early doors, Coventry have momentum ahead of their meeting with Rotherham with numerous fresh faces looking to impress.

Defender Jonathan Panzo has already caught the eye, and fellow former Chelsea youngster Kasey Palmer could have a key part to play once he has regained full fitness after a recent niggle.

Rotherham are another team who will be happy with their work on the first weekend of the season, even if they were clawed back having initially led against Swansea City.

Chiedozie Ogbene, now a regular with Republic of Ireland, is under pressure to become a key player at the Millers, and he suggested that he is ready to take on that responsibility with a goal versus the Welsh outfit.

A triple substitution ahead of the final quarter was a risk from Paul Warne, but the added freshness helped ensure that the Yorkshire outfit did not fall to a defeat.

With none of the favoured title contenders to come until September, Warne will feel that his squad need to take full advantage to give themselves the best possible chance of ending their stint as a yo-yo club.

Coventry City Championship form:

Rotherham United Championship form:

Team News

Having come through 28 minutes at the Stadium of Light, Palmer may be given the nod ahead of Jamie Allen in midfield.

Fankaty Dabo and Tyler Walker are also pushing for an opportunity in the starting lineup, but the remainder of the Coventry XI could stay the same.

While Warne was happy with Rotherham's collective effort last week, he may be prepared to stick with the team which started the game.

That would see Peter Kioso, Cohen Bramall and Georgie Kelly remain on the substitutes' bench, potentially alongside two of the players who missed out with injury.

Oliver Rathbone will be assessed after a thigh issue, while Lee Peltier should have come through a week of training ahead of this contest.

Coventry City possible starting lineup:

Moore; Hyam, McFadzean, Panzo; Eccles, Palmer, Sheaf, Hamer, Bidwell; Godden, Gyokeres

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Hall, Wood, Humphreys; Harding, Lindsay, Barlaser, Wiles, Ferguson; Washington, Ogbene

We say: Coventry City 1-1 Rotherham United

On paper, Coventry are the clear favourites to prevail, particularly with Gyokeres already showing glimpses of his best form. Nevertheless, we fancy the visitors to earn a share of the spoils, potentially through a late goal.

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