Coventry City go head-to-head with play-off rivals West Bromwich Albion on Good Friday knowing that victory would strengthen their arm in the race for a top six finish.
The Sky Blues are currently occupying the last available spot for the final cut, three points ahead of seventh placed Albion who will leapfrog Frank Lampard’s men if they beat them at the CBS Arena by virtue of their superior goal difference.
Coventry City go head-to-head with play-off rivals West Bromwich Albion on Good Friday knowing that victory would strengthen their arm in the race for a top six finish.
The Sky Blues are currently occupying the last available spot for the final cut, three points ahead of seventh placed Albion who will leapfrog Frank Lampard’s men if they beat them at the CBS Arena by virtue of their superior goal difference.
City have a poor recent record against the Baggies, having lost five, drawn one and won one in their last seven meetings, but will be hoping to capitalise on a bumper home crowd – which is on target to be a new league record for the club – when they entertain former manager Tony Mowbray’s men in a classic play-off six-pointer. So what sort of team will Lampard select to get the job done?
Given that City played reasonably well but just couldn’t find the killer touch to put the game to bed after taking the lead against Hull on Monday night, it’s unlikely that there will be too many changes.
Brad Collins didn’t have a single save to make on the night, eventually beaten by a deflection, and is likely to continue in goal behind a back four that could well be unchanged.
Bobby Thomas’ “small” calf strain opened the door for Joel Latibeaudiere to return to the starting line-up alongside Liam Kitching, and he did well overall and is expected to keep his place. Although not a serious injury, Thomas is expected to be a doubt for Friday and Lampard will likely be reluctant to risk him if he’s not 100 percent.
Milan van Ewijk is assured of his place at right-back while Jay Dasilva has been in good form of late and will be expected to continue at left-back unless the head coach wants to freshen things up by bringing Jake Bidwell back in.
The midfield three of Matt Grimes, Ben Sheaf and Jack Rudoni, meanwhile, was impressive against Hull with Lampard believing there was a nice “balance” on what was, remarkably, the captain’s first start alongside January signing Grimes. Josh Eccles (calf) had targeted this game for a return but even if he is available for selection, it’s unlikely he would start after sitting out the last four games. Victor Torp (ankle) is out for the season which leaves Jamie Allen as the only senior contender to come in if the City boss is minded to make a midfield change.
That leaves the forward three which will almost certainly include Tatsuhiro Sakamoto on the right wing. Given Ellis Simms’ powerful display against Hull, the big centre-forward is likely to be handed his second consecutive start leading the line, which leaves Haji Wright to occupy the left-hand berth for a second game running in the absence of Ephron Mason-Clark, who is again a doubt with an on-going foot issue.
