Coventry City predicted team v Oxford United as Sky Blues reporter Andy Turner attempts to second guess manager Mark Robins’ selection for the Carabao Cup
Coventry City entertain Championship new-comers Oxford United for the second time in the space of three games tonight when there’s an opportunity give vital match minutes to the wider squad.
Having snatched a late three points over the U’s in the league a week last Friday, Mark Robins’ men are looking to complete a CBS Arena double by knocking them out of the Carabao Cup (7.45pm).
The Sky Blues have often fielded weakened sides and, as a result, have a dreadful record in the competition, having failed to progress beyond the second round in their last eleven seasons! The last time they progressed to the third round was back in 2012/13 when Robins had just been appointed first time around. After beating Dagenham and Redbridge and Birmingham in the first and second rounds they earned a trip to Arsenal where they were duly smashed 6-1.
Oxford, of course, may also opt to rest key men as they prioritise second tier survival this season. But for Coventry, it’s an opportunity for Robins’ wider squad to push themselves into contention for the weekend’s game against Norwich and for new signing Norman Bassette to make his debut.
Starting at the ther end of the line-up, Ben Wilson played against Bristol City in the first round of the competition and there’s nothing to suggest that the goalkeeper – who appears to be the manager’s second choice stopper this season, having been on the bench in the opening three league games – won’t continue to get game time in the cup, leaving Brad Collins as back-up for the night.
It seems extremely likely, too, that Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching will be partnered in the centre of the back four, having both sat out in the league in recent weeks when Joel Latibeaudiere and Luis Binks have been preferred. There’s also an obvious swap to be made at left-back where Jay Dasilva will be itching to impress and earn his place back ahead of Jake Bidwell, who has been favoured in the league games, although Milan van Ewijk appears the only option at right-back and may have to go without a rest.
Jamie Allen could come in for either Josh Eccles or Victor Torp in the holding midfield roles, assuming it’s too early for Ben Sheaf’s return from injury, while Kai Andrews is another option in the middle of the park. Kasey Palmer, meanwhile, will be another favourite to start after stepping off the bench to fire home the equaliser at Ashton Gate at the weekend, and likely to start ahead of Jack Rudoni.
Ephron Mason-Clark is likely to come in for Haji Wright on the left and Brandon Thomas-Asante could replace Tatsuhiro Sakamoto on the right, although Fabio Tavares is another option on that flank. That leaves the possibility of new signing Norman Bassette to come in to make his debut by leading the line in place of Ellis Simms, following his £2m plus move from Caen last week.
Predicted City XI: Ben Wilson; Milan van Ewijk; Bobby Thomas, Liam Kitching, Jay Dasilva; Jamie Allen, Kai Andrews; Brandon Thomas-Asante, Kasey Palmer, Ephron Mason-Clark; Norman Bassette.
Leave a Reply