Mark Robins made seven changes to his Coventry City team to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday when every one of those players gave the manager food for thought ahead of Saturday’s return to Championship action, with bogey side Swansea the visitors to the CBS Arena (3pm kick-off).
The Sky Blues have drawn their last four games with the Swans but, bizarrely, not beaten the South Wales side for more than 40 years – the last time coming in 1981, some 18 meetings ago. There’s no rhyme nor reason, of course, for such a poor record, and no reason why the current team can’t buck that unwelcome trend.
Certainly, the way City have played in their last two matches and the number of chances created during encouraging displays against Watford and Spurs would suggest they are more than equipped to get a result against the Welsh strugglers. But who will the manager pick for Saturday’s task?
Well, although Ben Wilson had a decent game against Tottenham, making two impressive saves to keep them in the game, it’s likely that number one Oliver Dovin will be restored in goal.
Milan van Ewijk remains the manager’s first choice right-back, although Joel Latibeaudiere is available to face his former club after being rested in midweek, albeit not as dynamic as the Dutchman going forwards. Latibeaudiere had been picked ahead of Bobby Thomas at right-sided centre-half before the Watford game, and could well be restored to that role, although Thomas has been excellent in the last two games.
Luis Binks also impressed against Spurs and will be battling it out with Liam Kitching for the left-hand berth at the back, while Jay Dasilva is fit again after picking up a knock at Watford to compete with Jake Bidwell at left-back. Bidwell, however, was back to form on Wednesday and is a strong contender to keep his place.
Ben Sheaf made another tentative return in the cup tie, going on for the last 20 minutes but then having to ice his ankle injury and miss training on Thursday as a result, so his fitness remains in doubt. Josh Eccles and Jamie Allen, meanwhile, were outstanding against Premier League opposition, while Victor Torp is also in contention for the central midfield spots.
Tatsuhiro Sakamoto was an unused sub in the week after recovering from injury and could make a return on the right wing, but Brandon Thomas-Asante impressed in his place and certainly did enough to warrant a first start in the league. Haji Wright and Ephron Mason-Clark are competing on the opposite flank, while Jack Rudoni is expected to continue in the number 10 role.
There’s also a strong case for 19-year-old Norman Bassette to keep his place, such was his exciting contribution against Ange Postecoglou’s side, but the likelihood is that Ellis Simms will return up front.
Predicted City team to face Swansea: Oliver Dovin; Milan van Ewijk, Bobby Thomas, Luis Binks, Jake Bidwell; Josh Eccles, Jamie Allen; Brandon Thomas-Asante, Jack Rudoni, Haji Wright; Ellis Simms.
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