Coventry City’s predicted team vs Hull amid injury and uncertainty over international duo
Coventry City’s predicted team from CoventryLive as we look at Mark Robins’ most likely line-up for Friday’s match at Hull
Coventry City get back to action this week with a potentially tricky trip to in-form Hull.
The Sky Blues new-look squad is still striving to hit top gear amid some really enterprising and promising football in what is clearly a work-in-progress following the departure of 14 seniors players and arrival of 11 new ones attempting to quickly adapt to Championship football.
So far City have taken six points from five games, and with draws in their last three as they head to the MKM Stadium keen to bag the full three points to lift them higher than their current position of 14th in the table.
However, Friday’s televised clash has not fallen kindly for Mark Robins given its proximity to the international fixtures, namely Jamaica’s long-haul match with Haiti in Kingston on Wednesday. That means both Joel Latibeaudiere and Kasey Palmer will travel back on Thursday and are unlikely to be available to join in preparations ahead of the game against the Tigers, who are are enjoying impressive recent form with three wins and a draw – their latest success a 1-0 win at Leicester.
So, does Robins rest two of his regular starters?
Well, certainly in Latibeaudiere’s case, there appears to be a bit more scope to give the summer signing a rest if required to get over jet lag and any muscle fatigue from two games for his country. The summer signing from Swansea was originally brought in to compete on the right of the back three but has been first pick on the left so far. However, loan signing Luis Binks is yet to feature in the league and deadline day arrival Liam Kitching is expected to be ready to make his debut, if called upon.
Bobby Thomas and Kyle McFadzean are expected to continue in the other two available slots in the back three.
Milan van Ewijk is almost certain to continue at right wing-back ahead of Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, assuming he’s recovered from a tight hamstring that forced him to leave the field with 20 minutes to go against Watford last time out, while Jake Bidwell is likely to deputise for Jay Dasilva on the opposite flank following the latter going off injured just five minutes into the second half of the 3-3 draw with the Hornets, albeit we do not know the extent of the injury yet.
The midfield currently picks itself with Ben Sheaf and Josh Eccles preferred ahead of skipper Liam Kelly, while Yasin Ayari could be in line for his first start in the No.10 position behind the strikers if Palmer is too tired to feature following his exploits for his country. The Brighton loan player has caught the eye with consecutive cameo displays against Sunderland and Watford but it remains to be seen whether Robins trusts him enough from the start as he continues to get used to the level.
Although Jamie Allen is due back in full training this week, it’s unlikely he will be fit enough to start but could travel and be included on the bench for the first time this season if he gets through this week unscathed following time out for a heart scare.
Meanwhile, the front two spots are almost certain to be occupied by leading scorer Matty Godden and either Haji Wright or Ellis Simms alongside him. Wright has impressed with his pace and exciting attacking threat but Robins is desperate to get Simms’ season up and running with a goal.
City’s predicted line-up v Hull: Ben Wilson; Bobby Thomas, Kyle McFadzean, Liam Kitching; Milan van Ewijk, Josh Eccles, Ben Sheaf, Jake Bidwell; Yasin Ayari; Matty Godden, Haji Wright.
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