Mason-Clark in: Coventry City team news and predicted XI for Frank Lampard’s first game vs Cardiff City
The latest Coventry City team news as Frank Lampard’s side gear up to face Cardiff City in the Championship.
Coventry City will be led by Frank Lampard for the first time as they face Cardiff City in the Championship this weekend.
Coventry City had been heavily linked with Frank Lampard in their search for a new boss and after extensive rumours, his appointment was officially confirmed on Thursday.
The former Chelsea and Everton boss faces the tough test of replacing the legendary Mark Robins at the CBS Arena. His latest job sees him tasked with leading the Sky Blues up the Championship table after a poor campaign to date.
City boast a squad capable of pushing for play-off football but they’re currently 17th in the Championship table with 17 points from as many games, leaving them 10 points off the top six.
Lampard’s Coventry City face a relegation-threatened Cardiff City who have just been beaten by QPR. Under the caretaker lead of Omer Riza, their previously impressive form has fallen away and the Bluebirds are now winless in four.
Coventry City team news
Somewhat unsurprisingly, injuries weren’t much of a subject in Lampard’s maiden press conference as Coventry City boss. As such, many will be expecting a group similar to the one that played against Burnley for this weekend’s game.
Before the Clarets defeat though, recent interim boss Rhys Carr said top scorer Haji Wright would be out for two more games through his ankle injury.
Jay Dasilva was involved and started on Tuesday while Jake Bidwell and Jamie Allen were also back in the squad. Both will likely continue gradual returns to action though with the latter remaining an unused substitute.
Norman Bassette is one booking away from a suspension.
Predicted XI
(4-2-3-1)
Collins; van Ewijk; Thomas, Binks, Dasilva; Sheaf, Eccles; Sakamoto, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; Bassette.
It’s tough to call just what sort of Coventry City side Lampard will put out, but it seems likely that he’ll field a formation consisting of four defenders and one striker. That has been his preference over his managerial career to date.
The midfield and winger setup will vary under his lead, but he’ll likely opt for a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3.
Defensive changes could see Joel Latibeaudiere drop out while Milan van Ewijk and Jay Dasilva play deeper as full-backs. Ben Sheaf and Josh Eccles will likely be tasked with holding it down in midfield.
Wright’s continued absence should given Ephron Mason-Clark a deserved chance to play in his best role on the left, with Jack Rudoni central between the former Posh star and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto.
Leave a Reply