And so, after seven years of wait, Coventry City FC will take up their tenancy at the Arena with the opening game against Queens Park Rangers.
For this momentous occasion which will herald a new era in the club’s history, Sky Blues boss Micky Adams will be without striker Gary McSheffrey who has a groin strain which he picked up in the first half of last Saturday’s 4-0 defeat Burnley. Also missing will be skipper Stephen Hughes who is serving a two game suspension for being sent off in the same game.
A worry for Micky Adams is that state of Richard Duffy who arrived back from Wales international friendly with Slovenia in Swansea with knocks to his shoulder,thigh and ankle. Duffy’s fitness will be tested before Adams names his side to face the West Londoners.
Wilo Flood is expected to be handed his debut after joining City yesterday on a month’s loan from Manchester City. Andy Morrell and Andy Whing who both had good games for the Reserves on Tuesday night could also make the starting eleven.
Having already played Queens Park Rangers in the ill fated Copa Ibiza, Micky Adams will have good inkling about the Rangers side.
Ian Holloway who won a fair bit of respect from the Coventry supporters in Ibiza with his friendly and approachable manner has Tommy Doherty and Martin Rowlands both out with injuries picked up in the 2-1 win over Sheffield United last Saturday.
Former Aston Villa player Stefan Moore is likely to play up front with former Sky Blue Paul Furlong.
Coventry go into the game not having won their last four matches or unbeaten in their last six matches at home, whilst QPR are unbeaten this season, drawing at Hull on the opening day and beating Ipswich and Sheffield United.
This will be the 97th meeting between the two clubs with City having won 38 matches, drawing 25 and losing 33, scoring 165 goals in the process compared to QPR’s 130.
The West Londoners whose boardroom antics brough them to the nations attention last weekend have won four out of their last five games at Coventry. Last season, Rangers won 2-1 with Adie Williams netting for City in Micky Adams first game in charge. Apart from a 1-0 City victory in 1996,QPR won three times in successive seasons in the 1990’s. Andrew Impey who is currently on trial with the Sky Blues and who has made two reserve team appearances this season scored the only goal of the game in 1992/93.
If you fancy a bet, you can get 11/10 on City or 11-5 on QPR.
Arrive early is our message as many supporters visit the Arena for the first time. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the ground, park in the park n walk/ park n ride sites and familiarise yourself with the new surroundings.
A security statement has been issued and you are advised not to take rucksacks or bags into the ground. Ladies handbags will be searched on entry. Following the problems in Ibiza, you can expect the security to be tight with a heavy police presence.
Visiting supporters on organised travel can park in Car Park C whilst those in cars can park at the Bermuda Industrial Estate, Bayton Road Industrial Estate or the Wayside Business Park.
The forecast for the game looks good with sunny skies and a temperature of 22 degrees.