A massive game is how Coventry City’s Championship match against Cardiff at Highfield Road tomorrow has been described. With difficult trips to Millwall and Sunderland to come in the next eight days, City know that they will need a full compliment of points against the South Wales side.
Sky Blues boss Micky Adams is likely to make one change to the side which beat Watford 3-2 last Saturday. Scott Shearer, who was blamed and subsequently dropped after having a nightmare in the corresponding fixture last season, has returned to Rushden and Diamonds on a month’s loan.
The Scot will be replaced by Ian Bennett who is now free from suspension after being sent off in the last home game against Stoke City.
If Luke Steele has not recovered in time to make the bench, Adams will again go without a keeper and is likely to give Graham Barrett a substitute role after scoring two goals for the reserves in a fine 3-2 win over Arsenal.
For Cardiff City, it has been a terrible week. Having announced they are in financial difficulties and their new stadium at Leckwith has been delayed, the Bluebirds have had a number of clubs circling round them hoping to pick up players on the cheap in an vulture like manner. Sunderland sniffing round Tony Vidmar was just one instance.
Not only is this a problem for Lennie Lawrence but he has a squad plagued by injuries. He is without Peter Thorne and Andy Campbell, Gary Croft, Paul Parry and former Sky Blue Willie Boland. Former Millwall keeper Tony Warner is also missing after dislocating a finger and will be replaced on the bench by Martyn Margetson who has not started a game since September.
Also back in after long term injury is midfielder Lee Bullock who will play in attack with Cameron Jerome. Bullock came on as s substitute in the 1-0 win over Sheffield United last week and did enough for Lawrence to give him another go up front.
Those who study form will find that Coventry are six matches since a home win, have had eight home defeats and have conceded 22 goals at Highfield Road in league matches this season. Cardiff have not won an away game for three matches, scored 17 times on their travels and won twice.
Referee for the game which kicks off at 3pm is L. Mason from Lancashire.
Academy boss Steve Ogrizovic will be looking for a Sky Blues victory against MK Dons at the Alan Higgs Centre at 11am. City have drawn their last two Under 18’s matches.
On Sunday, Coventry City Ladies face Middlesbrough at Coventry Sphinx FC at 2pm. After losing 3-2 at Aston Villa last Sunday, City boss Mark Phillips knows that his side have to make home wins count and is looking for the same sort of form from his players that they showed in the 2-1 win over Oldham in their last home game.
Coventry City Ladies Reserves have had their final WPL Reserve Section Division Two North game against Middlesbrough postponed. The North East club have stated that they will not travel until after an inquiry into the punishment metered out by the Birmingham County FA to a City Ladies reserve team player following an incident at the game at Middlesbrough. The matter has been placed in the hands of the FA and Coventry City Ladies FC will not be commenting on the subject.