Coventry v Sheffield United Preview

This game sees new Sheffield United manager Micky Adams return to Coventry, another side that he once managed. Adams is still looking for his first win as the Blades’ boss and with United sat just one place above the drop zone, he certainly needs it quickly. Their opponents meanwhile are in a much more stable position and despite early flirtations with the top six, Aidy Boothroyd will be satisfied with their position of 11th.

While Coventry approach this game in a comfortable position, their recent form is absolutely dreadful and Sheffield United should feel they have an excellent chance of netting all the points. It wasn’t too long ago that the Sky Blues were up in the playoffs, yet an accumulation of just two points from a possible eighteen has sent them tumbling down the table. However, while their league form has been poor, they at least head into this game on the back of a victory following a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Cup last weekend. Despite the slump in form, Boothroyd’s men still have everything to play for with just four points separating them from the playoff places.

Sheffield United on the other hand are in all sorts of turmoil, although their supporters will hope that once Micky Adams has settled at the club then everything will smooth out. The Blades have endured a truly awful season and after picking up just twenty six points, they sit just one place above the drop zone in 21st position. Adams has yet to record a victory as their manager although in fairness, supporters have commented on an improvement in performances since he joined the club. However, the main issue at Bramall Lane is the lack of goals and having scored just twenty five so far, they have the worst record in front of goal in the division. If that statistic doesn’t improve, there’s no doubt that they’ll be hovering around the relegation zone for the foreseeable future.

On the team news front, Coventry are preparing to be without striker Marlon King again as the former Watford man completes his three match suspension. On a more positive note, Aidy Boothroyd will be able to select both Lee Carsley and Sammy Clingan who have recovered from their knocks. Sheffield United meanwhile could hand debuts to new loan signings Shane Lowry and Joe Mattock. Elsewhere, Lee Williamson is a definite absentee through a groin problem, while Stephen Quinn will come back into contention following a suspension.

As for a prediction, we think Sheffield United could just about get the win here. Coventry are in truly awful form and with Micky Adams desperate for his first win as United’s manager, we think he could get it at his former club

Coventry v Norwich Preview

As the weeks go by, the playoff places are undoubtedly becoming more secluded from the rest of the table. This game features two sides sat side by side in the top six, with Coventry occupying 5th spot while Norwich are in 6th. Both know that due to the competitiveness this season a defeat is unthinkable if they wish to remain in those places for the long-term.

Coventry have been between the playoffs and mid-table for much of the season although it now looks as though Aidy Boothroyd’s men are finally securing their position within the top cluster of teams. Admittedly, they have been helped by a lack of postponements, although nobody can contest their return of thirty four points from their opening games. One of the main reasons for their rise in the table has been recent form with the Sky Blues putting together a small run of four unbeaten games. They approach this encounter on the back of a goalless draw at Reading although before that they had won their last three. As it stands four points separate them from 7th place although the big carrot is increasing their gap over Norwich should they net all three points here.

Norwich on the other hand are just one point worse off than their opponents, although head into this game on the back of a 2-0 defeat at home to Portsmouth. That loss ended a decent spell for the Canaries after they went on a run of six unbeaten games. It also meant that for the first time in ten games Paul Lambert’s men failed to score and that’s something that the former Celtic midfielder will be desperate to put right. However, their position is still very strong and they could even jump into 4th spot should results go their way this weekend.

As for team news, Aidy Boothroyd will be handing out two late fitness tests ahead of this one as Sammy Clingan and Carl Baker both struggle for fitness. Clingan has been struggling with a knee problem while Baker hasn’t featured since a hernia operation some time ago. Elsewhere however, Lee Carsley is a definite absentee as the former Birmingham man misses out through suspension.. The visitors on the other hand will be welcoming back Grant Holt after the striker missed the last outing through a ban. However, Leon Barnett is out through a suspension, while Steven Smith, Andrew Surman, Adam Dury, Matt Gill and Zak Whitbread will continue to sit on the sidelines as injury hampers their season.

In terms of a prediction, we think Coventry could take the points here. Norwich have a poor record when playing the Sky Blues away and with Aidy Boothroyd’s men in such good form, we think they’ll net the victory with a 2-1 result.

          Line: 7
Message: Can" onclick

Coventry v Leeds Preview

It wasn’t too many years ago that both of these sides were in the Premiership, although now the tables have turned slightly. Both have experienced financial problems over the past few years but it now appears that the two sides have now got back to their feet. Coventry are having an absolutely superb season and their supporters probably can’t believe the progress that Aidy Boothroyd has made since taking over, with the Sky Blues sat in 4th spot. Leeds on the other hand will be fairly satisfied with their campaign and Simon Grayson’s men are in a comfortable 12th position.

The past few years haven’t been the best for Aidy Boothroyd, who has lost his reputation somewhat after being regarded as one of the most promising managers in the country when he masterminded Watford’s promotion in 2006. Coincidently it was Leeds who the Hornets beat in the play off final back then

Coventry v Barnsley Preview

With both of these sides struggling down at the wrong end of table in the past, similar was expected this term. However, both sides are currently defying those predictions as Coventry sit in 9th spot while Barnsley are several places lower in 16th. However, both lost their last game and with the division being so tight at the moment, both managers will know the importance of bouncing back.

Coventry supporters must be very happy with their season and the work that Aidy Boothroyd has done in his short time at the club. While there were early doubts on Boothroyd’s appointment, he’s seemingly transformed them into a team battling in the lower regions of the table to one that is very close to breaking into the playoffs. As it stands they sit in 9th spot, two points away from the top six, having accumulated eighteen points from the opening twelve fixtures. Recent form has been relatively good as well although after recording two wins from three, they then went down 2-1 at home to Cardiff in their last outing. However, it took until the 87th minute for the Bluebirds to net the winner in that game and with Cardiff riding so high, Coventry can still take great heart from that performance.

While Barnsley supporters probably should be happy with their current position, a few fans are getting increasingly frustrated with how their season is heading. For the past few years the Tykes have had severe problems on the road and it still doesn’t seem as though Mark Robins has addressed this, with the club without an away win since February. That has meant that they’ve had to rely heavily on their home form which is obviously a huge burden to have. What’s more, the team often seem to crumble after conceding and their 3-0 defeat to Burnley, which saw them concede three goals in quick succession in the second half, was another example of this. The Tykes were tipped as relegation candidates at the start of the season and while they now sit in 16th, there’s no doubting that they must start getting results away from home if they are to survive.

It’s very quiet on the team news front for the home side who have no new concerns heading into this one. Aidy Boothroyd will be without the likes of Freddy Eastwood, Chris Hussey and James McPake but other than that, there are no other problems for the Sky Blues. Barnsley meanwhile were rocked midweek after Jay McEverley was forced under the knife following serious damage to his knee. However, Mark Robins worked fast and brought in Matt Hill on loan from Wolves and he is almost certainly going to be a direct replacement for the former Derby man.

As for a prediction, we fully expect a comfortable Coventry victory here. Barnsley haven’t won at Coventry for seventy seven years and combining that statistic with their dreadful away form at the moment, there’s only one conclusion for us

Bristol City v Coventry Preview

Posted on September 18th, 2010 in English Championship

A few years ago three divisions separated these two sides, yet now they are on a level playing field and Bristol City should be tipped as favourites. However, City haven’t enjoyed the start that so many tipped for them, with the Robins languishing just one place above the relegation zone. Coventry on the other hand are probably matching everyone’s expectations and the Sky Blues currently occupy 14th position.

There’s no doubting that the departure of Steve Coppell rocked Bristol City completely, yet still he did leave a very talented squad at new manager Keith Millen’s disposal. Despite that, things just haven’t clicked for Millen and City and one victory, two draws and three defeats will not be classed as satisfactory by supporters. Their latest result will have really frustrated the Ashton Gate faithful after the club lost 2-0 at home to relegation-tipped Watford. Of course, it’s still early days but with Millen having no prior managerial experience, it remains to be seen whether or not he can turn the Robins round and transform them into the promotion chasing club that the fans expect.

Coventry on the other hand have been relatively steady and while their position of 14th may not appear so attractive to some, stability is perhaps something the club needs this term. Their season so far has been made up of two wins, two draws and two defeats giving the grand total of eight points