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.
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