Coventry City attempt to follow up their home win over Colchester United on Monday night with three points on the road against Barnsley this weekend.
Although the Sky Blues were never fluent against the U’s they won comfortably enough and should be eyeing wins in games like this if they want to be considered genuine play-off contenders.
Andy Ritchie’s side however may be in the bottom four but at home have lost only two of their six games
Vital Quotes:
Elliot Ward: ‘The gaffer has been reiterating that we need to stay focused and level-headed whether we win or lose and with the games coming thick and fast it makes that easier to do as you don’t have time to think about the last match as you are busy preparing for the next one.
‘It just happens that our last match was a win but at home we fancy beating anyone and away we are becoming tougher so we fancy our chances again.
‘No matter who we play, as long as we go out with the right attitude then we will always be confident.’
Oakwell boss Andy Ritchie: ‘We have played very well for the majority of the season so far and we have not got what we deserved – but you have to make your own luck.
‘It has been a learning process for me and the players. It is difficult for them but they have to start producing.
‘We don’t want to be set adrift at the bottom of the table or get caught up in our own little relegation dogfight either – so we need to make sure we start picking up points as soon as possible.’
Barnsley Team News:
Daniel Nardiello, son of former Sky Blues winger Donato, should be in contention for Barnsley despite missing a midweek reserve game for personal reasons.
On-loan goalkeeper Vito Mannone has returned to Arsenal for treatment on a knee injury.
Player to watch: Nick Colgan
Boss Ritchie will be hoping the Republic of Ireland international keeper can help shore up a defence that have conceded 27 times already this season.
Coventry City Team News:
Full-backs Marcus Hall and David McNamee are still out injured so on loan Richard Duffy and Clive Clarke will again deputise.
Player to watch: Stern John
Outstanding on Monday night, the Trinidad & Tobago star holds the key for City going forward.
Match Facts & Stats
The Tykes’ 13 league games so far have produced 45 goals – more than any other team in their division.
The last meeting at Oakwell between the two sides ended in 1-1 draw in 2001. Honduran striker Jairo Martinez scored one of his three goals in a Sky Blue shirt.
Next Fixtures:
City entertain Gary McSheffrey’s Birmingham City on Tuesday while Barnsley travel to Derby County a day later.
