Although only three points separate the Sky Blues from Saturday’s opponents Derby County, the mood of the two camps going into the game is markedly different.
Monday night’s dismal 1-0 defeat at Stoke City summed up Coventry’s season to date perfectly and has led to a change in captain, a loan exit and possibly a change in tactics as Micky Adams’ looks to boost his side’s goals output.
Derby meanwhile continued their excellent recent run of form with a win over promotion favourites West Brom at Pride Park.
Vital Quotes:
Derby defender Michael Johnson, who has been part of the Rams side on their last two trips to Coventry: ‘It’s a very different game this time.
‘Our away record is up there with the best in the division and we feel we can go there and give a good account of ourselves especially coming on the back of the win against West Brom.
‘We’ve got a completely different team. If you compare the team now to how the one in the last two seasons, it’s virtually unrecognisable.’
Sky Blues striker Leon McKenzie on his current goal drought: ‘I am getting very frustrated now.
‘I was obviously playing out wide again on Monday night and was just trying to do the best I can for the team.
‘I have not partnered Stern John up front at all yet so I have got to sit tight.’
Coventry City Team News:
Stephen Hughes could lose his place after being stripped of the captaincy after the Stoke game while Don Hutchison may get a start.
Mikkel Bischoff came through another reserve team outing in midweek.
Micky Adams is working on bringing in a loan signing to add width to the side before the game.
Player to watch: Michael Doyle
City’s midfielders need to start delivering more in the way of goals and chances for the strikers.
Derby County Team News:
Paul Peschisolido is not quite in the frame for a first-team recall yet after a thigh muscle injury.
Mo Camara serves a one-match suspension after reaching five yellow cards.
Player to watch: Arturo Lupoli
City were undone by an on-loan Arsenal striker against Birmingham last week and face another in the highly-rated Lupoli on Saturday.
Match Facts & Stats
No team in the Championship has collected more points from a losing position than Derby, who have won three and drawn two after being behind.
For the Sky Blues, a repeat of the last two home results against Derby, 6-2 and 6-1 look a long way off at the moment.
Next Fixtures:
City are at home to Sheffield Wednesday next Saturday while it’s a trip to Luton Town for the Rams
