A first match for Russell Slade as Coventry City manager and a first game for the Sky Blues since the controversial home clash with Sheffield United.
The fall-out from that evening at the Ricoh Arena continues to overshadow everything else, even the appointment of a new manager but Slade himself has had a few days to work with his new squad in a bid to halt the run of six consecutive league defeats.
Vital Quotes:
Slade will certainly go ‘back to basics’ with a team so devoid of confidence but that is also the focus for opposite number Darrell Clarke. He told the Bristol Post: ”We have to take each game one at a time and not look to far ahead.
‘All I will say is that we’d like to come out the other side with a fair share of those points that are available (over the festive period).’
Bristol Rovers Team News:
A poor performance at Shrewsbury last time out may see Clarke make changes.
Player to watch: Matty Taylor
The striker has 16 goals in 26 appearances this season.
Coventry City Team News:
The return from suspension of Ben Stevenson is a boost to Slade with Jamie Sterry a doubt for the trip.
Player to watch: Marvin Sordell
Likely to be the focal point of the system that Slade employs in his first match in charge.
Match Facts & Stats
Just eight goals in eleven away matches for City is a record that they will have to improve on if they are to move away from the relegation zone.
Ref Watch:
Brendan Malone takes charge, assisted by Joe Clark and Thomas Harty. Mr Malone has issued 74 yellow and 3 red cards in 20 matches this season.
Next Fixtures:
AFC Wimbledon at home for Rovers on New Year’s Eve, Peterborough away for the Sky Blues.
