The start of the festive period and the Sky Blues’ players will be looking to continue their decent run of form with a positive result against one of the pre-season promotion favourites.
It hasn’t quite gone according to plan for West Brom as yet this season, with Bryan Robson departing and then some teething troubles for new boss Tony Mowbray.
The Baggies though are strong at home (at a ground where City have often struggled) and have plenty of players capable of winning a match.
Vital Quotes:
Micky Adams: ‘You can never say the away jinx is out of the window but I think we have got a mentality that we feel we can win games of football away from home now.
‘That’s a big thing in any dressing room and I have sensed a change.
‘We know how to win games away from home and that’s important.’
West Brom boss Tony Mowbray told his club’s official website: ‘Coventry are on a decent run but it’s about each XI that takes to the pitch on Saturday and we’re pretty confident at home at the moment.
‘Coventry are a very tough side who can grind out results.’
West Bromwich Albion Team News:
Paul McShane is available for selection while Diomansy Kamara and Chris Perry are back after bans.
Player to watch: John Hartson
Will be looking to kickstart his Albion career with a goal against his former club.
Coventry City Team News:
Marcus Hall returns after suspension so Clive Clarke will move forward to replace Leon McKenzie who serves a one-match ban.
‘Leon caused Burnley real problems without getting a goal so we are disappointed he is missing out but it doesn’t give me so much of a selection headache this week,’ said Micky Adams.
Player to watch: Robert Page
Has been in excellent form recently as part of a side with the second best defensive record in the Championship.
Match Facts & Stats
West Brom were comfortable 3-0 winners the last time the two teams met in March 2004 thanks to goals from Horsfield, Hulse and Kinsella.
The Sky Blues last win at the Hawthorns came in a dramatic FA Cup tie in 1995 when late goals from Dion Dublin and Peter Ndlovu capped a fightback that kept Phil Neal in his job (for a short while).
Ref Watch:
Michael Jones of Cheshire takes charge
Next Fixtures:
Away again for City next Saturday at Luton while West Brom travel to Plymouth.
