Coventry City predicted team from CoventryLive as the Sky Blues prepare to get their 2024/25 Championship campaign underway at Stoke
Mark Robins insisted after Saturday’s final pre-season friendly that his Coventry City players are “ready” for the new campaign, which kicks off in just a few days.
The Sky Blues have had their fair share of injuries during the warm-up schedule, with five seniors sidelined at the worst period in mid-July. Fortunately, that list was down to just two at the weekend with remaining casualties Ben Sheaf (ankle) and winger Raphael (thigh) hoped to return to training this week as City build into their opening game at Stoke (August 10, 12.30pm kick-off).
So who will the manager pick for his starting XI against the Potters? Despite having three senior goalkeepers to choose from following the arrival of Oliver Dovin, it’s clear that the summer signing from Hammarby has not only taken the No 1 shirt, but will also start in goal for the freshened up squad. The 22-year-old played in the final three friendly run-outs and there’s nothing to suggest anything other than him starting as Robins’ first choice this season.
The back four pretty much picks itself with Bobby Thomas set to partner Luis Binks at the heart of the defence, particularly given that Liam Kitching is suspended this weekend – a hangover from his late season sending off and the third of his three match ban. Milan van Ewijk, meanwhile, is a standout performer and only current specialised right-back at the club, while Jake Bidwell continues to have the edge over Jay Dasilva on the left.
The midfield is more problematic. Ben Sheaf would normally be the first name on the team sheet, but his ankle injury means he is a doubt for the weekend. Even if he returns to training this week, it may still be too soon for the new captain (albeit yet to be made official) to start. That being the case, it’s a case of two from Josh Eccles, Jamie Allen and Victor Torp for the holding roles. Eccles and Allen impressed against Everton last week, while Torp showed up well against Werder Bremen.
One man who is virtually guaranteed to make his competitive debut for the club is Jack Rudoni, who has been nothing short of outstanding ever since he joined the Sky Blues from Huddersfield Town last month. The 23-year-old looks a real threat in an attacking midfield role, although could be deployed as an eight, with Kasey Palmer given the nod for the number ten slot.
Haji Wright got 15 minutes in his legs on his return from an ankle injury against Bremen and, as such, may well find himself starting on the bench and the exciting Ephron Mason-Clark starting wide left of an expected forward three. Tatsuhiro Sakamoto is favourite to start on the right, which leaves Ellis Simms to lead the line.
Latest summer capture Brandon Thomas-Asante is another option to play either up front or off the left, but unless Robins opts to spring a surprise and go with two strikers up top, it’s likely that the 25-year-old will start on the bench.
And what a bench it looks, too! Assuming the below prediction is correct, that would leave the attacking options of Thomas-Asante, Wright and Palmer to choose from, not to mention strikers Fabio Tavares and Justin Obikwu – both of whom have shown up well in pre-season.
Predicted City XI v Stoke: Oliver Dovin; Milan van Ewijk, Bobby Thomas, Luis Binks, Jake Bidwell; Josh Eccles, Jamie Allen; Jack Rudoni; Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Ellis Simms, Ephron Mason-Clark.
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