Coventry City Preview – Away, August 20

WATFORD HIT the road once more in their next Championship fixture as they travel to the Midlands in search of their first win of the campaign. Hosts Coventry City are in a similar situation under rookie boss, Andy Thorn, who’s also looking to guide his side to their maiden three-point haul of the 2011/12 season.

Something’s got to give, right?

Much like the Hornet’s squad, a quick glance up and down the sparse Coventry squad list suggests that Thorn’s men are doing as you’d expect but after a rally under the new man at the back end of last season, The Sky Blues wll be looking to move away from the drop zone.

Amongst the ample helping of academy graduates there are some experienced Championship names such as versatile midfielder David Bell – once of Luton Town. Fellow midfielder’s Sammy Clignan and Gary McShefferey are well-known names at this level.

Again, much like with the ‘Orns it’s up top where you worry for Thorn’s men, who can only really call upon Freddy Eastwood, Clive Platt and Lukas Jutkiewicz, all of whom managed just 19 league goals between them last term.

The loss of Ireland international Kieren Westwood looked to have left Coventry short between the sticks but the arrival of former Scunthorpe number one, Joe Murphy has effectively solved that conundrum.

At the back Ben Turner and Martin Cranie have racked up a good number of appearances between them at a young age whilst Richard Keogh and Chris Hussey continue to make the step-up from the lower leagues. The latter in particular a really romantic story, having arrived from Wimbledon on loan in 2009 before making his move permanent.

Coventry are suffering an early injury crisis with McSheffrey and Bell both doubts having been injured at Crystal Palace, however Carl Baker is back from suspension.

Watford are without Stephen McGinn whilst Prince Buaben was notable by his absence from the bench on Tuesday night too. Chris Iwelumo to quote Sean Dyche is ‘not 100% fit’ so with any sense he’ll be replaced by Troy Deeney for the benefit of the side.

Probable Teams:

Coventry City: Murphy; Keogh, Christie, Hussey; Thomas, Bigiramana, Clignan (c), McSheffrey; Jutkiewicz and O’Donavan.

Watford: Loach; Doyley, Mariappa, Taylor, Dickinson; Yeates, Eustace (c), Jenkins, Forsyth; Sordell and Iwelumo.

Match Officials: (R) Mr R East; (AR’s) Mr G Stott and Mr K Johnson; (4th) Mr R Ellis.