Preview: Coventry Vs SWFC

Wednesday will take a big following to experience Coventry's new Ricoh Arena, and will hope to come away with three points against a rejuvinated Sky Blues team...

Coventry will be looking to get back to winning ways after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to high flying Watford at the weekend. The high spirits in the Sky Blues camp may mean a backlash is on the cards.

City will be sweating over the fitness of Richard Shaw after the defender picked up a neck injury in the defeat to the Hornet's on Saturday. James Scowcroft will also be missing from the City squad due to a one-match suspension.

City's 'elderly' midfield duo of Dennis Wise and Don Hutchinson are available and should start.

Richard Duffy, Stuart Giddings, and Isaac Osbournes are long-term absentees for the hosts.

A likely choice after his mid-season heroics have boosted Coventry away from the relegation zone. Not only has he strengthened the City midfield and added experience at a time when the side need it most, but he's also contributed four goals in the process. Wisey still may not be liked among a lot of Sky Blues fans, but he's certainly still doing the business.

Paul Sturrock will be without Deon Burton for the trip south after the former Rotherham striker limped off with a hamstring injury in the weekend's game with Crystal Palace. Leon Best is the likely choice to replace Burton, with Maclean still not back to full fitness. Marcus Tudgay is another alternative.

Player of the season Graham Coughlan should be fit and available for the game after returning to training on Monday morning. The former Plymouth man is likely to partner Richard Wood in the centre of defence.

Sturrock hasn't been able to find a goalkeeper in time for tommorow's clash, and has admitted that Chris Adamson is likely to remain in goal for the clash, with a new 'keeper coming in time for the weekend's derby match. Adamson impressed Sturrock on Saturday and is likely to be high in confidence following his first appearance of the season.

Glenn Whelen returns from suspension and may come in to replace Lee Bullen who played on the left side of midfield at the weekend. Burton O'Brien is likely to move to the left of midfield with Whelen partnering Yoann Folly who has impressed in the centre of midfield recently.

Richie Partridge will be desperate to play against his former club, but hasn't had many opportunities of late. The best he can hope for is probably a substitute appearance.

Best is likely to play in place of the injured Deon Burton, and could have had a hat-trick on Saturday. His pace and strength troubled the Palace defence, and hopefully he'll find his finishing touch against Coventry.

Head-To-Head:

CCFC wins: 27

SWFC wins: 26

Draws: 20


Last Time Out:

1st October 2005

WEDNESDAY 3-2 Coventry City

Wednesday ran out 3-2 winners in this exciting fixture earlier in the season. Graham Coughlan and Chris Brunt provided the goals for the Owls, while Gary McSheffrey and Andy Morrell scored for the visitors. A Chris Brunt penalty 10 minutes from time gave the Owls a vital three points.


Current Form:

CCFC: W,D,W,W,L

SWFC: W,L,L,W,D


Played For Both:

Richie Partridge
David Burrows
Roland Nilsson
Carlton Palmer

Vs Sheffield United (H) - 18/02/06

Vs Southampton (A) - 25/02/06

vs Cardiff City (A) - 04/03/06

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