COVENTRY City are searching for their first win of the new season as they make the trip to Millwall this weekend.
The Sky Blues were thrashed by Bristol City in the Carabao Cup in midweek having had their home match against Rotherham United called off last weekend due to an ‘unsafe’ playing surface at the CBS Arena.
Their opponents Millwall exited the competition the previous midweek in a disappointing defeat to League One side Cambridge United.
That means the Lions have had a full week to prepare for the fixture having lost to Sheffield United on their travels last time out in the league.
FORM
City have endured a frustrating start to the campaign after being held by Sunderland in their season opener before seeing their next fixture postponed and their cup tie moved to a different ground.
However, the Sky Blues fought well to come from behind and draw 1-1 against the Black Cats as star striker Viktor Gyokeres opened his account for the season in style.
Millwall won their first home match of the season with a 2-0 win against Stoke City on the opening weekend thanks to a brace from on-loan defender Charlie Cresswell.
The Lions struggled in defeat at Sheffield United, losing by the same scoreline, but remain unbeaten at The Den since April after winning their final three home matches of the previous campaign.
TEAM NEWS
The Sky Blues will be without key midfielder Callum O’Hare after he was sidelined with a hamstring tear just days before the season opener.
Manager Mark Robins has refused to put a timescale on his return but otherwise has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the fixture.
Millwall added to their squad in the off season with the signings of Benik Afobe, George Honeyman and Zian Flemming – the latter arriving for a club-record fee from Dutch top-flight side Fortuna Sittard.
They are joined by Leeds United duo Cresswell and Jamie Shackleton who both arrived on loan with Premier League experience whilst new signing Andreas Voglsammer could also be involved if he receives clearance to play.
Defender Murray Wallace is a doubt whilst Flemming (knee) and Tom Bradshaw (groin) have been ruled out by boss Gary Rowett.
KEY PLAYERS
Coventry – Jamie Allen – The midfielder opened his account for the season with a fine volley in defeat against Bristol City – the only bright spark in a disappointing team performance overall.
Robins turned to the midfielder in the absence of O’Hare at Sunderland and City will need the 27-year-old to be at his creative best to break down a well-organised Milwall side.
Millwall – Scott Malone – The wing-back already has one assist to his name this season and could hold they key to unlocking City’s defence this weekend.
Malone has contributed to seven goals in each of his last two seasons and will likely prove a threat down Millwall’s left-hand side again on Saturday.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two teams last met in the league in December last year as City suffered a 1-0 defeat at the CBS Arena with Bradshaw scoring the only goal.
Coventry’s last away win at Millwall came in January last year as the Sky Blues claimed a 2-1 victory thanks to Gustavo Hamer’s first-half winner and are unbeaten in four games at The Den.
City have an identical overall head-to-head record against Millwall having won 31, drawn 15 and lost 31 games across 77 meetings.
PREDICTION
Millwall 1-0 Coventry – A tough test awaits the Sky Blues in the capital and, after a disruptive couple of weeks, anything other than a defeat would represent a good result.
Coventry’s clash with Millwall takes place on Saturday, August 13 with kick-off at 3pm at The Den.
