Championship Gameweek 19
Dec 16, 2020 8.00pm
0
0
HT : 0 0
FT Ricoh Arena
  • Gustavo Hamer 90'+1' yellowcard
  • yellowcard Pipa 50'

Preview: Coventry City vs. Huddersfield Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Coventry vs. Huddersfield - prediction, team news, lineups

Coventry City play host to Huddersfield Town at St Andrew's having put together a seven-match unbeaten streak in the Championship.

Despite winning three of their last five matches, the Terriers make the trip to the West Midlands on the back of a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth.


Match preview

During the early weeks of the season, there was a feeling that Coventry had not got what they deserved from their opening fixtures since promotion from League One.

However, that has changed since the November international break with the Sky Blues recording 13 points from their most recent seven outings.

Mark Robins's side now sit eight points clear of the relegation zone, and there is now a window of opportunity to create extra breathing space ahead of the Christmas period.

Robins will reiterate to his squad that they cannot afford to relax until they have reached the 50-point mark, but victory on Wednesday night would see them move ahead of 14th-placed Huddersfield.

The goals have been shared around the squad in the absence of top scorer Matt Godden, although that is something which will only encourage Robins ahead of the upcoming set of fixtures.

From Huddersfield's perspective, Carlos Corberan will have few complaints with his side sitting comfortably in mid-table after a slow start to the season.

Nevertheless, losing so heavily to Bournemouth has removed any momentum which had been generated from victories in three of their four previous fixtures.

Corberan made the decision to rest a number of key players for what is one of their toughest fixtures, but it remains to be seen whether those recalled on Wednesday will fit seamlessly back into the team.

The Terriers now have the worst defensive away record in the division with 19 goals having been conceded in just nine fixtures.

Coventry City Championship form: WDDWDW

Huddersfield Town Championship form: DWLWWL


Team News

Corberan could make at least five changes to his Huddersfield side, one which will be enforced due to an injury to goalkeeper Ben Hamer.

Pipa, Carel Eiting, Isaac Mbenza and Fraizer Campbell should also return to the starting XI, while Alex Vallejo is pushing for a first Terriers start in midfield.

Despite netting twice during the win over Wycombe Wanderers, Liam Kelly is set to miss out for Coventry through injury.

With Jordan Shipley also needing to be withdrawn at the weekend, Maxime Biamou should return to the attack.

Coventry City possible starting lineup: Wilson; Hyam, McFadzean, Ostigard; Dabo, Sheaf, Hamer, McCallum; Walker, Biamou, O'Hare

Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup: Schofield; Pipa, Edmonds-Green, Sarr, Toffolo; O'Brien, Eiting, Bacuna; Mbenza, Campbell, Diakhaby


We say: Coventry City 2-1 Huddersfield Town

While Huddersfield will field a stronger side than they did at the weekend, it is difficult to look past Coventry. Robins is aware that his Sky Blues side are now respected in this division, something he will stress to his players in a bid to keep them on the right track.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data

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POLL
Who will win Wednesday's Championship clash between Coventry and Huddersfield?
Coventry City 66%
Draw 21%
Huddersfield Town 13%
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