Coventry City play host to Bristol City on New Year's Day looking for the win which will ensure that the Sky Blues move into the top half of the Championship standings.
Meanwhile, Bristol City remain down in 18th spot, a consequence of failing to prevail in any of their last three fixtures.
Match preview
© Reuters
Having recorded four successive wins before the World Cup break, Mark Robins would have feared that all momentum would be lost upon the resumption.
That is exactly how things have panned out with Coventry collecting just five points from as many games, their defeats coming at Reading and West Bromwich Albion respectively.
On a more positive note, successive clean sheets have been kept at home versus West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City, although Robins would have expected more than a goalless draw versus the latter.
While sitting nine points above the relegation zone is a considerable improvement to what they were facing during the early months in the season, there is a feeling that the Midlands outfit should be far higher than 13th spot at this stage.
With a trip to relentless Burnley in the league game which follows this one, Robins will recognise the importance of picking up maximum points on Sunday.
© Reuters
The same can be said of a Bristol City outfit who have prevailed in just two of their last 11 games in the Championship, putting any promotion bid on the back-burner.
Earlier in the campaign, Nigel Pearson's side threatened a much more optimistic season, but they have regressed into the ways which have hindered them in recent campaigns.
Although a goalless draw at Millwall earlier this week is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, Bristol City need points on the board if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.
On a positive note, Pearson's side are unbeaten in two games versus Coventry this season, a goalless draw in the reverse league fixture following a thumping 4-1 triumph for Bristol City in the EFL Cup back in August.
Team News
© Reuters
Despite the short turnaround, Robins may make minimal alterations to his Coventry XI for this fixture.
Todd Kane could replace Fankaty Dabo at right wing-back, while Martyn Waghorn may be considered as a replacement for Kasey Palmer, whom Robins acknowledged had been short of regular game in quick succession like he has already taken on over the Christmas period.
Nahki Wells is in contention to return to the Bristol City side, taking the place of either Antoine Semenyo or Tommy Conway.
Jay Dasilva, Andy King and Joe Williams are all alternatives if Pearson wishes to freshen up his side at wing-back or in central midfield.
Coventry City possible starting lineup:
Wilson; Rose, Doyle, Panzo; Kane, Hamer, Sheaf, Bidwell; Allen; Waghorn, Gyokeres
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
O'Leary; Vyner, Atkinson, Naismith; Tanner, Weimann, James, Scott, Pring; Semenyo, Wells
We say: Coventry City 2-1 Bristol City
Given Coventry's recent inconsistency, they are no longer near certainties to emerge victorious on familiar territory. However, we feel that Robins's side should have too much for the Robins, who could find themselves sitting just above the drop zone by the end of the day.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
