Mark Robins has implemented four alterations to his Coventry City lineup ahead of their encounter with the in-form Stoke team. The significant development is the decision to bench primary goalkeeper Ben Wilson, replacing him with the backup, Brad Collins. This move marks Collins’ debut in the Championship for the Sky Blues, as he had previously participated in only one competitive match earlier in the season against AFC Wimbledon in the league cup. Wilson’s exclusion brings an end to his impressive streak of 61 consecutive games.
In addition, Kyle McFadzean is understandably absent from the squad due to the recent loss of his mother. This has prompted a change in formation to 4-3-3, with Joel Latibeaudiere taking up the right-back position and Jake Bidwell stepping in for Jay Dasilva at left-back. The central defensive partnership of Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching is maintained from the second half of last week’s defeat at Preston.
The midfield trio features the return of Josh Eccles to the starting lineup, joining Ben Sheaf and Jamie Allen. The forward line comprises Haji Wright and Ellis Simms flanking Matty Godden, forming an attacking system that includes all three available strikers.
The confirmed lineup for Coventry City is as follows: Brad Collins; Joel Latibeaudiere, Bobby Thomas, Liam Kitching, Jake Bidwell; Josh Eccles, Ben Sheaf, Jamie Allen; Ellis Simms, Matty Godden, Haji Wright.
On the bench are: Ben Wilson (GK), Luis Binks, Jay Dasilva, Callum O’Hare, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Liam Kelly, Yasin Ayari, Milan van Ewijk.
