What Sheffield Wednesday can expect from tonight's opponents Coventry City

A Covid-19 outbreak at the club earlier this month forced the postponement of the Owls’ scheduled game against tonight’s opponents on January 16 and the fixture with Wycombe Wanderers four days later.

It means Wednesday’s inactivity in the Championship has left them six points from safety in 23rd place, albeit with two games in hand on fourth-from-bottom Derby – the team they last played in the league at Hillsborough on New Year’s Day.

However, Neil Thompson’s men travel to the West Midlands having won their last three league games and unbeaten in five – which includes a hard-fought victory over Coventry at S6 on December 19.

But what about the Sky Blues?

How are they faring in their first season back in the second tier after an eight-year absence?

We’ve spoken to Clive Eakin, who commentates on Mark Robins’ men for BBC Radio CWR, for the lowdown on Coventry.

What have you made of Coventry’s start to the season?

It’s been a pretty decent first half of the season on the whole. Given the club’s limited resources and bearing in mind how the promoted teams last season struggled, to be six points clear of relegation at this stage is something most fans would probably have settled for at the start of the season.

Who have been the stand-out performers for the Sky Blues?

Gustavo Hamer has brought some real class to the team in midfield. After struggling with injuries early season Fankaty Dabo has looked stronger with every game at right wing back. The three central defenders, Ostigard, McFadzean and Hyam have been a settled trio in the team for a while but McFadzean misses this one due to suspension.

What would be a 'successful' season for Coventry - where do you expect them to finish?

Staying up in their first season in the Championship for nine years has always been the aim. If they can finish above 17th it’ll be their highest EFL place for 15 years.

What style of football (or system) should Wednesday expect to come up against?

Mark Robins usually plays with wing-backs and one upfront with two attacking midfielders in support. He sometimes varies that and plays with two strikers but with two of his forwards currently injured I think that’s unlikely.

Who are the main threats?

Last season’s top scorer Matty Godden and high-profile summer signing Tyler Walker are both out through injury so it’ll be new loan signing Victor Gyokeres or Max Biamou upfront. Hamer is always a threat and Callum O’Hare is due a goal.

What will the score be?

I’m not sure I want to make a prediction!

Given, with all due respect, the 1-0 defeat at Hillsbrough was one of the more disappointing results in the first half of the season, the Sky Blues will be keen to reverse that.

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