COVENTRY City are aiming to remain in the play-off places when they make the long trip to Bournemouth ahead of tomorrow’s clash at the Vitality Stadium.
A pair of goalless draws with Sheffield United and Birmingham City has dented the Sky Blues momentum despite being the better side in both matches.
City are now fifth in the Sky Bet Championship table – two points clear of the teams outside of the play-off places.
Their opponents Bournemouth have made a blistering start to the season and find themselves second in the table – eight points ahead of West Bromwich Albion in third.
The Cherries have the best defensive record of any side in the Championship this season having conceded 14 goals in 19 matches.
FORM
Coventry were left frustrated in their last outing against Birmingham – failing to score for the first time this season in a game at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Despite Ryan Woods’ second-half dismissal – Mark Robins side were unable to find a winner as they spurned numerous chances to take all three points in midweek.
Bournemouth have struggled for form of late winning just one of their last four matches which includes defeats to both Preston North End and Derby County.
The Cherries were held to a 1-1 draw away at Millwall in midweek in which Dominic Solanke netted his 15th league goal of the season.
TEAM NEWS
Coventry pair Jake Clarke-Salter (heel) and Martyn Waghorn (shoulder) look set to miss out through injury once again.
Midfield technician Gus Hamer is also a doubt after he was forced off in the second-half against Birmingham.
Bournemouth are set to be without Gary Cahill (rib), Jordan Zemura (ankle), Lloyd Kelly (muscle), Adam Smith (knee) and Junior Stanislas (hamstring).
Both Ben Pearson and Robbie Brady (both knocks) are also doubtful for Saturday’s clash.
KEY PLAYERS
Coventry – Kyle McFadzean – Veteran centre-back McFadzean will need to use his vast experience to keep Bournemouth’s lively forward line at bay – having impressed in the draw at Sheffield United last weekend.
McFadzean has helped City record seven clean sheets in the league this season whilst also popping up with two goals making him a threat at set-pieces should the opportunity arise.
Bournemouth – Dominic Solanke – Bournemouth have plenty of talent throughout their side but striker Solanke poses the biggest threat to Coventry having already bagged 15 goals this season.
Solanke has scored eight goals in his last seven Championship appearances and has been in prolific form since Scott Parker took charge of the club in the Summer.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two teams last met in April this year when City were hammered 4-1 at the Vitality Stadium as former Cherries star Arnaut Danjuma netted a brace in a comfortable win for the home side.
Coventry’s last away win against the Cherries came in February 2013 when Leon Clarke and Carl Baker secured a 2-0 win in a League One fixture.
The Sky Blues have a better head-to-head record having won 23 times against the Cherries with 10 draws and 18 defeats.
PREDICTION
Bournemouth 3-0 Sky Blues – City conceded seven goals across the two fixtures last season and could be in for another tough afternoon on the South Coast this weekend.
Coventry’s match against Bournemouth takes place on Saturday, November 27 with kick-off at 3pm at the Vitality Stadium.
