With the exception of Rushworth, their starting XI will be similar to the one that played against Sunderland in the play-offs last season. Even if they sell van Ewijk next week and Kesler-Hayden is injured, they still have Latibeaudiere who can cover at right-back. Da Silva is a threat going forward too. Their major weakness is that their main centre-halves, Thomas and Kitching, are slow as ****. If we had a striker like Frigan already here, I’d fancy our chances more. Joseph has done alright in pre-season, especially holding the ball up and linking up with others, but running in behind isn’t something he’s noted for. It isn’t something McBurnie is noted for either, if we sign him. Thomas and Kitching will win most things in the air. It will be a tough game. We’ve looked good in pre-season but a loss against Coventry wouldn’t be the end of the world. Of course, Jakirović and the players will want to win but supporters should be realistic about next Saturday. I think Coventry are contenders for top two.
Haji Wright not being fit to start will be handy. Their midfield is a joke though. Sheaf Eccles and Rudoni… Mason Clark will need eyes on too
Drameh is a very good 1v1 defender and has good recovery pace. There will be interesting battles all over the pitch. Ndala vs whoever they play at right-back, Kamara vs Da Silva, Drameh vs Mason-Clark etc. The big concern is the midfield battle. Coventry’s midfield blows ours out of the water in terms of quality and athleticism. I think we will play most of the game without the ball. Grimes likes to dictate play from deep, Sheaf is tidy on the ball and physical, Torp is a powerful midfielder and Rudoni is one of the best midfielders in the league. I think Slater starting is necessary. I remember a game against Leicester in the 23/24 season when Rosenior told Slater his main job was to man-mark Dewsbury-Hall. I think Jakirović needs to do something similar against Rudoni.
Yeah has to be Slater & Lundstram with Crooks further forward, Palmer off the bench. Can’t not play Crooks I feel, too much of a threat in the box and we haven’t really got anyone else like that.
They are slating Simms as a centre forward. He impressed me when he played at our place last season. He was a handful. Shame he wasn’t available on a free.
He’s a good player, he’s not had a proper run in their side really since the big fee It’s easy to crumble under the pressure of a big fee as we unfortunately see too much here under Acun
Pretty smart from Cov to get Kesler Hayden early in the window as they can sell van Ewijk on DD and it won't impact their season. They're just a proper run club and it's going to be a real tough opening day fixture.
I was actually shocked seeing Simms first hand. Immensely strong and quick, looked an absolute nightmare to defend against.
The first game of the season is always a bit of a lottery when it comes the result. Fancy we might come away with a draw, which would be a solid start..
