They will be coming at us from the off, full of confidence, playing like we did 3 yrs ago. This might give us a chance, unlikely as it seems on our performances to date. If we do snatch a 1st goal, then we could see an energised, vibrant more cohesive Ipswich. Matisuwa looks knackered and needs a rest. So my team is Johnson O'Shea Greaves Davis Nunez Taylor Cajuste Jaden Walle Egeli Hirst Absurdly optimistic gaffer says 2-1 Suffolk goes wild.
Coventry are a juggernaut and have only dropped 11 points all season, with one defeat. They’ve maximised their opportunities in what has been an unpredictable Championship season. Only ten points separates Middlesbrough in second to Charlton in 17th (coincidentally two of the four teams to have beaten us so far this season). Despite the relative parity of points below Coventry, we are the only club with parachute payments in the top half. It’s been a frustrating week for us. Defeat to Oxford and a scrappy point at Blackburn - courtesy of a last minute equaliser - was aligned with underwhelming, poor performances. It’s December and there can be no excuses for this team not to have gelled. McKenna’s constant rotation of the starting eleven and his rigid tactical set up has not helped us achieve any type of fluency so far. Hopefully it has kept players fresh and fit for the demanding festive fixture schedule. I think this type of opponent probably suits us best. Coventry are unlikely to sit back and there will be space and gaps for us to exploit. The question is whether our players - generally talented and technically proficient - have the pace, composure, and commitment to take our chances. I think it’ll be an entertaining match, unlike the last few, but I can’t see us coming out on top. Coventry 3-2 win.
