Mark Robins' Coventry City will play host to Rotherham United at the Coventry Building Society Arena this Sunday. Robins managed Rotherham from 2007-2009 and will be looking to clinch his sides first win of the campaign against the Millers.
Team news
Coventry
An unfortunate blow for the Sky Blues is regarding the fitness of Calum O'Hare, who missed last weeks draw at Sunderland due to a hamstring problem picked up in pre season. Manager Robins has confirmed he still isn't ready and will likely miss Sunday's clash. When quizzed by journalists regarding his injury, he said the following:
“Nothing to add on that at the moment. He’s still not ready. Things have settled down for him, he’s not in any pain so we’ll probably give it another week or 10 days before he gets rescanned."
Martyn Waghorn will likely be in contention to play, after recovering from a calf injury. Fankaty Dabo and Kasey Palmer also picked up injuries in pre season, but came off the bench last weekend. They are likely to at least play some part in the game once again.
Rotherham
Manager Paul Warne confirmed that the club are still in the market for another forward before the window closes. He saw the departures of Freddie Ladapo and Michael Smith over the summer, with no ready made replacements for them as yet. Chiedozie Ogbene played in a centre forward role, impressed and even scored during their 1-1 opening day draw against Swansea City. Warne told the clubs iFollow channel:
“At this moment in time, we’ve got Conor, Chieo and Georgie fit, with Tom Eaves and JJ coming back.
“We could still do with another one and we are trying to do that. But they need to tick all the boxes for us, there’s no point signing someone who isn’t better than what we already have."
Warne went on to explain that Georgie Kelly should play some part in the game again after coming on last weekend. The game comes too soon for Tom Eaves, who is still missing and is likely to be for another 10 days. Other than that, he admitted the rest of the team look in good shape heading into Sunday's game.
Likely lineups
Coventry (3-5-2)
Moore; Hyam, McFadzean, Panzo; Dabo, Sheaf, Hamer, Allen, Bidwell; Godden, Gyokeres.
Rotherham (3-5-2)
Johansson; Harding, Wood, Humphreys-Grant; Kioso, Barlaser, Lindsay, Wiles, Ferguson; Ogbene, Washington.
Key players
Viktor Gyokeres
There is no doubt that Gyokeres is vital if the Sky Blues are going to have a successful season, after bagging 17 league goals last campaign. The Swede appears to be everything a Championship club would want in a centre forward. His 6'2 frame is a nuisance for defenders, he can bully them off the ball and even carries a burst of pace, which when played through, there always appears to only be one outcome.
Chiedozie Ogbene
The Republic of Ireland international could be in for an important season. His versatility will be vital for Paul Warne's men due to the sales of Ladapo and Smith, with Conor Washington never really being prolific at Championship level and Tom Eaves only scoring an average of five goals in the last three seasons at Hull City. Ogbene's ability on the wing and in front of goal could be vital if The Millers are going to avoid dropping back into League One.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
The game is being played at the Coventry Building Society Arena, home to Coventry City Football Club and Wasps Rugby Football Club. John Busby will be the match referee.
What time is kick off?
The game will kick off at 15:00 (BST) on Sunday August 7. A pitch inspection is due at Saturday at 18:00 (BST) over concerns over the state of the pitch.
How can I watch?
The game is unavailable to watch live in the UK and Ireland, but coverage is available via the club's iFollow channel and highlights will be available shortly after the match.