Coventry City predicted line-up to face Stoke as Sky Blues reporter Andy Turner attempts to second guess Mark Robins’ team selection

Coventry City head to Stoke this weekend in what is a quick turnaround for both sides, who were both in action on Wednesday night. The Sky Blues, however, will be feeling a little more jaded than the Potters after their long midweek trip to Plymouth.

Steven Schumacher’s men, in contrast, enjoyed the benefit of a home game, with their narrow but much-needed 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers coming as the first Bet365 Stadium win since October.

City will be facing a couple of familiar faces if the Potters’ boss sticks with a winning side, with former Sky Blues Luke McNally and Michael Rose set to continue their central defensive partnership on a day when Callum O’Hare is fully expected to be thrown back into Coventry’s starting line-up after being rested against Plymouth.

Robins was criticised by some fans for making too many changes at Home Park but the manager clearly has to carefully manage his squad as they navigate a tough run of fixtures in quick succession.

One man who looked a little fatigued in the 2-2 draw in Devon was star right-back Milan van Ewijk, so whether he sits out this time around remains to be seen, albeit Robins not having any natural right-back cover or competition. Versatile centre-back Joel Latibeaudiere, who operated in midfield against Argyle, is an option, having played in the position before.

Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching, meanwhile, are likely to continue at the heart of the back four, and it continues to be a toss up between Jake Bidwell and Jay Dasilva at left-back, albeit the former has been the more consistent of the two in recent months when he’s been in possession of the shirt.

Josh Eccles could well be restored to midfield alongside Victor Torp after starting on the bench and going on for a late cameo against Argyle, meaning he should be relatively fresh, while O’Hare is likely to return in the number ten slot. That leaves Tatsuhiro Sakamoto on the right and either Haji Wright or Kasey Palmer on the left. But given that Wright only played the last 30-odd minutes on Wednesday night, he’ll be favourite to start if Robins continues to manage the energy levels in his squad.

That leaves either Ellis Simms or Matty Godden to lead the line, assuming Robins sticks with his 4-2-3-1 formation that has served him so well in recent months.

Predicted City team: Brad Collins; Milan van Ewijk, Bobby Thomas, Liam Kitching, Jake Bidwell; Josh Eccles, Victor Torp; Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Callum O’Hare, Haji Wright; Ellis Simms.