Coventry V Walsall at Ricoh Arena : Match Preview

07 December 2012 16:31
Coventry V Walsall - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Sky Blues ready for action

Coventry are not expected to have any new injury or suspension problems for their midlands derby at home to Walsall.

Manager Mark Robins welcomed back goalkeeper Joe Murphy from a shoulder problem for Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory over Sheffield United as the Sky Blues made the northern section semi-finals.

Striker David McGoldrick and midfielder James Bailey also returned having been ineligible for FA Cup duty last weekend, and all three are again expected to start against the Saddlers.

Robins could well opt to name the starting XI from that which drew 1-1 with the Blades in midweek before triumphing 4-1 on penalties.

"We did well on Tuesday night even though I thought we were lacking slightly in the final third. I still think we need to do better, and we can do better," Robins told the club's official website.

"I don't think we gave them enough problems really and when a team comes here and sets up to defend, we have to do more to break them down and that is what we have to do on Saturday."

Walsall continue to be without Florent Cuvelier.

The on-loan midfielder has missed the last seven matches with a troublesome hamstring injury and is receiving treatment at parent club Stoke.

It is hoped, however, that Cuvelier could be fit to face Yeovil next weekend.

Defender Ben Purkiss is set to come back into contention having been ruled out of late with a hamstring problem of his own.

Manager Dean Smith has options at his disposal as the Saddlers strive to end their 14-match winless run stretching back to late September.

Striker Craig Westcarr started on the bench in the 1-1 draw against Hartlepool last time out and could start, while the likes of George Bowerman, Adam Chambers and James Baxendale are also pushing for inclusion.

Source: PA