Coventry City play host to Blackpool on Saturday afternoon with the opportunity to move ahead of their 18th-placed opponents in the Championship standings.
While the Sky Blues are currently on a four-game unbeaten streak, the visitors prevailed in their last game to ensure that they remained out of the relegation zone.
Match preview
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Although it has taken time through matters out of their control, Coventry have now emerged as one of the form teams in the division, regardless of their current league position.
Despite beginning the weekend in 22nd spot, the Sky Blues have lost just once in nine matches and collected 10 points from their most recent four fixtures.
Disappointment accompanied their game with Rotherham United in midweek, the pre-match favourites twice having to come from behind to earn a share of the spoils as their three-match winning streak came to an end.
Nevertheless, it was another step in the right direction, and victory on Saturday would catapult Mark Robins's side up towards the mid-table places while still possessing at least two matches in hand on the teams around them.
Coventry have also played four more away encounters than they have at home, something which should not be forgotten as they still look to put together a promotion bid.
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Aside from suffering four defeats in five matches between the end of August and start of October, Blackpool can claim to have impressed either side of that streak.
That said, despite losing just one of their most recent five outings, Michael Appleton's team still find themselves just two points above the relegation zone.
Fortunately for the Seasiders, they produced one of their best performances of the campaign last time out, scoring three times in the final 22 minutes to record a 4-2 triumph over North West rivals Preston North End.
Blackpool now have the third worst defensive record in the division having shipped 25 strikes in 16 outings, but they have now scored at least three goals in three of their last four contests in the second tier.
Team News
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Martyn Waghorn will miss out for Coventry after sustaining a hamstring injury during the early stages of Tuesday's fixture with Rotherham.
With Fabio Tavares not in contention to start, Kasey Palmer or Callum O'Hare will be chosen to provide support for Viktor Gyokeres.
Jonathan Panzo is in line to return to the back three, likely taking the place of Callum Doyle or Michael Rose.
Although Jordan Thorniley and Liam Bridcutt only suffered minor injuries against Preston, the defender and midfielder may not be risked at the weekend.
Rhys Williams and Sonny Carey appear likely to be recalled in their places, but forward Shayne Lavery remains absent through suspension.
Coventry City possible starting lineup:
Wilson; Doyle, McFadzean, Panzo; Dabo, Hamer, Sheaf, Bidwell; Allen, Palmer; Gyokeres
Blackpool possible starting lineup:
Maxwell; Connolly, Ekpiteta, Williams, Husband; Carey, Patino, Dougall; Yates, Madine, Hamilton
We say: Coventry City 2-1 Blackpool
All things considered, this should prove to be an entertaining game with Blackpool willing to push for all three points on the travels this season. Nevertheless, we feel that Coventry will be too strong on this occasion, potentially building an early lead which the Seaisders cannot claw back.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
