Preview: Coventry City vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups

For the first time since April 1968, Coventry City and Fulham will meet in a league game when they do battle in the Championship at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday lunchtime.

The Sky Blues, who conceded five goals in midweek against Luton Town, currently sit one place and one point behind the Cottagers in third, who returned to winning ways against Swansea City last time out.

Match preview

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Coventry's bright start to the new campaign was dealt a major blow when they were thrashed 5-0 away against Luton Town on Wednesday night, their heaviest defeat under manager Mark Robins.

Two goals each from Elijah Adebayo and Harry Cornick as well as a strike from Luke Berry condemned the Sky Blues to their third league defeat this season. All three losses have been away from home, so Robins and co will be pleased that this weekend's clash with Fulham is back on home soil.

Coventry have enjoyed a perfect start at the Ricoh Arena so far this campaign, claiming a maximum 15 points from their five league matches, more than any other Championship side.

The Sky Blues, who currently sit in fourth place, have accumulated eight more points than at this stage last season and are crucially the same number of points clear of the relegation zone.

Bouncing back with a victory on Saturday against one of this year's promotion favourites Fulham may be a tall order for Coventry, but should certainly not be ruled out, especially as the Cottagers have failed to win two of their last three games away from home.

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After a minor blip in form – winning only one of their last five games across all competitions in September – Fulham finished the month with a comfortable 3-1 victory at home against Swansea City on Wednesday night.

Marco Silva's side had to rely on the brilliance of Aleksandar Mitrovic once again as his first-half hat-trick helped fire the Cottagers to all three points, moving them back into the top three and just two points behind West Bromwich Albion at the summit.

Nearly 50% of Fulham's goals this campaign have been scored by Mitrovic, who is currently the Championship's top goalscorer with 10 strikes, averaging a goal every 88 minutes which is the best of any marksman in England's top four divisions.

At the other end, the Whites have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last five league games, which will be a slight concern for Silva heading into Saturday's fixture with Coventry, who have scored nine of their 12 goals this season at home.

Nevertheless, Fulham will be the favourites to come out on top this weekend as they seek to become the first team to take points away from the Ricoh Arena this campaign.

Team News

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Coventry wing-back Fankaty Dabo, who was sent off against Cardiff City two weeks ago, has served his three-match suspension and is set to replace Todd Kane in the starting lineup.

Robins has no injury concerns at present, but after their heavy defeat in midweek he may consider making a few changes to his first XI.

Top goalscorer Viktor Gyokeres, who has scored seven times this season, is expected to keep his place up front and he could be joined in attack by Tyler Walker which would see Martin Waghorn drop to the bench.

As for Fulham, Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo – who have yet to play this campaign – remain out injured, while Kenny Tete (hamstring), Antonee Robinson (knee) and Fabio Carvalho (toe) are also on the sidelines.

Central midfielder Harrison Reed returned to the first XI in midweek and he is set to keep his place in a deep-lying role alongside Jean Michael Seri.

Bobby Decordova-Reid, who has scored just one goal in nine league appearances so far this season, could keep his place in the number 10 role behind Mitrovic, though the likes of Josh Onomah and Ivan Cavaleiro will feel they deserve a chance in the starting lineup.

Coventry City possible starting lineup:
Moore; Hyam, McFadzean, Clarke-Salter; Dabo, Hamer, Allen, Maatsen; O'Hare; Walker, Gyokeres

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Gazzaniga; Odoi, Ream, Adarabioyo, Bryan; Reed, Seri; Wilson, Decordova-Reid, Kebano; Mitrovic

We say: Coventry City 1-2 Fulham

Robins will want an immediate response from his players following their heavy defeat in midweek, however Saturday's game against Fulham will arguably be their toughest encounter yet this season.

We feel that the visitors could secure a narrow victory to end Coventry's perfect start at the Ricoh Arena.