Both sides in need of a bounce back as Coventry host Derby

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There is a relegation six-pointer set to take place on Saturday as 20th-placed Coventry City face 18th-placed Derby County with both sides looking to recuperate some form.

Mark Robins has done an excellent job of keeping his Coventry outfit competitive this season considering that they were clear early favourites for the drop.

One win in their last nine games is a stat that is far from pretty for the Sky Blues, however, the fact their victory came over a promotion-chasing Brentford side highlights the undeniable ability that Robins’ squad actually possess, making their position in the league table understandably frustrating.

Coventry’s last three games have been equally as frustrating as their league position – a draw against Blackburn away from home, sandwiched between two narrow losses against top six hopefuls Middlesbrough and Swansea. The recent results are bound to have left a sour taste in the mouths of those at the club, so facing an out-of-form Derby side may provide them with the perfect opportunity to get back on track.

Similarly to their opponents, the Rams are not enduring the best run of form either having won just one of their last four. Confidence may have taken a knock in their last encounter, losing 4-0 Cardiff City, their biggest defeat since Wayne Rooney took charge.

Albeit a rotated squad that took the battering, the loss could easily play on the minds of those who start at St. Andrews as another defeat could draw Derby right back into the relegation mix, a scenario they would like to avoid at all costs.

Should either side win this encounter, they are sure to gain not only three points, but also a huge mental boost in terms of believing they have what it takes to avoid the drop.

Team News

The Sky Blues will continue to assess the fitness of striker Matty Godden as the 29-year-old nears a return to the squad.

Julien Dacosta, Josh Reid, Jodi Jones and Jordan Thompson are all out of action through injury for the hosts. Brighton loanee Leo Østigård is also unavailable through suspension.

For the Rams, there are no fresh injury concerns.

David Marshall remains a doubt. Krystian Bielik and Curtis Davies will remain on the sidelines for some time, however, Tom Lawrence is getting ever closer to a first team return.

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