Over the weekend of the 5th and 6th September the Championship took a break due to the international fixtures and came into their encounter with Bristol City last Saturday having not played a professional game for some ten days.
They recorded a 1-1 draw with Bristol City last Saturday, although the home side will best feel that they should have come away with all three points. Coventry had taken the lead through Leon Best (18 minutes) and shortly afterwards Clinton Morrison saw his timely effort ruled out for offside when looked marginal. Just after the break Nicky Maynard's (48) stunning strike was enough to seal a point for the visitors.
The Sky Blues should see the return of duo Keiren Westwood and Leon Best, both of whom featured for the Republic of Ireland last week in their 1-0 international friendly win over South Africa. Sammy Clingan (Northern Ireland) and Aron Gunnarsson (Iceland) also return from international duty.
Blues boss Chris Coleman will be without left full-back Patrick van Aanholt (knee) who is expected to be out three to four weeks injured. Veteran Marcus Hall is likely to take his place.
Possible Sky Blues Line-Up: Keiren Westwood, Stephen Wright, Martin Cranie, Ben Turner, Marcus Hall, Jack Cork, Aron Gunnarsson, Sammy Clingan, Michael McIndoe, Leon Best, Clinton Morrison.
Sheffield United also returned to Championship action after ten days without a fixture; they travelled to Pride Park last Saturday to face Derby County.
The Rams had won there opening three games of the season at home with the Blades having yet to record a loss so far in the Championship; and United looked to have extended that run when Darius Henderson found the yet early on. Jamie Ward's shot was parried away by Stephen Bywater to the feet of Henderson who in amidst his celebration was thwarted by an offside flag.
In the second half Gary Teale came close for County when he cross evaded the stretching arms of Mark Bunn only to see his effort crash off the crossbar. But with ten minutes remaining there was no mistaking when Keith Treacy's free-kick was met by the head of defender Matthew Kilgallon which beat everyone to hand the visitors a 1-0 win.
The Blades will most certainly be travelling to Ricoh Arena without keeper Paddy Kenny who was handed a nine month ban last week and is expected to return in April 2010; on loan shot stopper Mark Bunn (Blackburn Rovers) is expected to take his place.
United, however will also be without midfielder Lee Williamson (back) who looks to require sugary after a pre-season out injured; they will also be without Gary Speed (back) Gary Naysmith (knee).
On 19 October 2008 the Blades lost on the road in a 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday; since then the S2 side have lost just once away from Bramall Lane in the Championship - that came last April when a Martin Paterson header was enough to secure a 1-0 win for Burnley.
Possible Blades Line-Up: Mark Bunn, Kyle Walker, Chris Morgan, Matthew Kilgallon, Andy Taylor, Jamie Ward, Nick Montgomery, James Harper, Keith Treacy, Ched Evans, Darius Henderson.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Coventry City 1-2 Sheffield United
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:: Match Officials ::
Referee: A. Taylor
Assistants: M. McLaughlin & G. Young
Fourth Official: D. Gratton