Coventry aim to make it six successive wins at home to Preston | OneFootball

Coventry’s promotion charge shows no sign of slowing down, having come away from Ashton Gate as 2-0 victors over Bristol City on Saturday, despite Joel Latibeaudiere seeing red for pulling down Robins forward Emil Riis as he was through on goal. Frank Lampard’s side sit five points clear of second placed Middlesbrough and nine points ahead of third placed Millwall, having won five Championship matches in a row.

Preston’s recent form is of stark contrast to their hosts, having failed to win in their previous five outings. The side that have had their eyes on the playoff places for the majority of the season now sit eight points adrift of sixth placed Wrexham, having produced a limp display at home to relegation threatened Oxford, losing 3-1 on Friday night.

There are reasons to be hopeful for Lilywhite’s boss, Paul Heckingbottom, however, as the Sky Blues have managed just one win in this fixture in the last 24 times of asking. That win came in February of last year, however Coventry have only tasted home defeat in the Championship on two occasions since then.

Should the current table toppers want to maintain their grip on top spot, they are going to have to do so without the aforementioned Latibeaudiere, who will serve a one match ban as a result of his straight red card. The Jamaica international’s inclusion into the starting XI back in February has coincided with the Sky Blues’ upturn in form, starting in one draw and five wins until his 43rd minute dismissal at Ashton Gate.

Frank Lampard’s side will also continue to be without influential midfielder Jack Rudoni and centre back Bobby Thomas, who are both sidelined with calf issues, with the pair hoped to be back before the international break at the end of this month. This means it is expected that the Midlands outfit will be forced into fielding a new centre back partnership of Liam Kitching and Luke Woolfenden, both of whom have struggled for minutes of late.

North End are awaiting news on record signing Callum Lang’s fitness, who was substituted in the 49th minute against Oxford appearing to have sustained a foot injury. The jury also remains out on shot-stopper Daniel Iverson, who has been ruled out with a groin problem since mid January. Preston’s number one has been back in training but was not included in the squad last time out against Oxford.

Coventry City vs Preston North End kicks off at 8pm (UK time), on Wednesday 11th March, with the match available to watch via Sky Sports.