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

Coventry City welcome Wycombe Wanderers to St Andrew's on Saturday afternoon sitting just six points above the Championship relegation zone.

The visitors are now 12 points adrift of safety with nine matches remaining, leaving Gareth Ainsworth's side to push for a maximum return in the West Midlands.

Match preview

© Reuters

On the back of defeating Preston North End on Saturday, Ainsworth would have been quietly optimistic that his Wycombe side could earn something against in-form Barnsley.

However, conceding either side of half time effectively ended the game as a contest, putting the Chairboys in a position where only wins will do in their upcoming matches.

A meeting with Coventry has arguably come at the right time with Ainsworth's side able to perform with less pressure than their hosts, who remain in close proximity to the bottom three.

Nevertheless, a sixth defeat in seven outings ahead of the international break would leave Ainsworth to accept the club's fate of an immediate return to League One.

© Reuters

Coventry are also looking to ensure that their return to the second tier is not a brief one having spent much of the campaign outside of the relegation zone.

Despite sitting clear of Rotherham United, the Millers will remain a threat to the teams around them while they possess a number of matches in hand.

Mark Robins's side were well beaten at Luton Town in midweek, a performance which was not helped by the first-half dismissal of Kyle McFadzean.

On a positive note, Coventry possess one of the best home records in the bottom half of the table, losing just five of their 18 fixtures at St Andrew's.

Goals remain an issue, however, with just six strikes coming in nine outings since February 6.

Team News

© Reuters

McFadzean's suspension may lead to Robins taking a chance on a back four, a move which could lead to a recall for Tyler Walker.

Ben Sheaf may also be brought back into the starting lineup as a replacement for Liam Kelly or Matty James.

On the back of their defeat on Wednesday, Ainsworth will freshen up his Wycombe side.

Scott Kashket should come into the team in place of Anis Mehmeti, while Fred Onyedinma and Admiral Muskwe may get opportunities after remaining as unused substitutes against the Tykes.

Coventry City possible starting lineup:
Wilson; Dabo, Ostigard, Hyam, McCallum; Hamer, Kelly, James; Walker, O'Hare; Biamou

Wycombe Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Stockdale; McCarthy, Knight, Tafazolli, Jacobson; Gape, Thompson; Onyedinma, Kashket, Horgan; Ikpeazu

We say: Coventry City 2-1 Wycombe Wanderers

With Wycombe having to go on the offensive, they will be expected to breach this Coventry backline over the course of the 90 minutes. Nevertheless, we are backing the Sky Blues to edge out the visitors, boosting their chances of remaining in the second tier.