Following the midweek home defeat by Wigan Athletic, the need for a Sky Blue victory has increased as Stoke City come to Highfield Road for the last time.
The defence is a major worry for Micky Adams with Marcus Hall unavailable to play against his former club thanks to a gentleman’s agreement and injuries to Richard Shaw (knee) and Stuart Giddings (torn hamstring), whilst Robert Page is out for a couple more weeks also with a knee injury. Steve Staunton may have to play at centre half along side Adie Williams.
Injury worries also apply to Gary McSheffrey (calf) and Trevor Benjamin (hamstring), but both should be fit to play.
With Luke Steele at Manchester United receiving treatment, Jonny Tuffey who is back from international duty with Northern Ireland U19’s may get a place on the bench if Adams decides to use a substitute goalkeeper.
Andy Morrell could make a return after an ankle injury sustained in the FA Cup defeat at Newcastle United.
Stoke boss Tony Pullis has been busy wheeler-dealing players this week. Having allowed Marcus Hall to return to Highfield Road, Pullis sold Adi Akinbiyi to Burnley for £600,000 yesterday.
The former Bournemouth boss will be without former Sky Blue John Eustace as well as defenders Wayne Thomas, John Halls and Andy Wilkinson who suffered a head injury.
Clive Clarke is free to return after a two game suspension.
Don't expect a goal feast, as Stoke have either won or lost ten out of their last fifteen games by a single goal.
ickets are available for the game which kicks off at 3pm. The weather forecast does not look too bad and although there have been snow flurries, these have not settled and the game is not in doubt.
Neither City U18’s or Coventry City Ladies have a game this weekend. City Ladies were due to play Stockport but this has been postponed due to the Cheshire side’s involvement in a County Cup tie, postponed from last Sunday. Ladies boss Mark Phillips has organised a training game for his players who travel to Aston Villa next Sunday.