Coventry City are gearing up for a crucial Championship clash against Norwich City this weekend, with manager Frank Lampard facing a significant selection dilemma. The Sky Blues aim to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, and a key question surrounding the fixture is whether Lampard will hand Luke Woolfenden his debut following the defender's recent transfer from Ipswich Town. Read more about Dasilva Faces Race Against Time for Norwich Clash.
Woolfenden, standing at an impressive 6ft 4ins, joins Coventry at a time when the team has struggled defensively, having conceded all their goals so far from set-pieces. If he features against Norwich, a club with historical rivalries with Ipswich, it could add an intriguing narrative to the match, especially with the prospect of some light-hearted banter from the visiting supporters. Read more about Norwich Reject Burnley’s £10m Bid for Sargent.
Lampard will need to carefully assess Woolfenden's readiness for a competitive debut. Although he enjoyed a full pre-season at Portman Road, he has only played 90 minutes in the League Cup this term. This limited playing time may suggest a more gradual introduction rather than an immediate start in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Regular centre-backs Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching have begun the season strongly, presenting a dilemma for Lampard as he weighs their performances against the pressing need for fresh talent. Should Woolfenden be selected, it will be interesting to see whether he occupies a position on the right or left side of the central defence, as he is capable of playing on either flank despite being right-footed.
The back four is expected to feature Milan van Ewijk continuing at right-back after a summer filled with interest from other clubs. On the left side, Jake Bidwell and Miguel Brau are available, with Jay Dasilva recovering from an ankle injury that forced him to withdraw from international duty with Wales. However, Dasilva is anticipated to be fit for the weekend.
In midfield, Lampard is likely to stick with his preferred pairing of Matt Grimes and Victor Torp, while Jamie Allen and promising young talent Kai Andrews provide additional depth. Josh Eccles is also back in full training after a prolonged injury absence. Jack Rudoni is expected to occupy the number ten role, flanked by Ephron Mason-Clark on the left and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto on the right. The Japanese winger recently returned from a groin strain, and if he continues to improve in training, he is set to start ahead of Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Leading the attack will be Haji Wright, with Ellis Simms and Thomas-Asante ready to offer options from the bench.
Lampard's anticipated starting XI for the match against Norwich City includes: Carl Rushworth; Milan van Ewijk, Bobby Thomas, Liam Kitching, Jay Dasilva; Victor Torp, Matt Grimes; Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Jack Rudoni, Ephron Mason-Clark; Haji Wright.
As Coventry City prepares for this vital encounter, all eyes will be on Woolfenden, eager to see if he can make an immediate impact and help the Sky Blues build on their promising season thus far.