Match Pack: Coventry City vs Saints
Saints are back on their travels on Wednesday night, visiting Coventry City as they look to extend their unbeaten run. Get set for the away day with our Match Pack…
THE MATCH
Coventry City vs Saints
Sky Bet Championship
The Coventry Building Society Arena
Wednesday 13th December, 7.45pm GMT
THE OFFICIALS
Referee: Ben Toner
Assistants: George Byrne and Sam Lewis
Fourth official: Josh Smith
WHAT KIT WILL SAINTS BE WEARING?
Saints are in the black and yellow third kit for the trip to the Midlands, with grey shorts and black socks.
HOW TO WATCH?
Fans who are unable to make the trip can watch the game on Saints Play, whether you’re in the UK, Ireland or abroad. The cost for a Video Pass is £10.
Audio passes are also available for the game, priced at £4.49 for a montly pass and £45 for an annual subscription.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Despite the late Watford leveller, Saints continue to boast the longest unbeaten run in the top four divisions as they extended that feat to 12.
But just the one point instead of three on Saturday means the gap between Russell Martin’s side and the top two grew even more, something a bounce-back win would be the perfect medicine for on Wednesday night.
Coventry come into the game boasting an impressive recent home record, losing just once at The Coventry Building Society Arena all season so far.
With their one defeat in their last five coming at second place Ipswich Town, Martin’s side will be up for a stern test under the lights.
TEAM NEWS
Martin said he's hopeful of a return for Flynn Downes ahead of the trip to Coventry City, stating: "He trained today, felt good, felt relaxed, fingers crossed that’s the case for tomorrow."
Elsewhere Ross Stewart, Juan Larios and Kamaldeen Sulemana remain out with long-term injuries.
THE MANAGERS
Mark Robins: To follow.
Russell Martin: "Every game is a different challenge this week. Coventry will be another challenge, it keeps you on your toes and I’m really looking forward to it."
TOP SCORERS
Coventry City
Goals:
Matt Godden 7
Haji Wright 5
O’Hare and Simms 2
Assists:
Wright, van Ewijk, Eccles 2
Seven players 1
Southampton
Goals:
Adam Armstrong 12
Ché Adams 4
Will Smallbone 3
Assists:
Adam Armstrong 5
Kamaldeen Sulemana 3
Adams, Walker-Peters, Manning 2
ONES TO WATCH
Ben Sheaf: A key reason behind Coventry's consistent start to the season, and their strong home form, has been the reliability of defensive midfielder Ben Sheaf.
Captaining the side the last two games, the 25-year-old boasts an average WhoScored rating of 7.16.
Joe Aribo: The Nigerian has taken his chance in midfield in recent games, adding a different element to the Saints side with his mixture of strength and close control.
With an average pass success of 85.5%, Aribo is fast becoming a reliable part of Russell Martin's build-up style of play.
HEAD TO HEAD
Played: 142
Coventry: 49
Draws: 45
Saints: 48
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
February 2022: Saints 2-1 Coventry City (S Armstrong, Walker-Peters) FA Cup
April 2012: Saints 4-0 Coventry City (Sharp, Fonte, Hooiveld, Lallana)
January 2012: Coventry City 1-2 Saints (Ward-Prowse, Martin) FA Cup
November 2011: Coventry City 2-4 Saints (Chaplow, Lallana, Do Prado, De Ridder)
October 2008: Saints 1-1 Coventry (McGoldrick)
DID YOU KNOW?
Saints are on their longest unbeaten run since March 2013 - another run of 12 games in the Championship
Saints boss Russell Martin has never lost a league meeting as manager against Coventry in five meetings (two wins, three draws)
Coventry have won three of their last four Championship matches, as many as they managed in their previous 17 league matches
KEEP UP TO DATE
Can’t make the trip up to the Midlands? We’ve got you covered! We’ll bring you all the behind-the-scenes content alongside the in-game action as Saint visit Coventry City.
Check out our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com, with live streaming of the game, key updates and audio commentary of the match, and be sure to download the official Saints app and follow us on social media for further updates and exclusive content:
