Coventry v Walsall preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's League One clash between Coventry and Walsall at the Ricoh Arena.

Last Updated: 07/12/12 at 14:26   

Murphy: Set to continue in goal

Murphy: Set to continue in goal

Coventry are not expected to have any new injury or suspension problems.

Manager Mark Robins welcomed back goalkeeper Joe Murphy from a shoulder problem for Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory over Sheffield United as the Sky Blues made the northern section semi-finals.

Striker David McGoldrick and midfielder James Bailey also returned having been ineligible for FA Cup duty last weekend, and all three are again expected to start against the Saddlers.

Robins could well opt to name the starting XI from that which drew 1-1 with the Blades in midweek before triumphing 4-1 on penalties.

"We did well on Tuesday night even though I thought we were lacking slightly in the final third. I still think we need to do better, and we can do better," Robins told the club's official website.

"I don't think we gave them enough problems really and when a team comes here and sets up to defend, we have to do more to break them down and that is what we have to do on Saturday."

Walsall continue to be without the services of Florent Cuvelier.

The on-loan midfielder has missed the last seven matches with a troublesome hamstring injury and is receiving treatment at parent club Stoke.

It is hoped, however, that Cuvelier could be fit to face Yeovil next weekend.

Defender Ben Purkiss is set to come back into contention having been ruled out of late with a hamstring problem.

Manager Dean Smith has options at his disposal as the Saddlers strive to end their 14-match winless run stretching back to late September.

Striker Craig Westcarr started on the bench in the 1-1 draw against Hartlepool last time out and could start, while the likes of George Bowerman, Adam Chambers and James Baxendale are also pushing for inclusion.

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npower League 1

Position Team P GD PTS
1 Doncaster 46 18 84
2 Bournemth 46 23 83
3 Brentford 46 15 79
4 Yeovil 46 15 77
5 Sheff Utd 46 14 75
6 Swindon 46 33 74
7 Leyton Or 46 7 71
8 MK Dons 46 17 70
9 Walsall 46 7 68
10 Crawley 46 1 68
11 Tranmere 46 10 67
12 Notts Co 46 12 65
13 Crewe 46 -8 64
14 Preston 46 5 59
15 Coventry 46 7 55
16 Shrewsbury 46 -6 55
17 Carlisle 46 -21 55
18 Stevenage 46 -17 54
19 Oldham 46 -13 51
20 Colchester 46 -21 51
21 Scunthorpe 46 -24 48
22 Bury 46 -28 41
23 Hartlepool 46 -28 41
24 Portsmouth 46 -18 32

Updated Sat, 27 Apr 2013

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