Match Preview | Coventry City vs. Cardiff City
City travel to the Coventry Building Society Arena for their final match of 2022, facing Coventry City on Thursday evening (29/12), 7.45pm KO.
Over 2,000 away tickets have been sold for this fixture Thank you, Bluebirds, for the fantastic support!
An additional allocation of away tickets will be available to purchase on matchday. Click here for more information.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Coventry City’s manager is Mark Robins, who was appointed in March 2017 for his second managerial spell at the club.
In his playing days, the former striker came through at Manchester United, where he made 48 league appearances, also playing for the likes of Norwich City, Leicester City and Rotherham United.
Robins became a manager in 2007 with Rotherham United, before also having spells at Barnsley, Huddersfield Town and Scunthorpe United.
His best times in management have come at Coventry City, winning the EFL Trophy in 2017, as well as the League Two play-offs the following year.
Robins led the Sky Blues to a second-tier return, as they were crowned League One champions in 2020.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
Undoubtedly Coventry City’s most dangerous player is striker Viktor Gyökeres, who signed for the club permanently in 2021, following a spell on loan.
Since then, the Swedish forward has netted 29 league goals in 68 appearances and currently level with Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom in the Championship golden boot race with 12 goals to his tally this season.
Gyökeres has also found the net at international level, with 11 caps accumulated for Sweden, including two goals.
CLUB CONNECTIONS | MOORE AND WILSON
Thursday evening’s fixture will see the Bluebirds face off against former City goalkeeper Ben Wilson.
The shot-stopper had a spell in the Welsh capital between 2014 and 2018, making three league appearances during his time in South Wales. Joining the Sky Blues in 2019, Wilson has amassed over 50 league appearances for the club.
He competes for a starting spot with fellow former Bluebird Simon Moore, who spent three years at City between 2013 and 2016.
After departing Cardiff City Stadium in 2016, Moore gained two promotions whilst at Sheffield United, before joining the Sky Blues in 2021.
CITY FLASHBACK | BOTHROYD STRIKES LATE CITY WINNER
The Bluebirds travelled to face Coventry City in October 2010 on the back of a positive start to the campaign, which saw City set the pace with fellow promotion-hopefuls Queens Park Rangers.
In a tough away fixture, the Bluebirds recorded a valuable three points in an enthralling encounter, netting a dramatic late winner.
It took just four minutes for City to open the scoring, as Ben Turner held back Michael Chopra, allowing Peter Whittingham to finish from the penalty spot.
Just before the break, Gary McSheffrey pounced on a mistake in the City backline to fire home and level proceedings.
It was a former Coventry City player who proved to be the difference for the Bluebirds, as striker Jay Bothroyd was found by winger Chris Burke, firing into the net in the 87th minute to give City the victory.
