When Coventry City hosts a hurt Swansea at the CBS Arena on Friday night, they’ll be trying to win the Championship three times in a row for the first time this season. The South Wales team is coming to the West Midlands after losing badly to Southampton 5-0 on Boxing Day, while the Sky Blues are in great form after beating Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland on Christmas Day.

The main uncertainty surrounding Mark Robins’ starting lineup is Liam Kitching’s availability. The center-half was sent out for aggressive behavior minutes after the game on Tuesday afternoon, after he clashed with Owls defender Bambo Diaby.With Robins adamantly defending his player’s innocence, City promptly launched a complaint with Oliver Langford, the referee, and filed an appeal to reverse the ruling.

If the team wins, the manager will probably continue to use the composed back four that has performed admirably for him over the previous eight games. If they were to lose to the Swans, though, Luis Binks, Joel Latibeaudiere, and Kyle McFadzean would have to make at least one forced change to cover the left-sided central defender position. Latibeaudiere will probably have to continue in the specialized holding midfield position because of how well he played against Sheffield Wednesday as a stand-in for the injured Ben Sheaf, who is still doubtful.

Thus, if Kitching is to begin a three-match suspension, the most likely candidate to fill in for him is the left-handed Binks. McFdazean is a possibility, but a back three might be a better fit for him given his age.

Bobby Thomas is anticipated to maintain his position on the right side of the central partnership, with Jake Bidwell set to stay at left back and Milan van Ewijk a reliable right-back option. However, given that City will be playing four games in ten days on New Year’s Day at Middlesbrough, Jay Dasilva might be brought back to the starting lineup if Robins decides to make the most of his team and rest the former Swansea player during the busy holiday schedule.

While Jamie Allen will be a candidate to bring fresh legs and renewed energy in the middle of the park where Josh Eccles started last time out, Latibeaudiere is the clear choice if Sheaf stays out with 19 stitches in his forehead wound sustained against Sunderland. While he has fallen in the rankings since coming back from a hamstring injury, Liam Kelly is still a solid backup.

“Unacceptable” Swansea travel to Coventry City still suffering from their humiliation on Boxing Day.

Elsewhere, Callum O’Hare’s attacking influence means he should continue in the No.10 role behind a front three that should see the in-form Tatsuhiro Sakamoto deployed on the right and Haji Wright on the left. Matty Godden and Ellis Simms are the only candidates left to lead the line.

After returning from injury, Kasey Palmer is still getting fit, but it’s unlikely that he’ll be ready to start right away. As a result, he’ll be a creative and exciting attacking option off the bench.

Predicted City team v Swansea (4-3-3): Brad Collins; Milan van Ewijk, Bobby Thomas, Liam Kitching/Luis Binks, Jay Dasilva; Joel Latibeaudiere, Callum O’Hare, Jamie Allen; Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Ellis Simms, Haji Wright.