Cov v City. Match preview

Last updated : 22 November 2011 By Michael Morris

Mackay restored David Marshall in goal at the weekend after the stopper missed the victory over Crystal Palace because of illness, and he is likely to keep Tom Heaton out of the Bluebirds' starting XI for the trip to the Sky Blues.

Stephen McPhail returned to the substitutes' bench for the success at the Madejski Stadium after being absent against Palace due to personal reasons, and the former Leeds man will fight with Aron Gunnarsson and Filip Kiss for a place in midfield.

The only major absentee for Mackay is striker Rudy Gestede, who continues his recuperation from a hamstring problem.

Meanwhile, Wales international Darcy Blake was not even included in the 16-man matchday squad against Reading, and will be hoping for a recall at the Ricoh Arena.

Coventry manager Andy Thorn has no new injury or suspension worries ahead of a third home game in a row.

Thorn does still have concerns over striker Roy O'Donovan (broken foot) and midfielder David Bell (knock), with both players missing the defeat to West Ham on Saturday.

But the pair could come back into contention as the Sky Blues aim to close the six-point gap between them and safety.

Martin Cranie was a concern for Thorn after he took a knock against the Hammers following his return from a rib injury, but the defender has declared himself fit to face the Bluebirds.

Thorn's side will be hoping for a win having lost back-to-back games against Southampton and West Ham at the Ricoh Arena.