Frank Lampard has hinted that Coventry City will make changes when they host Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Coventry enter the third-round tie after losing their opening four Premier League matches, but Lampard is prepared to give opportunities to players who have impressed in training.
The Coventry manager said he wants to find a balance between remaining competitive and allowing fringe players to show what they can offer. Stephen Mfuni and Yann Gboho are among the summer arrivals yet to start this season, while Sidiki Cherif has also been used sparingly.
Frank Onyeka remains Coventry doubt
Lampard also has several availability problems to manage.
Frank Onyeka is a doubt after being forced off in the 73rd minute of Sunday’s 5-0 defeat to Brighton with a hand injury.
The midfielder is still being assessed ahead of Wednesday’s fixture, with Caleb Yirenkyi a potential replacement if he cannot feature.
We have covered the latest development in our Frank Onyeka injury update ahead of Aston Villa.
Taiwo Awoniyi is already unavailable through suspension following his straight red card against Brighton.
Coventry also entered the weekend without Haji Wright, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Josh Eccles and Luke Woolfenden.
That leaves Lampard with several decisions over how heavily to rotate.
Coventry changes expected against Aston Villa
Lampard nevertheless stressed the importance of the fixture to Coventry supporters and suggested he will not simply field a weakened team.
He described the game as an occasion the fanbase holds particularly close after such a long period without competitive meetings between the clubs.
Villa therefore should expect changes, but not a Coventry side treating the competition lightly.
Supporters can find our Coventry City vs Aston Villa prediction and TV channel and kick-off guide ahead of Wednesday night.
