Coventry City’s trip to South Wales has sparked extra intrigue this weekend amid the Sky Blues attempt to sign Swansea skipper Matt Grimes ahead of the game.
The 29-year-old midfielder has been the subject of a third accepted bid for his services and fans await to see if Doug King can get the reported £3.5m-£4m deal over the line. If successful and registered in time, it would be unusual and unlikely that Grimes would play against the Swans in this one.
But Luke Williams’ side will be significantly weakened without the ever-present captain, much to the advantage of Frank Lampard’s men. Grimes aside, here we take a look at the team the City head coach is likely to pick to face a side that is currently five places and four points behind in the table, having been in free-fall this month with four league defeats, a draw and as yet to register their first win of 2025.
The goalkeeper position takes care of itself with in-form Oliver Dovin currently firmly in possession of the gloves ahead of Brad Collins and fit-again Ben Wilson – the latter of whom may well come into contention for a place on the bench after getting through an Under-21s game unscathed last week.
Given the all-round impressive defensive display against Watford last time out, it’s difficult to see the back three changing either, which means continuing with former Swan Joel Latibeaudiere, Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching, the latter who is currently keeping out Luis Binks. Elsewhere, Milan van Ewijk remains Lampard’s only recognised senior first pick at right wing-back, although the return of Jack Burroughs from his loan spell in Scotland gives the boss an extra option in the event of an injury, while Jake Bidwell – another player making a return to his former club – is currently ahead of Jay Dasilva on the left.
The midfield three in Lampard’s currently preferred 3-5-2 formation should see Victor Torp and Jack Rudoni continue as dual number eights with stand-in skipper Jamie Allen putting himself about in the deeper role, leaving Josh Eccles as back-up on the bench. And with a full week of recovery since last Saturday, there’s no reason – other than injury – why all three won’t continue in the side at the Liberty Stadium this weekend.
That leaves the front two where Ellis Simms and Brandon Thomas-Asante have been enjoying a run in the side in recent weeks, and there’s no reason to suggest why they won’t be given the chance to continue to develop their partnership. Norman Bassette is an alternative option but is expected to be used as an impact sub from the bench along with winger Tatsuhiro Sakamoto.
Predicted City team to face Swansea: Oliver Dovin; Joel Latibeaudiere, Bobby Thomas, Liam Kitching; Milan van Ewijk, Victor Torp, Jamie Allen, Jack Rudoni; Jake Bidwell; Brandon Thomas-Asante, Ellis Simms.
