Man City aim to extend perfect start to the season against Coventry
Man City are ticking along nicely
Maresca cut a frustrated figure after City’s 3-0 humbling at the hands of Arsenal in the Community Shield a few weeks ago.
Although a glorified friendly, the Cityzens looked a shadow of their former selves throughout the defeat, leading many to wonder if this might be a transitional campaign.
It’s funny how quick perceptions can change in football. A few weeks later, after taking six points from six in the Premier League, things appear rosy once again.
A nervy 2-1 win over Bournemouth, with City coming back from a goal down to net twice in the final six minutes, wasn’t the free-flowing start Maresca would have wanted. Nevertheless, a win is a win.
That changed at Selhurst Park last Friday. Two goals each from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki gave City a comfortable 4-1 win.
A clash against the Sky Blues gives Maresca a great chance of making it three from three in the league. City have not lost their previous 30 matches in the top flight against promoted clubs.
Coventry still adapting to the Premier League
Two games, two defeats. Zero goals scored and four conceded across those games isn’t the start Frank Lampard hoped for, especially with a clash against City on the horizon.
The Englishman stated that there “are some serious lessons” to learn following the 1-0 loss to Hull last weekend, but things won’t get any easier.
These two clubs haven’t met since Coventry’s last season in the Premier League back in 2000/01. If Lampard is to take any encouragement into this tie, however, it will be the fact Coventry haven’t suffered defeat against their opponents across the previous eight top flight meetings dating back to August 1993.
Anything other than a defeat would be a great result for the Sky Blues, one that could give them plenty of confidence moving forward.
Team news
Jérémy Doku is City’s only definite absentee for Saturday, although Matheus Nunes remains a doubt for the match.
Enzo Fernández and Iliman Ndiaye could both make their full debut since joining in the final few days of the window.
Lampard will be missing Haji Wright, who is out for the long-term with a thigh issue. Frank Onyeka and Sidiki Cherif will need to be assessed before the match.
Prediction
City enter this clash buoyed by a perfect start to the Premier League season, while Coventry sit 17th after a poor start.
Everything points towards another three points for Maresca and his men, but the Italian must be wary of complacency. While City have an excellent record against promoted clubs, Maresca lost his last game against a newly promoted side when his Chelsea team lost to Leeds last year.
With plenty of strength in depth, City might make a few changes for this tie, especially considering a Champions League clash against Porto awaits them on Tuesday.
Regardless, we think the home side will seal a comfortable victory: Man City 3-0 Coventry City.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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