As struggling Coventry prepare to host promotion hopefuls Sheffield United, Frank Lampard is reportedly in advanced talks with the Sky Blues about taking over as boss following Mark Robins' departure earlier this month.
Despite some strong backing from owner Doug King over the summer, Coventry have failed to get going in the Championship this season and they find themselves 17th in the table after 15 games.
Coventry did hold leaders Sunderland to a 2-2 draw before the international break but consistency has been their downfall and they face a tough fixture at home to second-placed Sheffield United this weekend.
The Blades are going extremely well under Chris Wilder in their pursuit of an immediate return to the Premier League and they will be seeking a fifth straight success on Saturday at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Team news
Coventry remain without goalkeeper Ben Wilson, defender Jake Bidwell and midfielder Jamie Allen, while Raphael has been sidelined since pre-season.
Star striker Haji Wright is a doubt having been stretchered off in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland a fortnight ago while Oliver Dovin and Ben Sheaf must be assessed.
For Sheffield United, Sai Sachdev is a long-term absentee while Oliver Arblaster and Rhian Brewster remain injury doubts.
Tom Davies is still sidelined and Kieffer Moore is a doubt after withdrawing from the Wales squad for their Nations League fixtures with Turkey and Iceland.
The stats
Sheffield United have won nine of their last 12 Championship matches, winning four in a row.
The Blades boast the second-best defence in the division, conceding just seven goals in 15 outings.
Seven of Sheffield United’s eight away league games this season have featured under 2.5 goals.
Coventry have won only three of their last 13 Championship games.
Sheffield United have kept nine clean sheets in their last 12 league matches.
Prediction
Sheffield United have made an excellent fist of things in their bid to return to the Premier League immediately and they can continue where they left off before the international break with victory at Coventry.
The Blades reeled off four successive wins before the two-week hiatus and their strong defensive record gives them every chance of following up at managerless Coventry, who are failing to live up to expectations and could be without their leading striker Wright.
Wilder’s men have kept nine clean sheets in their last 12 league matches and that defensive organisation could help them frustrate the Sky Blues, who have suffered defeat in four of their last six at home.