Frank Lampard could have one surprise in the firing line ahead of Coventry City’s clash with Middlesbrough
Coventry City boss Frank Lampard could look to make one surprise team change ahead of the game against Middlesbrough.
The Championship play-off race has gone down to the wire this season, with one game left to dictate who will fill up the final two spots in the top six out of a total of five teams still in the running.
Coventry City’s form has dipped recently, having notably lost last time out to struggling Luton Town, with the win giving them a huge boost in regards to survival in the Championship.
Coventry City face Middlesbrough in the final game of the 2024/25 Championship normal season before the play-offs ensue, something that Lampard’s side are likely to be involved in, provided that they can see off Michael Carrick’s team.
With such a crucial game that will dictate the Sky Blues’ season in the offing, Lampard may still make one surprise decision ahead of the game, which could see a rarely utilised player in the front three.
- READ MORE: Jobi McAnuff reveals which two Champions clubs are under more ‘pressure’ than anyone else in play-off race
Coventry City boss Frank Lampard could deploy Brandon Thomas-Asante in Middlesbrough clash
It is safe to say that Coventry City haven’t quite shown the attacking intent in recent games thst we have become accustomed to seeing in Lampard’s side, with the Sky Blues notably notching just three shots throughout the last game against Luton Town.
Lampard may look towards a refresh of his ranks as a result, which could see Brandon Thomas-Asante deployed in the frontline, someone who has only been handed 14 starts this season.
With four goals this season, which includes a stint of three goals in four games in the middle of the season, the 26-year-old attacker has shown to have an eye for goal for Coventry, and whilst he has been inconsistent at times, he could be the solution to the side’s recent woes.
- READ MORE: Opta predicts Championship play-offs final day outcome with Coventry City and Bristol City in the driving seat
Who could Brandon Thomas-Asante replace in the Sky Blues side
Looking at the current front three, where Thomas-Asante could be deployed anywhere across, it is clear that the gap in goals predominantly comes from the out-of-form Ellis Simms.
The 24-year-old is often entrusted to lead the line by Lampard, but he has not found the back of the net in a total of 12 appeaerances, eight of which have been starts.
Replacing Haji Wright would be nonsensical, therefore it makes the most sense for Simms to make way for Thomas-Asante in the final game of the season, where Coventry City will need ton emerge at the start kf the game with clear attacking intent.
Jobi McAnuff reveals which two Champions clubs are under more ‘pressure’ than anyone else in play-off race
Jobi McAnuff believes that two Championship sides will be feeling the heat more than any other in the play-off race.
With one game of the season to go, the fixtures will have a huge say on the play-off outcome, with as many as five teams still in the mix to finish inside the top six.
Bristol City have the easiest fixture on paper, playing against relegation-threatened Preston North End while Millwall have the toughest test, an away trip to Burnley, who can still win the league.
Blackburn Rovers have an equally difficult game, travelling to Sheffield United and in the game of the day, Coventry City host Middlesbrough in what could be a straight shootout for that final spot.
Opta thinks Bristol City and Coventry will keep their spots and ahead of the weekend’s games, McAnuff believes the pressure is on them two to deliver.
- READ MORE: Coventry City vs Middlesbrough result decided by supercomputer with Championship play-off spot on the line
Jobi McAnuff says it’s Bristol City and Coventry’s ‘to lose’
Speaking on the EFL Podcast on BBC Sounds, the former Football League star claimed that the two teams in the driving seat have more riding on it than those in the chasing pack.
He said: “The pressure is on those sides who are already in there. That’s what I find when I’ve been in these situations myself.
“You feel it’s yours to lose. I think if you are going into it on the outside of it, you can have a little bit more of an open mentality.
“Whereas if you are Bristol City or Coventry at the moment, who are in there, there’s a little bit more of that tension of maybe messing it up.”
