Coventry v Newcastle: Wissa faces promoted side looking for momentum

Coventry Building Society Arena, May 2023 (archive).

Coventry have finally won, but have yet to take anything in front of their own fans. That is the gap Newcastle come to test on Monday night at the Coventry Building Society Arena. After four defeats without scoring, the promoted side beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 before the international break. They now need to build on that first win against a Newcastle side in which Yoane Wissa is expected to lead the attack, subject to the official team sheet.

Newcastle won 2-1 against Hull last time out, but had lost 4-1 at Leeds in their previous away game. Leaving with a win therefore also demands a better showing away from St James’ Park.

Coventry must find goals without Awoniyi

Coventry’s first league goal came from Jay Dasilva, at Nottingham. Before that trip, Frank Lampard’s side had lost their first four games, conceding ten goals without scoring one. Their two home league matches have also ended in defeats without a goal.

Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi is unavailable on Monday: he is serving the last game of a three-match suspension. With Haji Wright also out injured, Brandon Thomas-Asante is expected to lead the line. His place in the starting XI remains to be confirmed by the team sheet, but Coventry’s need is already clear: to build on the Nottingham win with an attack that is finally efficient at home.

Newcastle have something to put right too

Newcastle’s eight points from five games give them a better start than Coventry’s three points. Yet their win over Hull was less comfortable than their start to the match suggested. Joe Willock and Lewis Hall scored inside the first seven minutes; Hull then pulled one back, while Wissa’s penalty was saved.

The Congolese player therefore faces opponents still searching for their bearings, though that does not promise an easy game. Coventry have just shown at Nottingham that they can win with a single goal. Newcastle must avoid letting the match reopen after taking the lead.

Kick-off is set for 19:00 GMT, which is 20:00 in Brazzaville. The SNA match page for Coventry v Newcastle will let you follow the confirmed line-ups, then the score and available data during the game.