Coventry vs Birmingham preview

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Image: Birmimgham's Jude Bellingham has been linked with a Premier League move

Team news and stats ahead of Coventry vs Birmingham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

Team news

Coventry boss Mark Robins has plenty of options at his disposal, with only a trio of long-term casualties on the sidelines in midfielders Wesley Jobello, Dan Bartlett and Reise Allassani, all with anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Winger Jodi Jones is pushing for a recall following a year out with a second ruptured ACL, but has been told to be patient as he builds up his fitness and playing time in the U23s.

With a number of forwards available, Robins this week allowed striker Jordan Ponticelli to join National League side Wrexham on loan until the end of the season.

Image: Mark Robins has a strong squad available for the clash

Birmingham defender Harlee Dean returns to the squad after completing a two-match suspension, and he is likely to be restored to the starting line-up.

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Manager Pep Clotet, however, has yet to decide on his starting XI, although has vowed to play his "best possible team".

Midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld is closing in on a return, after missing all of this season with a knee injury, as he is again training with the first-team squad.

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It remains to be seen what part, if any, Jude Bellingham plays given the reported interest in the 16-year-old midfielder from Arsenal and Manchester United.

Birmingham head coach Pep Clotet was unable to say for certain if Jude Bellingham - who has attracted interest from Manchester United - will stay

Opta stats

  • This is the first FA Cup meeting between Coventry and Birmingham since January 2011, also in the fourth round - the Blues won 3-2.
  • Coventry and Birmingham haven't met in any competition since August 2012 in the League Cup second round, with the Sky Blues winning 3-2.
  • League One side Coventry have reached the FA Cup fifth round in just one of the previous 10 campaigns, doing so during the 2017-18 season.
  • Birmingham are looking to reach the FA Cup fifth round for only the second time since they were relegated from the Premier League in 2010-11 - they last got to that stage back in the 2011-12 season.
  • Under Mark Robins, Coventry have progressed from two of their last three FA Cup ties against sides from a higher division, beating both Stoke City and MK Dons during the 2017-18 campaign.

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