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BOXING DAY PREVIEW: COVENTRY V PLYMOUTH

After a difficult day in Portsmouth on Saturday, the Sky Blue's return to action in true boxing day style in front of a sold out CBS Arena against Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle, who drew 3-3 at home to Middlesbrough last time out.

Both sides have struggled for wins this season, Plymouth stayed up last year by one point, so they may have expected to be in this position at this time. Wayne Rooney took over in the summer but is yet to see the hard work paying off. However, the Sky Blues expected to be in a battle at the other end of the table after splashing the cash over the previous two years building on the side they had but have struggled to string together a run of form, despite the arrival of Frank Lampard.

Last time the two sides met was back in February where the points were shared on a cold Wednesday night down in Plymouth in a thrilling 2-2 draw with goals for the Sky Blues coming from Ellis Simms and Liam Kitching, who found an equaliser in the dying minutes at Home Park.

After Frank Lampard's arrival, the Sky Blues have picked up two wins, a draw and two losses in his first five games. They have played very good football in most games, and have been unlucky on several occasions to not win more based on the chances they've had. Similar to Plymouth, defence has been a major problem this year, conceding two or more goals in eight of the last twelve games.

Plymouth have found just one point in their last five Championship fixtures from a draw at Middlesbrough. They had lost their previous four before that, conceding 17 goals in five games, scoring just five. It's no secret that Wayne Rooney's side have been awful away from home this year, and are yet to win away. They have lost four away games by four or more so far this season.

The Sky Blues will definitely be missing Ben Wilson and Haji Wright who remain sidelined for this festive clash, but are nearly ready for a return. Oliver Dovin may return to the side after Brad Collins displayed his worst performance in a Sky Blues shirt.

Plymouth are missing many key players for this game including star man Morgan Whittaker, who was key to their survival last season as well as other important players including Ibrahim Cissoko, Ryan Hardie and Joe Edwards.

This game has a high chance of being a boxing day classic with many goals expected at either side.

The game is being displayed on Sky Sports+ at 3pm and is being played at the CBS Arena.

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