Rochdale vs Coventry preview
Friday 8 February 2019 13:11, UK
Andy Lonergan is set to make his Rochdale debut against Coventry after joining the League One strugglers on an emergency loan deal this week.
Dale boss Keith Hill was left without a senior goalkeeper on his books after Josh Lillis sustained an injury during last week's 2-1 win at Walsall.
New loan signings Joe Bunney and Rekeil Pyke are both pushing to start after being named on the bench for last week's victory. And striker Zach Clough could also feature for the first time since agreeing a second loan spell from Nottingham Forest until the end of the season.
Coventry boss Mark Robins faces a selection crisis after a bout of sickness swept the Ricoh Arena this week. Robins - who was himself hit by the bug - described the issue as an "epidemic" and said he will pick the fittest 11 players available for the trip.
One piece of good news for Robins is the return of midfielder Liam Kelly, who missed last week's draw with Gillingham due to a groin injury. The Sky Blues will go into the game looking to end a run of five league games without a win.
Opta stats
Rochdale have lost only once in their last 10 encounters with Coventry in all competitions (W6 D3), a 0-2 away loss in October 2016.
Coventry have never won away at Rochdale in eight attempts across all competitions (D2 L6), losing 2-0 in their most recent visit in League One in April 2017.
Rochdale have only scored one goal in their last three home games in League One, while conceding nine goals in return (D1 L2).
Coventry have lost six of their last seven away games in League One, with the only exception being a 2-0 win at Wycombe on New Year's Day.
Coventry boss Mark Robins has lost four of his five managerial visits to Rochdale in the Football League, winning the other 2-1 as Rotherham manager in March 2009.
