Barnsley v Coventry preview

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Barnsley striker Sam Winnall is expected to make his long-awaited return to action in new boss Lee Johnson’s first home game in charge against Coventry.

Winnall has been sidelined long-term with a hamstring injury but could be included in Johnson’s starting line-up with Milan Lalkovic likely to make way.

Peter Ramage remains sidelined, but fellow defender Jean Yves Mvoto will return to contention after missing Saturday’s win at Gillingham due to a one-game ban and winger Dale Jennings is expected to return to the squad.

Barnsley, four points off the play-off places, are chasing their fourth straight league win.

Samni Odelusi could make his Coventry comeback after returning from a hamstring injury.

The striker was back in training at the end of last week but missed the weekend’s 2-1 win over MK Dons which lifted the Sky Blues out of the League One relegation zone.

Frank Nouble was on the bench for the victory after his own hamstring problems.

Coventry have been heavily linked with Tony Mowbray after they parted company with ex-boss Steven Pressley last week.

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Barnsley v Coventry preview

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Barnsley’s injury woes continued this week with midfielder David Perkins the latest player set to miss the home clash with the Sky Blues.

Perkins sustained a hamstring strain in the midweek draw at Derby and will be out for several weeks.

Defender Jay McEveley was also forced off at Pride Park due to a calf problem and is doubtful, but striker Ricardo Vaz Te’s early exit was down to cramp and he is available.

Midfielder Miles Addison could be in line for a recall as he has recovered from an ankle injury, while Nathan Doyle provides manager Keith Hill with an alternative option.

Matt Done and Danny Haynes (both hamstring), Craig Davies (groin), midfielders Reuben Noble-Lazarus (ankle) and Goran Lovre (knee), plus defenders Rob Edwards (hamstring) and Luke Potter (knee) all remain sidelined.

Coventry Andy Thorn has a host of players pushing for starting berths.

Midfielder Gary Deegan marked his return from a thigh injury with the equaliser to make it 1-1 in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against Blackpool, having come on as a second-half substitute to make his first appearance of the season.

Striker Clive Platt was also introduced from the bench for the second game in succession and is now ready to be considered from the off.

Fellow frontman Cody McDonald was dropped from City’s XI as he continues to adjust to life following his deadline-day switch from Norwich and will be champing at the bit for involvement this time around.

Gael Bigirimana is competing for a recall having been rested for the past two matches, while midfielder Carl Baker faces around four weeks on the sidelines due to ruptured ankle ligaments.

Barnsley v Coventry preview

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Barnsley are expected to be without winger Adam Hammill for the home clash with Coventry, but striker Garry O’Connor is available.

Hammill, who has attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs ahead of the January transfer window, was forced out of the action with a knock late on in the New Year’s Day draw at Nottingham Forest.

If Hammill fails to recover in time Jim O’Brien is likely to start.

O’Connor, who has signed a permanent deal at Oakwell, is now eligible to play following the expiry of his contract at Birmingham.

Midfielder Diego Arismendi and defender Matt Hill returned to the side in place of O’Brien and Hugo Colace on Saturday and could retain their places following one of Barnsley’s best away displays of the season.

Defenders Jay McEveley and Luke Potter remain sidelined with knee injuries.

Coventry boss Aidy Boothroyd will be without suspended striker Marlon King for the game.

The experienced 30-year-old was dismissed after an hour of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich for a two-footed lunge on Darren O’Dea and will begin a three-match ban.

Winger Gary McSheffrey returns from suspension and is likely to replace King in the starting XI with Freddy Eastwood given a rare chance up front following his goal which earned the Sky Blues a point.

Midfielder Aron Gunnarsson is also available after a three-match ban.

Defender Ben Turner, who recently agreed a new three-and-a-half year contract at the Ricoh, is still sidelined with a knee injury.