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Sports Mole previews Friday's Championship fixture between Coventry City and Bournemouth, including team news and predicted lineups.

Bournemouth make the trip to St Andrew's to face Coventry City on Friday night having put together a three-match unbeaten streak in the Championship.

Meanwhile, the Sky Blues, who won League One last season, have already recorded four points since their return to the second tier.

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Match preview

While Bournemouth supporters would have naturally wanted to see several signings made at this point of the summer transfer window, no-one is able to criticse the start made by Jason Tindall and his side.

Collecting seven points from games against Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough and Norwich City have put the Cherries in fourth position in the standings.

Having witnessed some of his fringe players impress against Manchester City in the EFL Cup, Tindall will have confidence that his relatively-small squad is capable of maintaining their momentum in the long term.

The likely departure of Josh King should lead to Tindall being allowed to bring in another attacker, one who is capable of playing in any role along the forward line.

Nevertheless, six different players have had a hand in their five Championship goals, a trend which Tindall will want to see continue in the Midlands.

At a time when Bournemouth are receiving praise for their recent form, Coventry also deserve credit for their response to setbacks against Bristol City and Gillingham respectively.

The Sky Blues followed a thrilling win against Queens Park Rangers with a hard-earned point at Barnsley last weekend, leaving the club in 12th position after three matches.

In sharp contrast to Tindall, Robins has brought in 10 new faces, the latest being Norwich City left-back Sam McCallum, who has returned on loan.

Although Mark Robins does not necessarily have any standout players, he has put together a squad with plenty of competition for places, something which should benefit a club who wish to re-establish themselves in the second tier.

Coventry City Championship form: LWD
Coventry City form (all competitions): WLDWD

Bournemouth Championship form: WDW
Bournemouth form (all competitions): WDDLW

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Team News

Robins could consider recalling Tyler Walker to his Coventry attack after his appearance off the substitutes' bench last weekend.

If Liam Kelly is able to return to the squad after a hamstring injury, the midfielder will most likely feature among the replacements.

David Brooks is back in contention for Bournemouth after testing negative for coronavirus, despite showing symptoms ahead of the fixture with Norwich.

However, unless Tindall is prepared to stop using three players in the centre of midfield, the Wales international may only be named on the bench.

Coventry City possible starting lineup:
Marosi; Ostigard, McFadzean, Hyam; Dabo, Hamer, Sheaf, Giles; Walker, Godden, O'Hare

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Begovic; Mepham, S.Cook, Rico; Stacey, L.Cook, Lerma, Billing, Smith; Groeneveld; Solanke

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We say: Coventry City 1-2 Bournemouth

Coventry will be confident about causing an upset having already adapted to life back in the Championship. However, Bournemouth have progressed into one of the teams to beat, and we feel that the Cherries will have enough firepower to see off the challenge of their hosts.

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Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a draw or an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Draw/Away:data

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