Hamer gives City boss a nice problem

MARK Robins finally has a selection decision of the more welcome variety when Coventry City entertain second from top Sheffield United at the CBS Arena this week.

The Sky Blues are boosted by the return of Gustavo Hamer after completing his four match suspension ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with the Blades.

But after impressive showings from Jamie Allen, who deputised for the central midfielder in three of his absences, and an eye-catching display from Josh Eccles in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Cardiff City, the question is, will Hamer walk straight back into the starting line-up?

Certainly, the Brazilian-born player is regarded as one of City’s best players and his undoubted quality on the ball and reading of the game make him an invaluable member of the team.

Whatever the decision, it’s almost certain that in-form Ben Sheaf will continue in the other holding role at a time when skipper Liam Kelly could be available for the matchday squad for the first time this term after recovering from a pre-season hamstring tear.

Elsewhere, Ben Wilson’s position in goal looks fairly secure after City kept a fourth clean sheet in five games at the weekend, having conceded just one during that time. As for the back three, Kyle Mcfadzean and Jonathan Panzo are pretty much guaranteed starters while Michael Rose will be hoping he’s done enough to secure his first start for six games after replacing Callum Doyle early in Saturday’s match following a shaky start from the Manchester City loan defender.

Callum O’hare is close to a return from injury but not expected to be ready this midweek, which means it’s a straight choice between Allen and Kasey Palmer. The strikers currently pick themselves, with Matty Godden expected to continue his partnership with leading scorer Gyokeres in the absence of the injured Tyler Walker, while Martyn Waghorn and Fabio Tavares are expected to provide attacking back-up. PREDICTED CITY TEAM: Ben Wilson; Michael Rose, Kyle Mcfadzean, Jonathan Panzo; Fankaty Dabo, Gus Hamer, Ben Sheaf, Jake Bidwell; Kasey Palmer; Matty Godden, Viktor Gyokeres.