How Sky Blues can hurt Ten Hag

COVENTRY boss Mark Robins has long been credited as the man whose FA Cup goal in 1990 saved Alex Ferguson’s career at Manchester United. Today, he could help put an end to Erik ten Hag’s. Here’s the key battles that could define the semi-final.

Simms v the United ‘defence’

UNITED can’t defend. We all know this by now. That’s why Ten Hag’s side have faced more shots in 2024 than any other team in England’s top four divisions before this weekend. Who better to take advantage of that than Coventry striker Ellis Simms? A product of the Manchester City academy has scored five goals in the FA Cup this season, the most by a Coventry player since Keith Houchen, who scored in the semis and final on the way to lifting the trophy in 1987. SIMMS has also scored 15 goals in all competitions in 2024 — ahead of this weekend, no one had scored more. A match made in heaven.

Flying Dutchman Van Ewijk

MILAN VAN EWIJK is rapid. The Dutch Under 21 international is a right back but has been starting on the wing and could cause United no end of problems with the ball at his feet. He’s taken on his defender more times in the Championship this season than any other Coventry player. It’s United’s weak side, too. They concede more chances down that side (see heat map below) and Marcus Rashford gives the least defensive cover of United’s forwards.

UNITED will get no rest on the other wing either. Haji Wright, who scored the late winner against Wolves, boasts an xG of 17.7 this season — only Southampton’s Adam Armstrong and Blackburn’s Sammie Szmodics have racked up more.

Newcastle are the only Premier League side that has faced more shots from counter attacks this season than United. If that continues, Coventry’s wingers could have the freedom of Wembley.

Sheaf’s up for the fight

COVENTRY midfielder Ben Sheaf loves the fight. How much will Bruno Fernandes be ready to roll up his sleeves?

Only two Championship midfielders have made more interceptions and tackles this season than Sheaf’s 141; Ipswich’s Sam Morsy is the only one who has won possession more often in the middle third.

Sheaf was key in Coventry’s victory over Wolves. He won the ball more times (9) and had more interceptions (5) than any other Coventry player in the game.

all figures exclude yesterday’s games