The Sky Blues boss wants to erase recent memories of facing the Alex and is confident that the team can pick up a valuable win...
Coventry City manager Tony Mowbray is eager to erase recent memories of facing Crewe Alexandra at the Ricoh Arena tomorrow.
The Sky Blues were dumped out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy by the Alex in the Area final back in 2013 as the Railwaymen were 3-0 victors at the Ricoh in the first leg.
City haven't beaten the Alex at home since 2005 and Mowbray is keen to ensure his side are ready for an intense battle for a valuable three points which would secure their survival in League One.
"Well the plan is to try and find the right performance to ensure the future in the first division," Mowbray said.
"It is going to be a tough game, Crewe are fighting for their lives and the staff are telling me that they've had some decent results at the Ricoh in recent times.
"So this is a game they might be looking forward too, I've seen one or two quotes from their players saying they are looking forward to this game as they have memories of a big crowd and a great atmosphere. But we've got to ensure they don't enjoy it as much as in previous years.
"I'm conscious they are coming in highly motivated and it is high a huge game for them, this is not just another game team in middle of table, this will be an intense battle, we have to be ready for that.”
In recent weeks, the Sky Blues’ home form has improved, with a win against Colchester and a last minute draw against Oldham.
Mowbray admits that the team are looking a lot more comfortable playing at home and will relish the big occasion on Saturday.
He continued: “Crewe will be motivated and see it as an opportunity to come here and get on top after good vibes from recent meetings as I said earlier.
“But the ‘fear’ of playing at home so to speak is leaving me, five weeks ago I wasn't as sure playing at home but now the processes of the team are a lot more defined.
“Our work on the training ground is working, the repetition on training ground on Thursdays and Fridays has given them a clearer picture to go into the game a lot more confident.
“Seven weeks ago I wasn’t sure what I’d get from the team but now I’m confident in the team.
“They know their shape and know their responsibilities, we’re looking forward to tomorrow and we want a good result.”