Mark Venus previews the Sky Blues' League One clash against Oxford United...
Mark Venus and Coventry City will travel to Oxford's Kassam Stadium tomorrow, looking to complete the seasonal double over Michael Appleton's side.
The Sky Blues were 2-1 victors in the reverse fixture back in October, an occasion marked by a first senior goal for 19-year old Ben Stevenson.
Venus' has steered the Sky Blues out of the relegation zone since taking over the reigns and is now looking to continue that momentum up the League One table.
He said: “I think Oxford are a good team who have some very talented footballers, particularly in midfield.
“They’ve constructed a lot of their squad for this season and purchased a few players. I think they’re still getting to grip with that a little but we know it will be a difficult challenge.
“Everybody knows it’s a tough league with very little between the top and bottom, so we have to prepare properly and expect a tough game, similar to what we expected when we played at the Ricoh not that long ago.”
After his two goals midweek, Venus reserved praise for in-form striker Marvin Sordell, who has now scored six times since his summer move to the West Midlands.
“He has been very good since he came into the football club, he has worked extremely hard, been a model professional and covered a few positions for us as well.
“He has had a few injuries over the past few years which has halted his progression slightly, but he really seems to have the bit between his teeth and that is showing with his performances recently.”
He added: “Touch wood he can keep fit and continue the form he has been showing. I don’t want to put the pressure on him being that 20-goal a season striker but he is starting to show his quality.”