The Sky Blues are back in action on Boxing Day, as they travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United in Championship action.
City come into the game off the back of three points against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday night, as they moved within a point of the play-off places.
The Blades currently occupy one of the automatic places, following a good run of form since they last faced the Sky Blues, when Martyn Waghorn’s penalty condemned United to defeat.
Ahead of the game, City boss Mark Robins looked ahead to the fixture, as well as discussing the form of the league’s top scorer Viktor Gyokeres, defender Callum Doyle and City’s Christmas Day plans.
On facing Sheffield United…
“Going into this one they we will be full of confidence,” Robins said.
“It’s a tough trip going to Bramall Lane but there will be a fantastic atmosphere on what is a brilliant pith and it’s a fantastic game for us to play on Boxing Day.
“It will be a good game there will be no doubt, they’ve got a good strong squad and they’ve got some players back who weren’t available last time we played.
“They will be confident as well in front of their own support and Christmas time throws up good games and good fixtures and a brilliant following.”
The support of the fans…
“It’s huge. It’s always huge. The noise in the stadium at the final whistle the other night was incredible.
“Then heading into Boxing Day, we know away from home the supporter is always vocal and 2,500 is a good number to take.
“They’ll be in good voice and that’s always a positive for us and we always take a good following away from home.
“The players feed off the crowd and the crowd feed off the players and it’s really healthy position to be in and I think It’s a really good game and we’re all looking forward to it.”
The league’s top scorer Viktor Gyokeres…
“He’s doing fine, better than fine. He’s performing to a really high level a lot of the time now. Everybody knows and sees it and they’re enthused by it.
“He loves it here and he loves the support he gets from everybody at the club and the fans love him and that’s the same for all of them.
“They all feel it and feel that connection and it’s key to any success any club has.”
Christmas Day plans…
“They will have Christmas day at home. We have players who have bits of travelling to and I’ve done it a number of ways, but since I’ve been here, we’ve given them Christmas day off.
“That doesn’t mean to say it’s right to be off or right to be in, but it doesn’t mean its wrong either.
“I’ve done it both ways and I’ve won games and I’ve lost games so there’s no rule.
“They’re in a good place and they’re in a decent place in terms of fitness and mentally it does them good to be with their family.”
The form of Callum Doyle…
“He’s doing really well. I like him and I think he’s a great lad. He came in and it took him a bit of time to adjust, to see how things work, but he’s found his way.
“The lads get on with him, especially Josh Eccles. They got on really well and they’ve former a really good bond.
“He’s growing and there is no doubt about that. I am really happy with him.
“There is a lot of potential in there and, at the here and now, he’s doing a really good job for us and long may it continue.
“There are improvement and sacrifices to make but that’s for the future. He’s doing really well and having a really good education.
“We’re giving him the opportunity and he’s working really hard to maintain it. We’ve got a really good group and they know they’ve got to work hard to keep a spot.”