Coventry and Aston Villa meet in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, with both teams looking for a break from difficult starts to the Premier League season.

The Midlands rivals have not faced each other since 2001. Coventry have lost all four league matches without scoring, while Villa have collected only one point from their opening four games.

Coventry still searching for their first league goal

Coventry returned to the Premier League after winning the Championship last season, but their first few weeks back in the top flight have been difficult.

Frank Lampard’s side have lost against Arsenal, Hull, Manchester City and Brighton. They have conceded ten goals across those four matches without scoring at the other end.

Their latest defeat was the most damaging. Coventry were beaten 5–0 at home by Brighton after Taiwo Awoniyi was sent off during the second half.

The Carabao Cup has provided their only positive result of the season. Coventry scored four times in a 4–2 victory away to Plymouth in the previous round, showing that they can create chances against weaker opposition.

Lampard must now decide how strongly to prioritise the competition. Coventry’s main objective will be Premier League survival, but a home victory against their local rivals could give the team some much-needed confidence.

Aston Villa have also struggled

Villa have not enjoyed the start they expected after winning the Europa League last season.

Unai Emery’s side began their league campaign with a 4–0 defeat against Brighton before losing 1–0 at home to Arsenal. A goalless draw with Hull delivered their first point, but they were then beaten 2–1 by Nottingham Forest at Villa Park.

Their best performance came in Europe, where they defeated Club Brugge 3–2 away from home. That result showed that Villa still have enough attacking quality to punish teams when given space.

Emery is expected to rotate because of Villa’s busy schedule, but he has a deeper squad than Lampard. Tammy Abraham, Emiliano Buendía, John McGinn and several summer signings could be given an opportunity to start.

Even with changes, Villa should be able to field a team with enough experience and quality to take control of the match.

The rivals meet again after 25 years

This is the first meeting between the clubs since May 2001, when Villa’s victory confirmed Coventry’s relegation from the Premier League.

Coventry have finally returned to the top flight, but their opening results have shown how difficult the adjustment will be. A cup match against Villa now gives them an early opportunity to test themselves against another Premier League squad without the same pressure surrounding league points.

The home crowd should create a strong atmosphere, but Coventry’s lack of goals remains a major concern. Villa have also struggled offensively in the league, although their performance against Club Brugge offered more encouragement.

Verdict

Neither team enters the match with much confidence, and rotation adds some uncertainty. Coventry will hope that home advantage and the derby atmosphere can help them produce their best performance of the season.

Villa should still have the stronger starting lineup. Their squad offers Emery more options, while several players coming into the team will have an opportunity to make a case for more regular minutes.

Coventry have failed to score in four consecutive league games and were exposed badly against Brighton. Villa have their own problems, but their greater depth and experience should be enough to secure a place in the next round.

Tip

Aston Villa to win