Another round of Championship fixtures begins in midweek, with a crucial encounter at the CBS Arena in the race for promotion to the Premier League.

On Wednesday evening, Coventry City will host Preston North End at the CBS Arena, two teams at complete opposite ends of the form table.

After a three-game winless streak entering the first week of February, the Sky Blues’ victory over promotion rivals Middlesbrough has put them back on track, with Frank Lampard’s side winning their last five consecutive games in the second tier, including a 2-0 win at Bristol City last weekend.

With only 10 games remaining in the season, the West Midlands club is now five points clear of Boro at the top and nine points clear of third-place Millwall in the race for automatic promotion.

Meanwhile, Preston’s form has entirely abandoned them, with a 3-1 home defeat to Oxford United last Friday evening exemplifying their recent troubles.

A disappointing setback at Deepdale means they have gone winless in their previous five league games, including three defeats, and have dropped to 13th in the table, eight points behind the top six.

Paul Heckingbottom’s team must address this dip immediately if they are to regain promotion contention, but it will be a difficult challenge against one of the most informed sides in the division, who appear to be headed for the Premier League.

Nonetheless, the Championship is known for throwing up unexpected surprises, so while Coventry will enter the game as clear favourites, it will be interesting to see how things play out at the CBS Arena.

As kickoff approaches, FLW identifies the players that will miss the match on Wednesday evening.

Coventry City’s Jack Rudoni

Coventry’s first absentee is important midfielder Jack Rudoni, who missed their triumph against Bristol City last weekend due to a calf injury.

Lampard revealed Rudoni would miss their home games against Preston and Southampton, with a little possibility of recovering before the international break.

It’s a devastating loss for the Sky Blues, especially given that the £5 million player has scored in his previous three outings at Ashton Gate.

As a result, Rudoni will not play against the Lilywhites midweek.

Coventry City’s Bobby Thomas

It’s a similar timeline for defender Bobby Thomas, who suffered a calf injury against Stoke City and was forced to miss the match against Bristol City.

Lampard stated that Thomas’ recuperation will be similar to Rudoni’s, with the 25-year-old expected to miss matches against Preston and Southampton, with a slim possibility of recovering before the forthcoming international break.

And it’s another blow for Coventry, as Thomas has been a regular this season and a mainstay at the back who has guided the Sky Blues to the top of the table.

Coventry City’s Oliver Dovin

Coventry’s last injured absentee is goalkeeper Oliver Dovin. Dovin has been out for little under a year due to an ACL injury, with Lampard declaring in mid-January that he does not want to set a particular return date for the 23-year-old.

Carl Rushworth has filled in admirably in his absence and is one of the greatest goalkeepers in the division, so his injury hasn’t had a significant influence on the team, but fans at the CBS Arena will be hopeful that the Swedish shot-stopper returns soon to give critical depth to the ranks.

Preston North End’s Daniel Iversen

Preston has just one player on the treatment table: goalkeeper Daniel Iversen.

Their customary number one has been out since mid-January owing to a groin injury.

Prior to their game against Oxford, Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom confirmed that Iversen will be tested, however he was not included in the matchday squad.

While he has been able to dive, catch, and throw for some time now, kicking a ball has remained a challenge owing to the disability.

There is a potential Iversen will return, but Preston may not want to rush him back while the injury is still affecting him.

As a result, he may not play against the Sky Blues.