Coventry City vs Aston Villa - Predicted lineup and team news

Coventry City host Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, in the first meeting between the Midlands rivals in 25 years. Frank Lampard’s side will look to build confidence after losing all four of their opening Premier League fixtures. Lampard has suggested he could rotate and give in-form squad players a chance as the club returns to high-profile ties after years away. Coventry will be without Taiwo Awoniyi, who serves a three-match suspension following a red card in Sunday’s 5-0 defeat by Brighton. Haji Wright, Josh Eccles, Luke Woolfenden and Kaine Kesler-Hayden are also unavailable, and Elis Simms is doubtful after missing Sunday’s squad.