​The third segment of our special Q&A with BBC Coventry & Warwickshire’s Rob Gurney and Will Oelrich delves into one defender’s prospects and the likely starting XI for Coventry City’s season opener against Arsenal. Harry asks whether Miguel Angel Brau has a future at the club. Will responds that it has been a challenging period for the Spanish left-back. Brau has managed only 11 appearances for the Sky Blues, with just three starts, and confirmation of promotion to the Premier League will further reduce his game time. Jay Dasilva impressed last season, making it difficult for him to be displaced. In addition, Jake Bidwell is entering the final year of his contract; he might seek regular football elsewhere or be content to provide cover in the back line next season with little to no playing time required.
Therefore, the possibility of another left-back arriving to push Dasilva for a starting spot would not come as a surprise. Brau signed a four-year deal just 12 months ago, so a loan move seems far more plausible than a permanent exit. At 24, he needs minutes, and a season spent in League One might be exactly what he requires.
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Allan asks who in the current squad could or should feature in the lineup against Arsenal. Rob suggests that if Coventry City secure a deal for Carl Rushworth, he would be a strong addition, following his standout season in the Championship that earned him a title-winning campaign and a Golden Glove. Milan van Ewijk’s athleticism appears well-suited to competing at a higher level. I’ve always been a fan of Jack Rudoni, and despite injuries last season, he returned late in the campaign showing the quality he possesses; those traits could translate well to the Premier League. Matt Grimes and Frank Onyeka deserve a chance to demonstrate whether they can anchor the midfield as a pivot in the top division. I’m also keen on Tats Sakamoto and Ephron Mason-Clark, who offer exciting options.
The biggest dilemma lies up front, where there’s real debate over whether Haji Wright or Ellis Simms can fulfill the role of Premier League number nine. That’s a question that Frank Lampard is undoubtedly weighing as well. Be sure to check back later on Friday for the final part of the Q&A, which will examine whether Coventry benefits from having relatively few players participating in the World Cup.