COVENTRY host rivals Aston Villa in the third round of the Carabao Cup TONIGHT!

This is the first competitive meeting between the two Midlands clubs in 25 years.

Coventry City v Brighton and Hove Albion, Premier League, Football, Football, Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry, UK - 13 Sep 2026Coventry are looking to bounce back from their 5-0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Aston Villa FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier League 2026/27Aston Villa begin their Carabao Cup campaign in the third round Credit: Getty

The last time they faced each other was in May 2001, when won 3-2 to end ‘s 34-year stay in the top flight.

Both teams have struggled in the this season, making this cup tie an important opportunity to build momentum.

Coventry side are bottom of the table after losing their opening four matches without scoring.

Villa have also had a difficult start, losing three of their first four league games.

Coventry booked their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup after defeating 4-2 in the previous round.

Villa enter the competition at this stage due to their participation in the .

What TV channel is Coventry vs Aston Villa on and can it be live streamed?

Coventry host local rivals Aston Villa in the third round of the TONIGHT.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Fans in the UK can watch the game live on Sky Sports+, with the broadcaster opting to air Manchester United vs Brighton on their main channels.

The match is also available to stream live via the Sky Sports or NOW app.

Team news

Coventry will be without striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who is serving a three-match suspension after being sent off for violent conduct against Brighton.

Midfielder Frank Onyeka is also ruled out after suffering a hand injury in the same match.

Haji Wright is sidelined with a quad injury, while Josh Eccles, Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Luke Woolfenden remain unavailable.

Lampard could hand debuts to summer signings Yann Gboho and Stephen Mfuni.

Young French forward Sidiki Cherif, 19, could make his first start for the Sky Blues.

Villa welcome back midfielder Joao Gomes after he completed a three-match domestic suspension.

However, Emery has defensive problems as Pau Torres is out with a hamstring injury and Ian Maatsen is sidelined for six to eight weeks with an ankle injury.

Leon Goretzka remains out with a knee issue, while Amadou Onana is unavailable with an ACL injury.

Matty Cash and Brian Madjo could feature as they recover from muscle and ankle issues respectively.