Coventry City have not started their League One campaign well and elimination from the League Cup has only served to underline their current lack of creativity.

On the face of it they enjoyed a good summer, capturing Shrewsbury' play-off captain as well as Dujon Sterling from Chelsea. They added to an already strong side, with Marc McNulty the only significant player they lost.

That has proven to be very significant though as they've scored just once in three matches this season, losing to Scunthorpe United on the opening day and drawing with Wimbledon. the latter were tipped to be amongst the bottom four, the former struggled with departures all season but still overcame Mark Robins side.

Then in midweek disaster struck as they lost to an Oxford side that had previously conceded six without reply. All three sides should have been opponents Coventry looked to match, none will be in the top six come May.

The problem is certainly putting the ball in the net. Aside from the Oxford game, Coventry haven't looked particularly shaky at the back. yes, Scunthorpe hit two past them, but the Iron had 9 shots in that game, the hosts had 16. Against Wimbledon that creativity had gone, Coventry mustered just five efforts on goal, only three of which were on target.

Quite simply, they're not creating chances on one hand and when they do, they're not putting them in the net. McNulty's departure is a factor, but it is not the only issue in their squad.

Jodi Jones hasn't returned from injury and Robins is unlikely to replace the talented winger, but doesn't have him available at the moment. Tony Andreu has only just returned, he hit the only goal of their season so far, but he is feeling his way back from a major injury also. That's meant that their two most creative players are either half fit or on their way back and as yet, they've got less up front than they had last season.

it is a worry, especially as Robins has focused on the creativity this week, but still hasn't brought a striker in. Jonson Clarke-Harris arrived over the summer, but he was very much a partner to McNulty and as yet, hasn't found any form in his own right. Luke Thomas comes from Derby on loan and he is a player who can hopefully spark some joy, but can the Sky Blues rely on a 19-year old with very little previous senior experience?

Coventry stumbled into the League Two play off hunt after Swindon and Mansfield changed manager, then beat a poor Exeter side in the final. The joy of promotion and the signing of Sterling and Ogogo have perhaps masked the fact that they didn't impress on their way here and currently their attacking options are weaker than they were three months ago.

Those opening two fixtures might have been as concerning if they hadn't put a strong side out against Oxford and got beat. That result highlights some significant issues at Coventry after only three games, and the rest of their season hinges on Mark Robins' ability to attract a centre forward capable of scoring goals, on loan, quickly.