Stoke City vs Coventry City: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Coventry are hoping to improve on a ninth place finish last season, and we expect them to get off to a perfect start against a Stoke side who did not finish far away from the relegation zone. However, it will be a tight affair with very little to separate the two teams in the scoreline. Coventry won this fixture 1-0 away from home last year, and we are backing the same outcome in this one.

The Sky Blues tend to get off to stronger starts against Stoke, as they have scored the first goal of the game in five of the last seven meetings between the two. Goals may be difficult to come by, though, with there being fewer than 2.5 goals in five of the last six affairs.

Haji Wright is one of the visitors’ main threats, following a 16-goal season, and should be a safe bet for a shot on target. The same can be said for his teammate Ellis Simms, who scored 13 goals, with 0.8 shots on target per game. Stoke struggled offensively, but are capable of holding their own at the back and as a result, this should be a low-scoring game. We Predict: Stoke City 0-1 Coventry City

Coventry City travel to take on Stoke City in the first game of the new Championship season, as they look to mount a push for promotion.

• Date: 10/08/24
• Kick-off time: 12:30
• Venue: Bet365 Stadium

Stoke are entering their seventh season in the second tier following their relegation from the Premier League in 2018. However, they don’t seem to be close to making a return anytime soon. Under four different managers, they have failed to finish above 14th position. Last season, they found themselves towards the bottom, ultimately ending in 17th, just six points above the drop zone. They managed to separate themselves from the fight by winning their last three games of the season.

Goals may be difficult to come by for them in this game, especially when they were one of the lowest scorers last season. Only four teams found the back of the net fewer times. As a result, they have signed forward Sam Gallagher from Blackburn. Gallagher only scored three times last season, but they hope he can make an impact in their forward line. In their last three pre-season games, they have scored just once, so have not built much momentum heading into the new campaign.

They will face a Coventry side who will be expecting to make a return to the top six after finishing ninth last season. The Sky Blues have not been in the top flight since 2001, and the closest they have come to making it was two seasons ago when they were defeated in the play-off final. In their ninth season under manager Mark Robins, they are among the favourites to battle for promotion.

Brandon Thomas-Asante has joined the club from West Brom, adding to an already dangerous forward line including Ellis Simms and Haji Wright. Simms and Wright combined for 29 goals last season, whilst Thomas-Asante netted 11 times. It provides a much-needed boost for a side who is looking to compete with the division’s top teams.

Since 2020, these two teams have met eight times, all coming in the Championship. It has been a struggle for Stoke, as they have won just one of these games, with four defeats and three draws. Their sole victory was a convincing one, however, beating Coventry 4-0 away from home in April last year. Jacob Brown, Tyrese Campbell, Will Smallbone and Ki-Jana Hoever were all on the scoresheet. Last season, the first meeting ended in a goalless draw, before Coventry won 1-0 in the reverse fixture at the Bet365 Stadium through a goal from Ellis Simms.

Stoke City vs Coventry City will be available to watch Sky Sports+.

Stoke

Sam Gallagher was forced off through injury in the last pre-season game, so his availability is in question. New signing Viktor Johansson should get the start in goal, whilst Eric-Junior Bocat and Ben Gibson will also be hoping to make an immediate impact.

Coventry

Brandon Thomas-Asante made his first appearance for his new club in the last pre-season game, and will expect to play a prominent role. Fellow new signings Jack Rudoni and Luis Binks will also hope to be involved.

Stoke City:

In their last five games, Stoke have won three and lost two. It has been a solid showing for Stoke in pre-season, as they look ahead to the new Championship campaign. Their pre-season came to a close in their latest game, in which they took on Dutch side Alkmaar. It concluded on a low note as they were defeated 1-0.

This run of games started with a dominant outing at Cork City, beating their Irish opposition 5-0. Wouter Burger opened the scoring before Bae Junho added a brace before the break. Further goals from Sol Sidibe and Daniel Johnson completed the scoring. They continued their winning momentum with a 2-1 win at lower league Crewe Alexandra, coming from behind thanks to an Andre Vidigal double.

A 1-0 Defeat to Stockport followed, but they responded well by getting past Bolton by the same scoreline. Million Manhoef’s strike proved the narrow difference between the two sides.

Coventry:

In their last five games, Coventry have won two, lost two and drawn one. It has been a mixed stretch for Coventry, as they prepare to fight for promotion in the upcoming season. They concluded their build up with a fixture against German side Werder Bremen, and they lost 2-1 with five minutes to go.

This run of games began with a goalless draw at Spaniards Getafe, but they got back to winning ways in their next game against Stevenage. Coventry fell behind after just two minutes, but turned it around through Justin Obikwu and Bobby Thomas. Fabio Tavares added a third before the break.

Their inconsistencies continued as they were beaten 2-0 by Darmstadt, but they responded well with a 3-0 defeat of Premier League Everton. Ephron Mason-Clark scored his first goal for the club, whilst Ellis Simms and Victor Torp were also on the scoresheet. Before their season begins, Coventry will play one more friendly against Roma in midweek.

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