Coventry City vs Oxford United
England Championship, KO: 20:00 Aug 16, 2024, Coventry Building Society Arena
Oxford United have made a promising start to the season after winning promotion to the EFL Championship but now face their first tough away day with a Friday night trip to Coventry City.
The U's are back in the second tier for the first time in 24 years, having dropped out of the EFL completely as recently as season 2009/10. Most pundits had them down as contenders for an instant return to League One but Des Buckingham's men beat Norwich 2-0 in their Championship opener last weekend.
Oxford United followed that up with a midweek Carabao Cup win over Peterborough so confidence will be high as they make the trip to Coventry.
They won't have it easy against Mark Robins' side though with Coventry looking to build on two excellent seasons under their shrewd manager.
The Sky Blues came up short in their play-off push last term after reaching the final in the previous campaign but they still managed to reach Wembley in the FA Cup.
And only the narrowest of VAR calls stopped them from toppling Manchester United in that semi-final before the Red Devils eventually knocked them out on penalties.
Coventry City lost at Stoke in their Championship opener but followed that up with a Carabao Cup win at Bristol City so they will be looking for three points in their first home fixture this term.
How the bookies view it: Sky Blues are home free
Despite Oxford United's superb start to the season, Befred make them 18/5 outsiders for a win here. Coventry City are just 3/5 while the draw pays 11/4.
Recent head to head: Oxford out to avenge FA Cup mauling
These sides met last season during Coventry City's memorable FA Cup run and the Sky Blues romped to a 6-2 victory on home soil.
But this fixture has only been played eight times in the new millennium and it has been pretty close, with four Coventry wins, three Oxford victories and one draw.
Players to watch: Simms set for centre stage
Ellis Simms caught the eye for Coventry City last term as he bagged 19 goals in all competitions. The former Everton kid scored the winner against Bristol City in midweek and is 6/4 for anytime scorer here.
Mark Harris matched Simms' haul by netting 19 times for Oxford United last term and is also off the mark for the new campaign after netting against Norwich. The Welshman is 11/4 to score against Coventry, which looks a little overpriced.
Probable line-ups
Both managers made a few changes in midweek for the Carabao Cup ties and should revert to teams similar to the ones fielded last weekend. Ben Sheaf remains sidelined for Coventry.
Coventry: Dovin; Van Ewijk, Thomas, Binks, Bidwell; Rudoni, Allen, Torp; Wright, Simms, Mason-Clark
Oxford United: Cumming; Long, Moore, Brown, Bennett; Vaulks; Goodrham, Rodrigues, Brannagan, Placheta; Harris
Anything else catch the eye?
We saw eight goals when these teams last faced off so it bodes well for a decent game, despite BTTS and over 2.5 goals failing to land for either side in the new campaign so far.
Over 2.5 goals pays just 4/6 at Betfred while BTTS is 8/11 but if you combine those selections in a bet builder it boosts the odds to evens.
Coventry's first two games this season have produced 16 and 17 corners so that's another market worth exploring. Over 11 flag kicks pays 5/4 with Bet365 who also price Coventry -2 in the corner handicap at 10/11.
Oxford midfielder Will Vaulks was good value for a card last season, picking up 11 yellows for Sheffield Wednesday. Betfred price him at 13/5 to go in the book and that looks worth a punt.
This England Championship match between Coventry City and Oxford United will be played on Aug 16, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Coventry City vs Oxford United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
