Few people have Coventry vs Ipswich on their list of the most interesting clashes in the upcoming weekend, but this rivalry has a rich history and this could prove to be one of the most action-packed games in the FA Cup.
People who follow the Championship will know that Coventry are in one of their best periods of recent years. We can't talk playoffs yet, but their recent results have got them close to the Top 6. The Sky Blues recorded four wins in a row but their streak ended last weekend with the loss to Leeds.
Very soon, this rivalry may get extended with more clashes if Ipswich do not improve their performance in the Premier League. They are currently 19th in the standings and enter this match with four consecutive losses. It's normal to lose against the top teams, but their last loss came against Southampton, who are 20th and definitely the weakest team in the PL. The Tractor Boys won't find it easy to visit Coventry Building Society Arena, because the hosts have only two losses on their own ground in the last 10 home games.
How the bookies view it: Advantage for the PL side
The form of the two teams doesn't matter as much for the odds as the leagues they play in. Ipswich play in the Premier League and bookies suggest that their chances of winning are greater. You can pick Coventry at 9/4, Ipswich at 5/4, or the 5/4 draw.
Recent head to head: Extremely close but one team has the upper hand
The rivalry between Coventry and Ipswich was intense at the turn of the century when the teams were anchored together in the Championship. They hadn't met many times in recent years before the previous campaign. Back then, Ipswich won both games 2-1.
Players to watch: Thomas-Asante has stepped up big time
Frank Lampard will again not be able to rely on his team's leading scorers, Haji Wright and Ephron Mason-Clark, who are nursing long-term injuries. We expect him to once again come out with the best at his disposal, even though it's a Cup game, and we feel confident in Brandon Thomas-Asante. The Ghanaian has become a regular after the players we mentioned got injured and is starting to play better every game. In his last five, he scored three goals and provided one assist.
Probable line-ups
Coventry: Dovin, Kitching, Thomas, Binks, Dasilva, Rudoni, Allen, Torp, Ewijk, Thomas-Asante, Simms
Ipswich: Palmer, Johnson, Godfrey, Greaves, Davis, Morsy, Phillips, Clarke, Hutchinson, Philogene, Delap
Anything else catch the eye?
Ipswich may be in the elite, but their performance this season is right at Championship level. It's even quite possible that quite a few of the leaders in the lower division could cause them problems or beat them. Right now, Coventry are in great form and apart from the loss to Leeds, Frank Lampard's boys have been dominating against every opponent.
We expect to see at least one goal from both teams, which has happened in almost every H2H between Coventry and Ipswich in recent years. At the same time, we think bookmakers are giving us a great opportunity with the high odds on Coventry. This will be a very tough clash and the visitors may drop out. We do not recommend betting on Coventry, but the double chance has a lot of value.
This FA Cup match between Coventry and Ipswich will be played on Feb 8, 2025 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Coventry vs Ipswich prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
