Stoke vs Coventry prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2024-02-16 15:00.
What was, at the time, the Championship’s longest active losing streak came to an end when Stoke made an important move away from the relegation zone by defeating QPR 1-0 in midweek. Head coach Steven Schumacher made getting the home form right an urgent priority ahead of two consecutive matches at bet365 Stadium, the second of which takes place this weekend against Coventry.
Stoke were above their opponents after a 0-0 draw in November’s reverse fixture which came almost immediately prior to the two sides heading in opposite directions. In fact, the 1-0 result against QPR was Stoke’s first Championship home win in nearly four months (D4, L4), so they’ll be hoping to replicate precisely what they did back then in October by securing two home victories within the space of a week.
Coventry started this round still in the top-six after winning more than half (W9, D5, L2) of their 16 Championship games since last meeting Stoke. Despite dropping points in a 2-2 draw away to Plymouth during the week, boss Mark Robins was nonetheless pleased to escape with a late equaliser in the third of their last four matches in which they snatched points beyond the hour mark.
But they likely need to be a little more ruthless away from home if they are to continue pushing their credentials as a promotion candidate. The midweek trip to Plymouth was the second consecutive time the Sky Blues failed to win away to a side starting this round below them in the table, though perhaps they can draw inspiration from some quirky history that saw the home side of the day win just one of the last ten Championship H2Hs (D4, L5).
Players to watch: Luke McNally assisted Stoke’s only goal against QPR and could provide some inside knowledge after appearing on loan for Coventry last season. Match officials may need to watch Coventry defender Bobby Thomas intently given he has been booked in three of his last five Championship starts.
Hot stat: The pre-match favourite has won just 35% of Championship games involving Coventry this season (W11, D11, L9).