Coventry vs Swansea Prediction: Vipotnik to strike first?

Championship leaders Coventry City dug in at Southampton with 10 men to earn a precious point last time out, and Frank Lampard’s men will be hoping to continue their stunning home form as they host Swansea City (15:00 GMT, Sky Sports+), on Boxing Day.

Below you can find my Coventry vs Swansea predictions as we look to land a winner. 

Team News

Coventry’s squad were struck with illness ahead of that trip to the South Coast, with centre-backs Bobby Thomas, Liam Kitching and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto all missing. Lampard will be hoping that the trio have recovered to return to the matchday squad for this one, with Joel Latibeaudiere and Luke Woolfenden likely to drop out of the defence if Thomas and Kitching are fit. 

The Sky Blues will be without the suspended Jay Dasilva after his straight red card, so either Jake Bidwell or Miguel Angel Brau will deputise at left back. Ephron Mason-Clark and Haji Wright will feature in attack, with Jack Rudoni likely to go back to his regular number 10 role if Sakamoto is well enough to start on the right wing. 

Football Odds

Swansea City boss Vitor Matos saw his side grab a late winner against Wrexham on Friday night thanks to Adam Idah, but the striker is unlikely to displace Zan Vipotnik after the Slovenian found the net again against Wrexham. 

Ethan Galbraith looks to continue his new role at right-back, while Cameron Burgess will be hoping to avoid turning the ball into his own net for the fourth time this season.

Today's Football Fixtures

Coventry vs Swansea Odds

Coventry are the heavy favourites for this one, priced at 1/2 to win their eighth consecutive home game at the CBS Arena. Swansea are 11/2 to take the points, while a draw can be backed at 16/5.

Over 2.5 goals is available at 8/11, BTTS is 4/5 and Wright is the favourite to score first at 10/3.

BTTS @ 4/5 

Coventry’s goalscoring has slowed down slightly in recent weeks, but they still pose a threat, especially at home. Both teams have scored in five of their last seven games, while BTTS has come in during four of the last six Swansea games. 

With Vipotnik up front and a Coventry defence that may still be suffering with illness, I do believe there will be goals at both ends once again.

Zan Vipotnik to score first @ 15/2

I’m a massive fan of Vipotnik, and he has now racked up eight goals this season for the Swans. He’s one of the best finishers in the league in terms of shot accuracy and I think if he gets a chance, he will take it at the CBS. 

Coventry have been in fantastic form at home and should win, but the odds on them to do so aren’t worth considering. They have conceded the first goal at home in three of their last four at home - and Vipotnik will be licking his lips at the prospect of striking first at a big price. 

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