Leeds vs Coventry Prediction: Will Cov’s poor start continue at Elland Road?

The defeated play-off finalists from the last two seasons meet on Saturday afternoon as Leeds United host out-of-form Coventry City at Elland Road (15:00), with the Sky Blues looking to kickstart their campaign after a sluggish opening six matches. Mark Robins has endured slow starts to the last two seasons, but patience has ultimately paid off with a play-off final and an FA Cup semi-final the end result of the past two campaigns. 

Meanwhile Leeds have only lost one of their league matches this term, and currently sit in sixth, but their fans are far from happy. There seems to be a frustration with Daniel Farke’s patient style of football, but ultimately, he will be judged on whether he gets this side promoted this term. 

Below you can find my Leeds vs Coventry prediction, featuring betting tips and team news.

Team News

Farke has a remarkably strong squad to choose from, and he is still looking to finalise his perfect formula this term. It seems likely that Joseph will continue in the number nine role, despite Joel Piroe finding some form of late, with Wilfried Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson starting in support of the Spaniard. Ao Tananka could come back into the midfield while Patrick Bamford will hope to garner some minutes having been an unused substitute at Cardiff. 

Meanwhile Coventry will hope to welcome back influential captain Ben Sheaf into their midfield, an area that they are now incredibly short in. He was an unused substitute against Swansea, but could be called upon given that Jamie Allen was taken off injured in that defeat. Victor Torp and Josh Eccles will have to start if not, while Robins may consider switching to five at the back, given City’s recent defensive woes. Liam Kitching or Joel Latibeaudiere could come into the heart of the defence as the manager looks to get his side moving this term. 

Leeds vs Coventry Odds

Leeds are the heavy favourites to win this game, priced at 8/15 to do so, while Coventry can be backed at 4/1 to pick up their second league win of the season. A draw can be backed at 100/30, over 2.5 goals is 8/13 and BTTS is 4/6. 

Looking at the first goalscorer market, Bamford, Piroe and Joseph all currently lead the way at 5/1. 

Leeds to win and BTTS @ 2/1

Even as a relatively optimistic Coventry fan, I can’t see anything other than a home win here. Leeds have a brilliant squad and should be targeting a top-two finish this season, while the Sky Blues have been left short in midfield after a disappointing transfer deadline day. 

They have a fantastic manager in charge, but he has lost two key coaches over the past six months and now looks to be in a slightly vulnerable position. The money that has been spent means that expectations have been raised, and that brings pressure. I think Leeds will be too strong on this occasion, however I do believe the away side can find the net with their attacking quality. 

They have underperformed their xG massively, and have the likes of Ellis Simms and Haji Wright at their disposal. They also seem to perform better as a counter-attacking side, so perhaps this game at Elland Road will suit them slightly more than games at the CBS. 

Mateo Joseph to score to score anytime @ 6/4

Coventry haven’t been able to keep clean sheets of late, with none in the league this season. They keep chopping and changing their back line and it leads to uncertainty, with a lack of leaders at the back. I think Leeds will be able to score a couple here, and I’m backing their number 19 to get back amongst the goals. 

Joseph has phenomenal movement, and the trust of his manager, so I’d expect him to keep his place in the team despite the competition. He can take advantage of a shaky Sky Blues backline, and find the net at 6/4. 

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.

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