Coventry City vs Plymouth Argyle Prediction: Goals expected at CBS

Coventry City were handed a lesson last weekend as Portsmouth came from behind to hammer them 4-1 at Fratton Park. It was a devastating loss for manager Frank Lampard, but one that clearly showed him the obvious weaknesses in this Coventry squad. 

Fortunately, they have a home game against bottom of the league Plymouth Argyle to come on Boxing Day (15:00, Sky Sports+). Wayne Rooney and Lampard will meet on the touchline and the Sky cameras will be keen to see which one of the Golden Generation comes out on top. Below you can find my Coventry City vs Plymouth Argyle prediction featuring team news and betting tips. 

Team News

After a horror show in goal at Fratton Park, Brad Collins is expected to lose his place in the Coventry team. He was at fault for at least two of the goals, and now summer signing Oliver Dovin will replace him in one of Lampard’s first big decisions as Coventry boss. 

Jay Dasilva also suffered on the South Coast and Jake Bidwell represents a more solid option in that position, while Luis Binks and Milan van Ewijk are also at risk of losing their spots in the back four. Joel Latibeaudiere and Liam Kitching could be called upon, with the former Barnsley man yet to play a single minute under Lampard. 

Josh Eccles should come into midfield to provide more solidity, with Victor Torp the most likely to drop out, while Tatsuhiro Sakamoto could also be rotated for Brandon Thomas-Asante. The performance on Saturday was shocking, so a heavy number of changes are expected. Haji Wright remains out injured, as does goalkeeper Ben Wilson.

Plymouth secured a 3-3 draw at home to Middlesbrough last time out, but Rooney needs to find some solidity on the road. Michael Obafemi went off injured just nine minutes into the draw with Boro with a groin problem, so he may miss out, while Ryan Hardie also started but was stretchered off. He had a deep gash that is set to rule him out for the next four matches at least, while Brendan Galloway had a tight hamstring that forced him off. 

With Morgan Whittaker, Joe Edwards and Ibrahima Cissoko are all out until January, giving Rooney some massive selection headaches. Andre Gray should start up top, while Darko Gyabi got his first senior goal against Boro and will keep his place. Callum Wright could also start in midfield if the manager wants to freshen things up. 

Coventry City vs Plymouth Argyle Odds

Coventry are priced at 2/7 to win this game, giving them an implied win probability of 77%. Plymouth are available at 15/2 to secure their very first away win of the season, and over 2.5 goals is 1/2, having come in during 59% of Cov games this term. 

BTTS is available at 4/5, having come in during 52% of Argyle games and Ellis Simms is 7/2 to open the scoring for the Sky Blues. 

BTTS @ 4/5

Now Plymouth have only scored three away goals all season. They've drawn two and lost nine of their 11 away games conceding 29 goals in the process. Argyle’s away record is nothing short of shocking this season and with injuries they are likely to find this game tough. 

But I just cannot trust this Coventry team to keep a clean sheet, and they have been woeful at the back this term. Four goals conceded at Pompey took their total to 34 goals conceded this term, and their back four is clearly the weak point of this squad. I can’t see them keeping Argyle at bay. 

Bet Builder: Coventry to win, BTTS, Mason-Clark and Bassette to score @ 17/2

I’ll also go a Bet Builder for this fixture. Coventry should be able to get the win here, despite the fact that I don’t trust their defence. The attack is strong and with a couple of star players at the top end of the pitch, they should be able to score a few. 

I’ll also pick out Ephron Mason-Clark and Norman Bassette to find the net. EMC has been on fine form of late, scoring three goals in his last five games, while he also got an assist on Saturday. I think his form should cause Plymouth problems, while Bassette’s energy and running up front could also see him find a few chances in the box. I’ll back both to score in an entertaining clash at 17/2.

Offers

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