Coventry vs Oxford Prediction: Sky Blues to feast with Friday night winner

Friday night’s Championship fixture sees Coventry City host Oxford United, live on Sky Sports Football, with kick-off at 20:00. The Sky Blues began their campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Stoke City, before bouncing back with a narrow Carabao Cup success over Bristol City.

Meanwhile, Oxford United have enjoyed a dream start to the campaign, having beaten Norwich City 2-0 on the opening day, before recording the same scoreline in the cup in midweek against Peterborough. Now they face their first away test, and below you can find my Coventry vs Oxford prediction. 

Team News

Coventry’s Liam Kitching could be in line for his first league start of the season, as he served a one-match suspension against Stoke and impressed in the Carabao Cup in midweek. He could knock Luis Binks out of the side, while Mark Robins also has a decision to make in midfield. With Ben Sheaf out injured, Jamie Allen deputised last weekend, but Josh Eccles could come into the XI against Oxford. Meanwhile, Ellis Simms is set to continue up front having scored against the Robins, with Haji Wright likely to start on the left, ahead of Epron Mason-Clark.

Oxford are likely to name the same team that beat Norwich last weekend, as Des Buckingham looks to continue the positivity that is flowing through the club right now. The midfield trio of Cameron Brannagan, Ruben Rodrigues and Will Vaulks will look to dominate given Coventry’s weakness in that area, while Mark Harris will hope to make it two goals in two league games this term.

Coventry vs Oxford Odds

Coventry are the favourites heading into this game, priced at 4/6 to take all three points, while Oxford can be backed at a healthy price of 4/1. A draw is available at 3/1, over 2.5 goals is 4/6 and BTTS is 8/11. 

Cameron Brannagan score anytime @ 5/1

Oxford United have started this season in scintillating fashion, and convincingly won their game against Norwich, with Brannagan finding the net. I think they will give the Sky Blues a real test here, and I’m backing their midfield general to score again. With the arrival of Will Vaulks, Brannagan has been given the license to roam forward at will. 

He’s also one of the most reliable penalty-takers you are going to find at this level. He’s so assured from the spot that if Oxford do get a penalty, it is almost a guaranteed goal. He’s also a deadly shooter from outside the area, and given the number of shots Coventry have conceded in their last couple of games, I think Brannagan is a big price to find the net. 

Championship Odds

Coventry to win, BTTS and Ellis Simms to score @ 5/1

Coventry were better in midweek once their big stars came on, and in front of a raucous home crowd, I think the Sky Blues will just about get the job done. There’s a lot to like about their forward players and Ellis Simms appears to be the pick of the bunch. He got 13 in the league last term but will look for 20+ this season, as Coventry target promotion. 

I’ve already discussed the reasons I believe that Oxford will find the net, as Coventry have conceded plenty of shots so far, while I think that Simms will score at the other end. The Sky Blues should create a brilliant atmosphere under the light, and this will be a real test for Oxford to try and come through. I think the home side are on for three points.  

Offers

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