Leicester vs Coventry Prediction: Tough start for the Foxes

Leicester return to the Championship following relegation last term, but they have been handed a tricky opener against beaten play-off finalists Coventry City.

The Sky Blues have struggled to hang on to their top stars this summer after failing to win promotion last season. However, they are a side known for smart recruitment and they look set for at least a solid season.

For Leicester, their biggest change came in the dugout as Enzo Maresca joined from Manchester City’s academy. He is tasked with handling some big player turnover, with James Maddison and Harvey Barnes among 11 senior departures for the Foxes.

Team news
Conor Coady is carrying an injury, so his Leicester debut is on hold. The Foxes have signed Callum Doyle on a season-long loan from Man City. The defender was part of the Coventry side which made the play-off final last term and he should start on Sunday.

The visitors have also lost Viktor Gyökeres from the side which lost to Luton and he is set to be replaced by new signing Ellis Simms.

Coventry or draw double chance @ 11/8

Leicester’s relegation last term came after a dire finish to the season which saw them win only once across their final six games. The side didn’t click all season and there was little fight even as the threat of the drop became clear.

It’s hard to deny there are quality players in this Leicester side who look set to stick around. However, their summer business – headlined by Harry Winks and Coady – isn’t that inspiring. There are also question marks around Maresca, who left Parma after three months in his only previous head coaching role.

It’s hard to see Leicester being the strongest side in the Championship this term and it’s even more unlikely that they click from the off.

The Foxes have been made heavy favourites against a side who were a penalty shootout from being in the top flight. This Coventry side may have lost some talented players, but Mark Robins is an excellent coach and they have a great track record when it comes to signing replacements.

Back Coventry to make life tough for Leicester in the opener, with the visitors 11/8 in the double chance market.

It’s hard to see this being that high-scoring, with a 1-1 draw at 7/1 looking like the standout option.

Simms to score & Coventry to take over 3.5 corners @ 5/1 

The Sky Blues may be without Gyökeres, but in Simms, they’ve added a good finisher who can make the most of playing in a creative side.

Simms hit seven goals in 17 games for Sunderland last term and this Coventry team looks tailor-made for the striker to come in and make an impact.

Despite links with a move away, Gustavo Hamer remains and the attacking midfielder is one of the best creative players at this level. With plenty of support in Coventry’s 3-5-2 setup, look to Simms to make a scoring start in the first half of this #PickYourPunt selection.

We’re also backing over 3.5 corners for the visitors in this clash. Leicester conceded over six per game in the Premier League last season and while this is a step down, this Coventry side can impose themselves on the game as they look to make the most of set-piece opportunities.