Coventry vs Bristol Rovers Predictions

• When the pair met in the original tie, Coventry took double the number of shots taken by the hosts.
• Coventry doubled Bristol Rovers’ shots-on-target tally when the pair met in the original tie.
• Only Oxford have conceded less shots on target than Coventry at home in League 1 this season.

Sky Blues tough to face

Coventry were unable take all three points at the weekend, as they drew 1-1 with MK Dons at this venue, though that shouldn’t mean that they’re viewed negatively. The Sky Blues are a very tough team to face, there’s no two ways about that. They’ve avoided defeat in each of their last five, three of which they’ve won, while they’ve only lost one of their last 12 in League 1.

Despite drawing when last in action at this venue, Coventry will be feeling confident ahead of this match. Not only have Mark Robins’ men been very good at St. Andrew’s this term, but they were the better team in the reverse fixture, which took place less than a fortnight ago. On that occasion, the Sky Blues better Rovers in terms of possession, shots and shots on target, while their extra attacking intent lead to them having five more corners than their hosts.

Rovers struggling

Rovers’ struggles under their new boss continued last time out. Doncaster returned from Memorial Stadium with all three points thanks to a 0-2 victory. The Gas were once again bettered in terms of possession, while they were unable to match their opponents in terms of shots or shots on target, which is becoming a recurring theme.

Ben Garner has no overseen eight games in all competitions. His side have come out on top in terms of shots in just one of those eight, while they’ve been bettered in terms of shots on target in seven too. Against Donny just a few days ago, they registered just one shot on target. In original FA Cup match against Coventry, Rovers allowed Coventry to take double their shots, while they also surrendered twice as many shots on target as they registered.

Coventry’s for the taking

In the betting, ‘Coventry to Win & Over 1.5 Goals’ catches the eye. Having scored twice and outplayed their hosts in the reverse fixture, the hosts are backed to thrive at St. Andrew’s. Bristol Rovers are making a habit of giving plenty away, conceding two more in three of their last four matches, while they’re really struggling when it comes to being outshot and out-attacked in general, as we saw when the pair met at Memorial Stadium less than two weeks ago.

‘Correct Score’ punters are pushed towards a 2-0 win for the hosts, who’ve got one of the best home defensive records in the league. Add in that Rovers have not only conceded twice on a regular basis since Garner joined but that they’ve struggled to make an impression offensively, failing to score in four of their last five, and a routine 2-0 win appeals.