Stoke City vs Coventry Predictions

• Under 2.5 goals have been scored in four of the last six games to feature Stoke City, and in each of Coventry City’s last six.
• Coventry have seen a total of four goals scored across their last six games, keeping five clean sheets.
• Coventry have the second-lowest goals tally in the Championship this season, but only four teams have conceded fewer goals (though they have played just 12 games).

Midlands meeting doesn’t promise goals

Stoke City’s meeting with Coventry City on Saturday may not be one for the purists; while the Potters have seen under 2.5 goals scored in four of their last six matches, Coventry have not seen two goals netted in any of their last six Championship contests, earning a reputation as one of the second-tier’s most solid outfits. For punters, however, it represents a chance to get stuck into the goals markets.

Indeed, Stoke may not be worth backing on the result markets after an inconsistent run of two wins, two draws and two losses in their last six games, three of which have seen Alex Neil’s men fail to hit the net. On home turf, meanwhile, the Potters have only hit the net eight times in seven games this season, a worse record than all but four Championship teams, and they have only won twice at home.

Coventry’s return of three goals in their last six games would leave most doubting their ability to pick up points, but Mark Robins’ men have kept five clean sheets in that run, only losing to promotion favourites Burnley in their last seven matches. Although the caveat of Coventry’s swathe of early-season postponements must be acknowledged, their records as the Championship’s second-worst attacking side and fifth-best defensive unit give an idea of the pattern of their games.

Thrill-seekers should avoid Stoke

Having failed to pick up a win in their first eight outings in all competitions this season, Cov have won three of their last five games, and punters are therefore advised to steer clear of backing the hosts on Saturday, with under 2.5 match goals an excellent alternative play.

Meanwhile, although many will not like it, Coventry’s solidity means a goalless draw could offer some value on the correct score market – and possibly some consolation for goal-hungry fans.