Coventry vs Sheffield Utd Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this one. We've got the league leaders Coventry hosting the second-bottom side Sheffield Utd, and on paper, this looks about as one-sided as they come.

Coventry are absolutely flying this season - top of the Championship with 28 points from 13 games. They've been banging in goals for fun, averaging 2.4 per game, and have put some proper hammerings on teams. Remember that 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday? Or the 4-0 demolition of Millwall? That's the sort of form we're talking about here. They did slip up last time out, losing 3-2 to Wrexham, but everyone has an off day, don't they?

Sheffield Utd, on the other hand, are having a right old time of it. Second bottom with just 10 points, scoring less than a goal per game on average. They got stuffed 5-0 by Ipswich a few weeks back, which tells you everything you need to know about where they're at. They've managed just 3 wins in 10 games and have looked shaky at the back, conceding 1.7 goals per game.

The head-to-head record is actually surprisingly even - Sheffield Utd have won 4 of the 9 meetings between these two. But Coventry have been decent at home against them with a 3-1-1 record.

When you look at the home and away form, it's chalk and cheese. Coventry have won 75% of their home games this season, scoring 2.25 goals per game at their own place. Sheffield Utd away? Just a 33% win rate and only managing a goal per game on their travels.

The bookies have Coventry as clear favorites at 1.59, and that looks about right to me. Sometimes the simple bet is the best bet, and this feels like one of those occasions.

Key Points:

• Coventry top of the league vs Sheffield Utd second bottom

• Coventry averaging 2.4 goals per game, Sheffield Utd just 0.9

• Coventry have won 75% of home games this season

• Sheffield Utd have lost 7 of their last 10 games

• Coventry put 5 past Sheffield Wednesday in their last home game

The Verdict: This has got Coventry win written all over it. The gulf in class and form is massive, and at home against a side that's been shipping goals for fun, I fancy Coventry to get the job done comfortably. The odds aren't massive but they represent decent value for what looks like a straightforward three points for the league leaders.