Arsenal vs Coventry — Tips & Analysis

Coventry +2: Arsenal do not win big. They won by 2 or more goals in only 3 of their last 17 games, and their games average just over 2 goals in total. This is a side that grinds out 1-0 and 2-0 wins rather than running teams over. Both first choice centre backs are missing as well. Saliba and Timber are out, so the back line is patched together for the opener. Coventry defend well and travel with a plan. They have not lost by 2 or more goals in any of their last 17 games, and they let in under a goal a game across that run. Frank Lampard will have them sitting deep and keeping men behind the ball. Arsenal will have the ball for long spells and should lead before half time. A 2-0 Arsenal win is the likeliest shape of the night, and that score does not beat us. Arsenal have to win by three or more, and that has been rare for them. The honest worry is the gap in class and in match fitness. Arsenal are five days off a 3-0 win over Manchester City, with Saka and Rice back in the team. Coventry have gone 111 days without a competitive game, and their leading scorer Haji Wright is out. We are still happy to back Coventry with the goals start.