Ipswich v Coventry is the Championship game on Monday evening, when both teams will go in search of much need victory. Both Town and City are loitering above the relegation zone and either manager will be feeling the heat should there team end up on losing this fixture (Ipswich Evs, draw 23/10, Coventry 11/4 – Match Betting).
Paul Jewell’s side have endured a poor start to the new campaign, and have been on the receiving end of a couple of thrashings from Southampton and Peterborough. They do have wins to their name against Leeds and Bristol City, and are certainly capable of getting the better of an average-looking Coventry side at Portman Road.
Goals should not be a problem to come by for Jewell’s side, with Michael Chopra and Daryl Murphy both capable of scoring plenty at this level. Chopra is 9/2 to score the first goal and despite drawing a blank since a brace on the opening day, there looks to be good value in backing the former Cardiff striker – there is certainly more to come from the 27-year old once he fully settles in.
Ipswich made 12 additions to their squad over the summer and have not quite gelled as a unit yet, but it is only a matter of time before they start firing and can easily move up the table quickly. If they do settle as a side, they have the players on paper to challenge for a play-off spot.
Coventry, on the other hand, look set to be in a battle to remain in the Championship this season. They have won just one game so this season, which was their previous game at home to Derby. Goals have been hard to come by for the Sky Blues, just five goals in seven games so far, and without a regular goalscorer, it would come as no surprise if Coventry are not in or around the danger zone come the end of the season.
The one bit of solace for the Sky Blues comes at the back, as defensively they have been pretty solid, with no-one yet turning them over.
Both Paul Jewell and Andy Thorn have come under a little bit of pressure and even at this early stage in the season, this could prove to be a crucial match. With a lot riding on this match, don’t be surprised if both teams try to keep it tight. Ipswich (2-1 Correct Score – 7/1) will be particularly anxious in front of their home fans, but should have enough to prevail.
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