Saturday’s rescheduled EFL Championship matchday five will feature a battle for three points between Huddersfield Town and Coventry City. The hosts enter the match having suffered a 4-2 defeat to Norwich City last weekend at the same venue. The Canaries came away with all three points thanks to a goal and an assist from Kieran Dowell.
A fortnight ago, Huddersfield Town and Hull City played out a 1-1 draw. They took an early lead thanks to a goal from Michal Helik in the 21st minute, but Oscar Estupinan equalized in injury time to share the spoils. They were in the relegation zone after the draw. With 26 points, the Terriers are in 22nd place, three points from safety. With 35 points from 27 matches, Coventry City is in 15th place.
Prediction
After going six games without winning in any of their competitions, Coventry City have lost ground in the race for the top six. With 13 goals conceded over this six-game losing streak, their weak defense has been a major factor in their struggles. At the other end, the Sky Blues have also struggled to establish themselves, scoring just 29 goals all season.
Over the past few weeks, Huddersfield Town’s form has helped them climb out of last place in the table. After their trip to Blackpool was postponed last weekend, they are now three points away from safety and have a game in hand. We expect Coventry City to win by a small margin, with goals coming from both ends.
Prediction: Huddersfield Town 2-1 Coventry City
Head to head
- The two sides will meet for the 20th time. Huddersfield Town holds a 9-5 lead, whereas five previous games resulted in a tie.
- Huddersfield won their most recent meeting in April 2022, beating them 2-1 on the road.
- In their last nine league home games, Coventry City has scored first in seven of those games.
- Coventry City has lost six of their last seven games in all competitions, allowing 13 goals.
- The two teams shared the spoils in three of the last four head-to-head battles.
- In Huddersfield Town’s last five away games, both ends have scored goals.
Team news
The return of strikers Tyler Walker and Matty Gooden to first-team training this week has helped Robins, but it is likely that Saturday’s game will come too soon for the pair, so Viktor Gyokeres will once again lead the hosts’ attack.
Josh Eccles, a midfielder who suffered a ligament injury and has returned to training in preparation for this match, is unlikely to play. Gustavo Hamer and Ben Sheaf are expected to keep their positions in the Coventry midfield.
Due to the terms of his loan deal with their opponents on Saturday, Huddersfield will not have striker Martyn Waghorn for the trip to the Midlands. Instead, Championship veteran Jordan Rhodes will play for the Terriers.
Lineup
Coventry City:
- Wilson;
- McNally, Rose, Panzo;
- Dabo, Hamer, Sheaf, Wilson-Esbrand;
- Palmer, Allen, Gyokeres
Huddersfield Town:
- Bilokapic;
- Lees, Helik, Boyle;
- Lowton, Hogg, High, Ruffels;
- Holmes, Rudoni, Rhodes
Betting tips
- Coventry City to win
- Both teams to score
- Over 2.5 goals
Where to watch
The action begins at 12.30 p.m. on Sky Sports Main Event, where it will be broadcast live.