Coventry City host Oxford United in the Championship on Friday night after both sides enjoyed success in midweek.
Coventry City and Oxford United had different fortunes on the opening day of the Championship campaign but they both found joy in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
After being beaten by Stoke City last weekend, the Sky Blues secured a victory over second-tier opposition in the cup. Mark Robins’ side defeated Bristol City on home turf with talisman Ellis Simms the scorer.
The hope will now be that they can get off the mark in the league as they prepare for the visit of a newly-promoted side.
Oxford United have made a bright start to the 2024/25 campaign though. Many have tipped them to be up against it in the fight for survival this season but they put in a great performance to beat Norwich City 2-0 on the opening day.
Mark Harris and Cameron Brannagan got the goals on the day and Des Buckingham’s side were victorious by the same margin against Peterborough United in the Carabao Cup.
New signing Matt Phillips and Tyler Goodrham were the scorers this time around as the Yellows got one over the posh once again. It was Darren Ferguson’s side who they beat in the League One play-off semi-final last season.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
James Ray
“Few expected Oxford United to start the season with a win against Norwich City but they made the most of a poor display from the Canaries. Taking chances like that will be vital if they’re to have any chance of staying in the Championship this year.
“A trip to Coventry City makes for another tough game for the Yellows though. And, as they head away from the Kassam Stadium for the first time, I’m not sure they’ll have the same success.
“Robins’ side got off to a poor start last year and can’t risk doing the same. They have a squad good enough to fight it out at the top end of the table, and they have to prove that now.
“It should be a competitive game, but I’ll back the hosts to get off the mark.”
