Verdict: Omari Hutchinson over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Facing what is a season-defining showdown on Tuesday night, Ipswich will travel to a struggling Coventry.
Coventry
Starting with the hosts, while Coventry might have gained plenty of plaudits following a famous FA Cup comeback against Manchester United at Wembley on April 24th, Mark Robins’ men are in the midst of an extended wobble. With their play-off dreams going up in smoke and with the feel of a squad limping their way over the finish line, the Sky Blues have failed to win any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Putting in a toothless performance over the weekend as they had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Blackburn, the former Huddersfield boss will be bracing himself for another stern examination here. Suffering a woeful 3-0 drumming at the hands of Birmingham earlier in the month, Coventry should also be concerned by their recent issues on home soil. Including a 3-2 loss against Hull on April 24th, Robins’ side have lost two of their previous three showdowns in front of their own supporters.
Team News
Shown a second-half red card away at Blackburn over the weekend, Coventry will be unable to call upon former Barnsley defender Liam Kitching on Tuesday night. Still dealing with a long-term back injury and nit making a single appearance since the end of February, Japan international Tatsuhiro Sakamoto will not feature here.
The Sky Blues have confirmed that 23-year-old attacker Fabio Tavares will not feature for the remainder of the season after picking up a knee injury last week. Notching 19 goals across all competitions this season and continuing to shine since arriving from Everton last summer, Ellis Simms will spearhead Robins’ attack.
Ipswich
As for the visitors, while Ipswich might find themselves sat in pole position to secure a stunning Premier League return this season, Kieran McKenna’s men are desperate to claim a season-defining victory here. Last seen over the weekend eventually settling for an action-packed 3-3 stalemate away at Hull over the weekend, the former Manchester United coach has seen his squad fail to win any of their previous four Championship appearances. However, continuing to receive a string of plaudits this year, the Blues will certainly be excited by their most recent meeting against Tuesday’s hosts. Landing a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Coventry to Portman Road for their reverse meeting on December 2nd, McKenna will be desperate for a repeat performance in midweek. Although Ipswich might have shown some extended defensive issues since opening April, they should be smelling the chance to take a giant step towards a top-two finish.
Team News
Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Ipswich will once again be unable to call upon the duo of Janoi Donacien and Manchester United loanee Brandon Williams. However, making a timely return on Saturday night and making a first appearance since opening the New Year, George Hirst should keep his role in McKenna’s starting XI.
Notching seven goals across all competitions since the start of February, Chelsea loanee Omari Hutchinson will have another leading role to play here. Settling for a spot on the bench away at Hull over the weekend, Wales international Kieffer Moore could be handed a full recall on Tuesday night and spearhead McKenna’s attack.
Key Factors to Consider
When Coventry and Ipswich met for their reverse Championship showdown on December 2nd, Tuesday’s guests picked up a 2-1 victory at Portman Road.
Coventry have failed to record a single victory from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
Ipswich have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six Championship appearances.
All of Coventry’s last 12 consecutive appearances on home soil have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Chelsea loanee Omari Hutchinson has notched seven goals across all competitions over the past two months.
Conclusion
Although Ipswich might still be sat in pole position to secure an iconic Premier League return this season, the Trotters are desperate to claim a season-defining response here. Without a win from any of their previous four Championship appearances, McKenna’s side should be smelling a potential opportunity on Tuesday night. With the red-hot Hutchinson continuing to shine over the past couple of months and bagging a brace against Hull over the weekend, the Chelsea loanee will be looking to test a Coventry squad that are at the heart of a recent wobble.
Verdict: Omari Hutchinson over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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