Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
Both clubs participated in matches last round where the scoreboard remained unchanged. For Coventry City, it was their own failure to score, while for Blackburn Rovers, it was their opponents' inability to find the net. Will this pattern continue?
Coventry City
Coventry City's low scoring is independent of their opposition. At home, they had 20 attempts against a defensively lenient Swansea City but managed to score just once, whereas they barely troubled the solid defence of Leeds United (only two shots on target). It’s no surprise they are third from the bottom in goal difference and xG (-4.39). Coventry City need to be very wary of their upcoming opponent, who are second from the top in the same stats (+4.84).
Blackburn Rovers
In their last three Championship matches, Blackburn Rovers haven’t conceded a single goal. While it’s well known that they score plenty, doubts surrounded their defensive reliability. Last season, they conceded 74 goals—the third-worst in the league—which led to a 19th-place finish. This season, that seems to be changing. Improved defensive stats have been bolstered by clean sheets against Bristol City, Preston North End, and Queens Park Rangers. The latter is especially surprising, given their previous scoring form.
Coventry City vs Blackburn Rovers Prediction
If Blackburn Rovers continue their clean sheet streak, they will secure at least a point. Considering Coventry City’s struggles in finishing, we believe Blackburn Rovers will maintain their unbeaten streak after the eighth round.
