Sabasports Match Preview
English LC: Stoke City vs Coventry City
Kickoff Time: 2023-08-10 19:30 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
In the 2018/19 season, after a 1-2 loss to Crystal Palace, Stoke City ended their 10-year tenure in the Premier League. As of today, the team is still competing in the Championship. Last season, Stoke City finished 17th, only six points clear of the relegation zone, and lacked the capability to challenge for promotion. Fortunately, Stoke City completed a debt restructuring and has started making moves in the transfer market. This summer, the team brought in Blackburn Rovers’ center-forward Sam Gallagher, who stands 1.93 meters tall and recorded three goals and three assists in the Championship last season. Gallagher’s arrival indicates the team’s intention to focus on aerial play in their attacking strategy. Additionally, the team signed 31-year-old domestic center-back Ben Gibson, who has previously helped both Middlesbrough and Norwich City achieve promotion from the Championship to the Premier League and brings multiple seasons of experience in both leagues. He is expected to become a new core member of the team’s defense.
Coventry City was the League One champion in the 2019/20 season, and since their promotion to the Championship, they have been improving each season. In the 2022/23 season, the team advanced to the Championship playoff final, where they unfortunately lost in a penalty shootout to Luton Town. Last season, Coventry reached the FA Cup semi-finals but again lost in a penalty shootout, this time to eventual champions Manchester United. In this year’s summer transfer window, the team has significantly increased its investments, spending 12.7 million euros on new signings, with a net transfer expenditure ranking fourth in the league. The most notable acquisition is Huddersfield Town’s midfield playmaker Jack Rudoni, who scored five goals and provided three assists in the Championship last season. Additionally, the team signed forward Brandon Thomas-Asante from West Bromwich Albion, who scored 11 goals and provided two assists in the Championship last season, playing a key role in West Bromwich’s playoff qualification. Compared to last season, Coventry’s strength has noticeably improved.
Before the start of the league, Sabasports released championship odds, with Coventry’s return rate at 16 times, ranking sixth; Stoke City’s return rate was 20 times, ranking ninth. Comparing the total market values of the two teams, Coventry is valued at 74.83 million euros, ranking sixth in the Championship, while Stoke City is valued at 58.95 million euros, ranking tenth in the Championship. It is evident that Coventry’s overall strength is far superior to their opponent’s. This season, Coventry is aiming for promotion, and in the first match of the league, they will certainly not miss the opportunity to secure points.
Stoke City’s Last 5 Games: LWLWW
24-08-30 Stoke City 0-1 AZ Alkmaar
24-07-31 Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Stoke City
24-07-27 Stockport County 1-0 Stoke City
24-07-24 Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Stoke City
24-07-18 Cork City 0-5 Stoke City
Coventry City’s Last 5 Games: LWLWD
24-08-03 Coventry City 1-2 Werder Bremen
24-07-31 Coventry City 3-0 Everton
24-07-27 Darmstadt 2-0 Coventry City
24-07-24 Stevenage 1-3 Coventry City
24-07-20 Getafe 0-0 Coventry City
Head To Head Record:
24-02-17 Stoke City 0-1 Coventry City
23-11-11 Coventry City 0-0 Stoke City
23-04-01 Coventry City 0-4 Stoke City
22-10-22 Stoke City 0-2 Coventry City
22-05-07 Stoke City 1-1 Coventry City
Prediction: Coventry City to win or Draw