Big Match Breakdown: Coventry v Exeter
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Preview and tips ahead of the Play-Off Final
Coventry City and Exeter City do battle on the hallowed Wembley turf today for a place in League One next season.
The pair clash in the League Two Play-Off Final having successfully overcome Notts County and Lincoln City, respectively.
There’s a lot at stake for both sides. So the Coral News Team go in-depth with another Big Match Breakdown.
Head-To-Head
Interestingly, at least in modern times, these two teams have only met on three occasions – twice in the league and once in the Checkatrade trophy.
And the home side were the victors on each occasion with the Sky Blues winning two, and the Grecians snatching a win in the other.
There’s a huge gap between those meetings and the last back in 1959. Overall, Exeter have won 20 to Coventry’s 19. There have been 13 draws.
Likely XIs
Coventry boss Mark Robins will be without long-term absentee Jodi Jones and Tony Andreu. Otherwise, the Sky Blues could be unchanged from their second-leg pummelling of Notts County.
Expect a good old 4-4-2 from the Midlands outfit with precocious young talent Tom Bayliss on the right of midfield.
For Exeter, Paul Tisdale with have to make do without Troy Brown and Lee Holmes. The Grecians will likely play a bit narrower than their opponents in a 4-1-3-2 formation.
Expect Jayden Stockley to feature prominently up front for Tisdale’s side.
Key Battles
Coventry’s width could cause Exeter’s narrow formation trouble. Especially with exciting winger Bayliss in the Sky Blues ranks.
The 19-year-old only made his debut back in December but has since scored five goals and recorded four assists. Hiram Boateng is going to have to work extra hard to track the youngster’s raids down the right.
But with more men in the central areas, Exeter could dominate the ball. And Robins’ defenders will need to keep a watchful eye on Grecians’ striker Jayden Stockley.
Match Odds
Coventry are favourites to win over 90 minutes at 13/10. Exeter are available at 23/10, and the Draw is at 21/10.
A tight game looks to be on the cards with odds of 5/4 available on Over 2.5 goals. Coventry will certainly feel under more pressure to win this final.
It’s only 17 years ago that the Sky Blues were Premier League regulars. But it’s been a fall from grace since then and Robins will be desperate to get his side back up the ladder.
Exeter were beaten finalists here last year, too. And Tisdale could leave the club if they fail to make it this time around.
That places this game in a bit of a pressure cooker situation. One goal could be enough to settle it. Under 1.5 Goals is 9/5.
Regarding goalscorers, Exeter’s Stockley has five goals in his last five. The 24-year-old is 7/4 to find the net Anytime. Coventry’s prolific forward Mark McNulty is a 7/5 shot Anytime.
Click here for more Coventry v Exeter odds
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
