Coventry City finally have something to celebrate in the Premier League, although Monday night’s visit from Newcastle United could bring them crashing back down to earth.
Frank Lampard’s side endured a miserable start to life back in the top flight, losing their opening four matches without scoring a single goal.
However, they finally got off the mark before the international break, beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 away from home.
It wasn’t exactly a performance that will have the rest of the division trembling, but Coventry won’t care.
Three points are three points, particularly when you’ve spent the previous month wondering where the first ones might come from.
Newcastle have been rather unpredictable themselves.
Matthias Jaissle’s side have beaten Tottenham and Hull, but a 4-1 defeat at Leeds exposed some serious defensive problems.
They’ve also had to deal with a growing injury list, which hasn’t made life particularly easy for their new manager.
Coventry will be hoping their first victory has given them some confidence, but Newcastle have considerably more attacking quality.
Whether they can make that count on Monday is another question.
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What are the best betting tips for Coventry City vs Newcastle United?
Newcastle United to win
Coventry’s victory over Nottingham Forest was certainly encouraging, but I’m not convinced it changes the bigger picture.
Lampard’s side have lost four of their opening five Premier League matches, conceding 10 goals and scoring just once.
They were beaten 5-0 by Brighton and 3-1 by Aston Villa, while even Hull managed to leave Coventry with three points.
Newcastle haven’t exactly been consistent, but they’ve shown considerably more going forward.
Their 2-0 victory at Tottenham was particularly impressive, while they also found a way past Hull despite not being at their best.
The Magpies have their own injury problems, particularly in midfield and defence, but their squad still looks stronger than Coventry’s.
Lampard will undoubtedly make his side difficult to break down after that victory at Forest.
However, Newcastle should have enough quality to take all three points.
Under 3.5 total goals
Coventry haven’t given supporters much to shout about in front of goal this season.
Their opening four Premier League matches passed without a single goal, and they needed a narrow victory over Nottingham Forest to finally break that run.
That’s hardly ideal preparation for facing a Newcastle side capable of controlling possession for long periods.
However, I’m not expecting the visitors to run riot either.
Jaissle’s side have been inconsistent going forward, and several attacking players are either injured or returning from fitness problems.
Anthony Elanga remains unavailable, while Joelinton has only recently returned to training.
Coventry also showed against Forest that they’re capable of defending with considerably more discipline than they managed earlier in the campaign.
I suspect Lampard will approach this cautiously, particularly with another defeat threatening to undo the confidence gained from their first victory.
Newcastle should create opportunities, but this doesn’t necessarily look like a match packed with goals.
Under 3.5 offers a little more breathing room than the traditional under 2.5 market.
Harvey Barnes to score or assist
Newcastle’s injury problems could create an opportunity for Harvey Barnes to make a bigger contribution on Monday.
Elanga is unavailable, while Jacob Ramsey and several other attacking options have been dealing with fitness concerns.
That should leave Barnes with an important role in Jaissle’s plans.
The winger has the ability to drift into dangerous positions, and he’s particularly effective when Newcastle can move the ball quickly into the final third.
Coventry’s defensive record also makes this an appealing matchup.
Lampard’s side have conceded 10 goals in five Premier League matches, including five against Brighton.
They’ve also got injury concerns across their back line, with Aurèle Amenda and Luke Woolfenden unavailable.
Barnes should get opportunities to test a defence that has struggled against Premier League opposition.
Rather than backing him to score outright, the goal-or-assist market gives us another route if he creates an opportunity for a teammate.
It’s a selection worth considering, provided he’s named in the starting XI.
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Where can I watch Coventry City vs Newcastle United?
Coventry City vs Newcastle United kicks off at 8 pm BST on Monday, October 12, at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Supporters can also stream the action through Sky Go and NOW.
What is Coventry City’s predicted team?
(3-4-2-1): Rushworth; Mfuni, Thomas, Pinnock; Van Ewijk, Onyeka, Grimes, Dasilva; Rudoni, Mason-Clark; Thomas-Asante.
Injured: Aurèle Amenda, Luke Woolfenden, Josh Eccles, Haji Wright.
Doubts: Joel Latibeaudiere, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Milan van Ewijk.
Suspended: Taiwo Awoniyi.
What is Newcastle United’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1): Horníček; Dedić, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Nico González, Miley; Murphy, Wissa, Barnes; Fernandez-Pardo.
Injured: Ewen Jaouen, Anthony Elanga.
Doubts: William Osula, Joelinton, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Jacob Ramsey, Amar Dedić, Lewis Miley.
Suspended: None.
Coventry City vs Newcastle United prediction
Coventry’s first Premier League victory should give them a lift, but I think they’ll find Newcastle considerably more difficult to deal with.
Lampard deserves credit for finally getting his side off the mark. However, one narrow victory doesn’t suddenly erase the problems we’ve seen throughout their opening five matches.
Newcastle haven’t been particularly convincing themselves, but they’ve got more than enough quality to cause Coventry problems.
Barnes and Wissa could be especially dangerous against a defence that’s already conceded 10 league goals.
The Magpies’ injury problems are a concern, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Coventry make this an uncomfortable evening.
However, I expect Jaissle’s side to find a way through.
Score prediction: Coventry City 0-2 Newcastle United
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