The Championship playoff race continues to hot up, and we've got a massive game on Friday night, one of two big games to kick off the weekend in style. Coventry are the hosts here, in 7th place, so just outside the playoffs and with 51 points. Their visitors are Preston, in 9th and with 49 points, so currently two behind. Both are chasing two playoff spots, currently held by Hull on 54 points, and West Brom on 55 points, so it's all to play for.
Coventry Form GuideSince around December, the Coventry team we've seen has been recognisable, and they've been picking up points at a very impressive rate. Unbeaten in their last three, the race is on for the playoffs, and after heartache with defeat last season in a penalty shootout, they've got all the motivation they need to put things right.
Coventry won last weekend, grinding out a narrow 1-0 success over struggling Stoke. Their other recent win came against another struggling side, and that was Millwall, a 2-1 home success for Coventry. They dropped two points in the middle with a 2-2 draw away at Plymouth, but they really should have won that game.
Preston Form GuidePreston were up in the playoffs for a while, but went on a bad run of form, and it got to the extent where I had written them off. But they've proved me wrong, fought hard and come here on the back of a five game unbeaten run. I still think they lack the quality that some others have around them, but are definitely back in the mix.
They were held to a draw last weekend by local rivals Blackburn, a game that ended 2-2. Before that though, it was three wins in a row, beating Middlesbrough 2-1, Cardiff 2-0 and most impressively, beating Ipswich 3-2, so there are many positives for them to hold onto right now.
Match PredictionA big game in the playoff picture, both will want to pressure those above them, and I am taking Coventry to get the job done. I think they've improved no end recently, and still have plenty to give. Playing at home is also a big help for them, so with the backing of their fans, I'll take Coventry to win three vital points here.
