Success! Thank you for signing up to Independent Betting
West Brom vs Coventry predictions
- West Brom to win by one goal – 3/1 bet365
- John Swift to score any time – 15/4 bet365
- Under 4.5 cards – 21/20 10Bet
West Brom will look to move a step closer to locking up a play-off place in the Championship against fellow top six hopefuls and Midlands rivals Coventry City on Friday (8pm, Sky Sports Main Event).
Carlos Corberan's team are four points clear of the chasing pack of teams aiming to break into the play-off spots. But, the Baggies are well off the pace of the automatic promotion places, sitting in fifth with 12 games remaining in the campaign.
West Brom saw their five game home winning streak in the Championship snapped by Southampton two weeks ago in a 2-0 defeat. They responded with a battling 1-1 draw with Hull City last time out, but Corberan will be targeting a return to winning ways.
Coventry crushed non-league Maidstone United to advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in their clash on Monday. The Sky Blues took out their frustrations on George Elokobi's side after seeing their play-off hopes dented by losing to Preston at home last weekend.
Mark Robins’ men are a strong team on the road, losing just one of their last seven, so they will take confidence into the clash at The Hawthorns. Football betting sites do make the Baggies strong favourites, while Coventry have a price of 13/5 to take the three points.
Baggies to get back to winning ways
West Brom boasted a formidable record of five straight league wins at home before the arrival of Southampton, but the Saints unlocked their defence early on through Ryan Fraser before David Brooks settled the contest in the second half.
To make matters worst, Corberan was dismissed in bizarre circumstances when he stopped the ball in-play minutes into the contest.
It summed up West Brom’s night as they lacked their usual rhythm and composure at home. They earned a solid point on the road at Hull to shore up their standing in fifth place, but the Baggies have the chance to distance themselves from the chasing pack on Friday.
Corberan’s side are playing Coventry at a decent time with key players Ben Sheaf and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto missing due to injury, while the Sky Blues were all over the place in the 3-0 loss to Preston last time out in the Championship.
The Baggies boast a formidable defensive record and Coventry may struggle to penetrate without Sakamoto’s skill and nous in the final third.
Robins’ side have a good away record, but against the stronger teams in the division they have been exposed, suffering 2-1 defeats to Ipswich and Norwich City.
We’re predicting a similar outcome, so we’re backing West Brom to close out a narrow win by a one goal margin at odds of 3/1 with bet365.
West Brom vs Coventry Tip 1: West Brom to win by one goal – 3/1 bet365
Can Swift step up in injury crisis?
West Brom have been dealt a double blow after Daryl Dike and Brandon Thomas-Asante picked up long-term injuries, while Josh Maja is already on the sidelines.
Andreas Weimann was brought in by the club during the January transfer window, but the 32-year-old is not at the stage of his career where he can lead the line regularly.
Jed Wallace started in the draw against Hull, while Corberan will be scrambling for solutions to keep his side on track for the play-offs.
John Swift is a player that has battled injuries throughout the season. The 28-year-old scored six in his first 11 Championship games this term before he missed seven weeks with a calf injury.
He has scored only once in 15 games since his return, although it was an important effort against Ipswich on the road. His fitness has been an issue, completing 90 minutes once since October.
But, given the need for goals, now would be a good time for Swift to rediscover his magic touch for the Baggies in the final third. Swift is never shy to have an effort at goal, recording at least one in his last five matches.
After looking at betting apps, we like the value of the midfielder to come up with another vital goal for the Baggies.
West Brom vs Coventry Tip 2: John Swift to score any time – 15/4 bet365
Low card count at The Hawthorns
These two sides are among the best behaved in the Championship this season. Corberan’s slip up was surprising considering that his team have not had a red card, and have only collected 61 yellow cards this season.
Coventry have seen two players dismissed, but have only accrued 65 cautions, placing them with the Baggies in the bottom third of the Championship for cards collected.
So, referee Lewis Smith could have a relatively calm game on his hands, despite the proximity between the two clubs in the Midlands.
Smith has taken charge of 30 games across all four English leagues and the League Cup this season and has averaged 4.20 yellow cards per game.
Although he has brandished six reds, including Josh Brownhill’s dismissal for Burnley against Crystal Palace in his last outing, three of those have come in his 11 League Two outings.
Betting sites have set the card line at 4.5, and given the record of the two sides, we’re taking the under at 21/20 with 10Bet for our final prediction.
West Brom vs Coventry Tip 3: Under 4.5 cards – 21/20 10Bet
How to get free bets for football
By signing up for gambling sites you can secure free bets and other bonuses for wagering on football.
BetMGM are one of the newest operators in the UK and are offering new customers £40 in free bets for signing up and betting £10 on football.
Once your qualifying wager is settled, you’ll receive £40 in free bets to use on horse racing and football. Users can also access BetMGM’s UK online casino.
Before you join BetMGM, read all the terms and conditions of its welcome offer. If you do bet on West Brom vs Coventry or any other sport, gamble responsibly.
Updated by
Last Updated: 14th March 2024, 07:22 AM
