Are table-topping Coventry the real deal or a flash in the pan?
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The past six years have tested the patience of every Coventry City fan. They’ve have been relegated twice, forced to play their home games in Northampton, and changed manager five times. But finally, the gloom is lifting and the blue skies are returning for the Sky Blues.
At this very early stage of the League Two campaign – two games in – they’re top of the table, the only side with a 100% record. But are Coventry heading for promotion, or just enjoying a brief purple patch?
Mark Robins’ men have looked very convincing in both of their league games, breezing to a 3-0 win against an admittedly shaky Notts County side, before a 2-0 defeat of Grimsby Town at Blundell Park.
That latter result made Coventry the first visitors to win to nil at Grimsby in 11 games, with an excellent team performance to thank.
However, against the Magpies, it was a one-man show. 19-year-old winger Jodi Jones bagged a hat-trick, with two ice-cool strikes and a sumptuous solo goal.
Having looked talented if inconsistent last term, this was Jones’ most electric display to date. If he can replicate that level of performance on anything like a regular basis, he’ll prove one of the league’s top talents.
Another impressive performer has been Haitian international Duckens Lazon, on loan from Wolves. The forward is one of a number of new signings to hit the ground running at the Ricoh Arena, with an assist against Country, and a clinical finish to level the scores in an eventual 3-1 Carabao Cup loss to Blackburn Rovers.
Manager Mark Robins has also impressed so far in his second stint with the club. While he couldn’t save them from the drop after arriving in March, the Sky Blues won four of their 11 League One games under the former Scunthorpe United gaffer, as well as a Wembley triumph over Oxford United in the EFL Trophy.
That all suggests Coventry are on the right track to promotion. But last week’s 3-1 cup loss to Blackburn highlights that there are still problems, with the visitors’ second goal an absolute gift from the out-of-sorts Sky Blues’ defence.
With the likes of Mansfield Town, Swindon Town, Exeter City and Luton Town already looking strong this term, Robins faces a tough test in a competitive league.
However, keep playing like they have in the first two games, and the 11/8 for promotion will look very generous.
Next up for Coventry is the visit of Newport County, with the hosts 20/23 to win the first ever competitive meeting between these sides.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
