Coventry v Preston: Moussa to inspire the Sky Blues

10Jan 2013

Christian Crowther offers a few bets for this televised Johnstone's Paint Trophy northern semi-final...

Coventry v Preston, Thursday 19:45, Sky Sports 1, Match Odds: Coventry 2.0, Preston 3.95, The Draw 3.65

With this year's Johnstone's Paint Trophy warming up nicely, Coventry and Preston do battle live on Sky Sports to decide who will meet Crewe or Bradford in the northern section final in what promises to be a competitive match-up.

Just three points separate these League One sides, who played out a 1-1 draw in a prelude to this fixture just before Christmas.

With home advantage and some eye-catching away wins at play-off contenders MK Dons and Stevenage in recent weeks though, you can understand why Coventry are placed as favourites to progress at the Ricoh Arena.

Mark Robins has orchestrated a wonderful turnaround in Coventry's fortunes since his appointment in mid-September when the Sky Blues laid second-bottom of the league, only being kept off the matting by goal difference.

Now his side lie 12th in the third-tier, just five points shy of the play-off places after piecing together six victories in their last ten league games. Unfortunately for Robins, he has been penalised for his success somewhat though.

Robins was powerless to stand in the way of loanee David McGoldrick - the club's top marksman this season with 17 goals - who moved to Championship Ipswich last week after attracting interest for a number of Championship clubs.

Unlike their hosts, it feels a little like Preston have been stuck in quicksand this season under Graham Westley, who has struggled to sprinkle the same magic dust he had up his sleeve at Stevenage. It's just one win in eight across all competitions for the visitors.

Over/Under 2.5 goals

Since drawing with Coventry, Preston have mustered only one goal - against League One's bottom side Hartlepool - in four fixtures. This tepidity in front of goal is a real problem for Westley's team and, although they notched three on their travels against relegation-threatened Bury in the last round, Coventry have not conceded more than one goal at home in any of their last six matches.

First Goalscorer

With McGoldrick no longer available for the home side, it leaves room for others such as Belgian Franck Moussa to step up to the plate for Coventry. The former Leicester midfielder has struck their first goal on the last three occasions that he has notched for the club and has been key to their resurgence.

Best Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 2.1

Other Recommended Bet: Back Franck Moussa to score first @ 16.0