Few goals expected in the JPT

10Jan 2013

It's the first semi-final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy between Coventry and Preston this evening and Paul Robinson thinks that goals will be hard to come by.

Coventry have improved beyond all recognition under new boss, Mark Robins, however he has been dealt a huge blow by the departure of David McGoldrick. The Nottingham Forest striker was on loan at the Ricoh, but his 16 goals in 22 League One appearances attracted the eye of Championship team, Ipswich, and he was moved there by his parent club.

The Sky Blues have been more prolific on the road than they have been at home this season anyway. They have netted one or less in 11 of their last 15 at the Ricoh Arena, with four of their last half dozen going under 2.5 goals.

Preston have slipped to 15th in League One, winning just one of their last eight, and that came against whipping boys, Hartlepool. Manager, Graham Westley, has started to come under a little bit of pressure and if their cup run ends tonight, his position will come even more unstable.

As far as the goals go, their matches in the league have been averaging dead on 2.5 goals this term, however five of their last seven have gone under that figure, with four going under 1.5 and two even going under 0.5. Away from Deepdale, five of The Lilywhites' last half dozen have had two goals or less and they've fired three blanks in that period.

This is a big game for both clubs and while I expect Coventry to edge it, I think it will be a cagey affair as not only will the teams play with a touch of caution, they are both a tad toothless upfront. At around the 1.84 mark, I have to make over 2.5 goals my lay of the day.