- Coventry are unbeaten in two games at home this season 
- Watford have failed to score in their last three outings 
- Recommended bet: Coventry to win to zero

Both Coventry City and Watford have struggled for consistency so far this season and both will hope that a victory on Saturday can spark their promotion pushes.

After losing out in last season's play-off final, the Sky Blues lost their opener against Leicester City, but bounced back by beating Middlesbrough before drawing against Swansea City and Sunderland.

It has been a different story for the Hornets, who beat Queens Park Rangers in their first game, but have since drawn with Plymouth Argyle and lost to both Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers.

New coach Valerien Ismael is clearly still searching for the right combinations in a squad that has seen another summer overhaul and there might be more disappointment on Saturday.

Team news

After being handed a start in the stalemate against Sunderland, Ellis Simms will hope to retain his spot up front for Coventry.

The former Everton man has been rotating with fellow new signing Haji Wright and will be keen to continue as both look to establish themselves following Viktor Gyokeres' departure.

Similarly, Mileta Rajovic is pushing for his first Watford start after making his debut off the bench in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Blackburn.

The stats

After their opening 2-1 defeat at Leicester, the Sky Blues looked to have shaken off any play-off heartache with their 3-0 victory against Middlesbrough, but have been left frustrated in draws with Swansea (1-1) and Sunderland (0-0).

However, they won the shot count in both, most recently on Saturday when they topped the Black Cats 17-15. Only six were on target, so Mark Robins will be demanding his team sharpen up in front of goal. 

After beating QPR 4-0 in their first game, the Hornets have struggled for goals, failing to score in their last three in the league and are yet to pick up a point on the road.

They have also been second-best to Coventry, failing to win any of the pair's last three meetings.

Coventry won 1-0 at Vicarage Road in 2022-23, before coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in April's reverse fixture.

Prediction

Watford are clearly still finding their way under new boss Ismael, with the departures of attackers Joao Pedro and Ismaila Sarr understandably hitting them hard.

The Frenchman had similar issues in trying to inspire his side's attack while in charge of West Brom and Coventry could take advantage.

Although the Hornets had 24 shots against Blackburn, just five were on target and, while the Sky Blues have hardly been prolific, they have displayed more cohesion.

Robins' side have also been solid at the back, especially at home where they have kept clean sheets in both of their outings.

This promises to be a cagey affair between two sides who will feel they should be doing better, but Coventry are the more convincing and can get the result.

Back Coventry to win to zero at 9/4 with LiveScore Bet

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