Preview:Coventry City vs Hull City - prediction, team news, lineups

The new Championship season is upon us as Coventry City welcome Hull City to the West Midlands for a tasty opening fixture.

While the Sky Blues are looking to have another successful campaign, the Tigers will be hoping to make significant improvements following a close relegation battle last time out.

Match preview

The last three years have been truly thrilling for Coventry fans, with Wembley Stadium seemingly turning into their second home.

Back in 2022-23, the club finished fifth and went all the way to the playoff final before losing to Luton Town on penalties. A year later, Coventry endured more spot-kick woes at Wembley when they were beaten by Manchester United in an FA Cup semi-final.

Mixed emotions continued last season as Coventry sacked Mark Robins following a poor start to the season – a decision which irritated a large section of the fanbase.

Nevertheless, Frank Lampard was able to turn frustration into elation as he took the club from 16th into fifth and led the Sky Blues to the playoffs.

Defeat to Sunderland in the semi-final was undoubtedly disappointing, though with a full pre-season under his belt, Lampard will be feeling confident about progress as his men head into the new season.

Hull City also enjoyed a dramatic season last year, but unfortunately for the fans, it was for all the wrong reasons.

A final-day draw away at Portsmouth secured Hull’s second-tier status, though the poor campaign ended up costing Ruben Selles his job.

Bosnian Sergej Jakirovic has since taken over the head coaching role in East Yorkshire, though it has been a challenge assembling a squad considering the club remains under a transfer embargo until January 2017.

Despite the additional hurdle, Hull have managed to pull off a series of shrewd signings, bringing in quality free agents and loan players.

Coventry City pre-season form:

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Hull City pre-season form:

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Team News

The big goal for Coventry this summer was to preserve the core of the squad following yet another playoff run.

Keeping Jack Rudoni was a big part of that strategy, though the midfielder is a doubt for this weekend’s game after missing the club’s last pre-season friendly due to a slight calf problem.

Midfielder Jack Eccles and new signing Kaine Kesler-Hayden are also doubts for the season opener, with Lampard set to make a late call on both men.

Hull have also been busy on the recruitment front, drafting the likes of Oli McBurnie and Enis Destan to the MKM Stadium over the last few days.

Destan may not be ready to make his Tigers debut considering he is still recovering from a ligament injury which he picked up in May while at Trabzonspor.

Eliot Matazo, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury last February, will also remain on the sidelines for the start of the new season.

Coventry City possible starting lineup: Rushworth; Van Ewijk, Thomas, Binks, Brau; Sheaf, Eccles; Sakamoto, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; Wright

Hull City possible starting lineup: Phillips; Coyle, Ajayi, Famewo, Greaves; Slater, Puerta; Laalaoui, Henia-Kamau, Twine; McBurnie

We say: Coventry City 2-1 Hull City

Coventry appear to be in a really good spot ahead of the start of the new season, and they will be expecting a win – especially at home.

Hull, on the other hand, have gone through a lot of changes over the summer and may need more time before we see the best of them. With that in mind, we are backing the hosts to win.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.