MK Dons vs Coventry City
5 September 1500hrs
Football – England – EFL Cup
Pick MK Dons
Bookmaker Betvictor
Odds: 5/4 odds taken 2000 GMT, Friday 4 September
Now a Championship outfit, Coventry will be looking to start their campaign on a winning note when travelling to face MK Dons on Saturday.
Table of Contents
- 1 MK Dons Preview – Coming off the back of a very disappointing campaign previously, can the Dons receive an early boost via the cup?
- 2 Coventry City Preview – Will the current League One champions show their class first time out?
- 3 MK Dons vs Coventry City Betting Advice
- 4 The best betting odds for MK Dons vs Coventry City
MK Dons Preview – Coming off the back of a very disappointing campaign previously, can the Dons receive an early boost via the cup?
It was a really testing induction to management for Russell Martin when taking over MK Dons 10 months ago. The club were in and around the bottom of the table and remained there for much of the campaign. In the end, they finished 19th and five points above the relegation zone. Martin’s hope is they can improve on that and look to avoid any such worries this time around at the very least.
Scoring goals was a major issue for MK Dons last season, ending with the third lowest goals for in the league. Sam Nombe was responsible for 13 of the 36 goals in the league and it will be crucial they can hold on to him.
MK Dons supporters would have enjoyed their club’s participation in last season’s EFL Cup, not least because they defeated their rivals Wimbledon in the first round. Winning a dramatic tie on penalties. Another win in the second round led to the Dons facing Liverpool at home but it was a match too far and their cup run came to an end.
They do have a very good record of getting past the first round, however, with their last elimination at this stage coming all the way back in 2009.
Coventry City Preview – Will the current League One champions show their class first time out?
Coventry City will be playing in the Championship and second tier of English football for the first time since season 2011/12. It’s a continuation of the tremendous job that Mark Robins is overseeing and the second promotion in three seasons for the Sky Blues. They were the best and most consistent team in League One last season as indicated by being five points clear at the top and with a game in hand.
Robins men could also boast the best defence in the league, conceding 30 goals in 34 games. He knows that that same sort of structure and style will be required to survive in the Championship.
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There has been a significant turnover in the playing squad since winning the league. Coventry have let go a number of players whilst several have returned to their parent clubs following a loan spell. Robins tends to be very astute in his transfer dealings, though, and has brought in a number of players in an attempt to compete in the Championship.
Gustavo Hamer is the major arrival so far being brought in from Dutch football. Some notable loan signings from Premier League clubs will also enhance the quality of the squad.
MK Dons vs Coventry City Betting Advice
These two were in the same league last season, of course, and despite finishing a distance behind them it was MK Dons who had the upper hand in the two games. They were unbeaten and took four points from the head to head meetings. That counted for little in the end but it will give them some hope they can cause a shock tomorrow.
Coventry also don’t have a great record in this competition, winning just two of their last seven first round ties.
Key Facts – MK Dons vs Coventry City Betting Tip
- This will be Russell Martin’s first full season in charge having taken over in November
- Coventry finished 30 points ahead of MK Dons last season on their way to promotion
- MK Dons had the better of their two meetings, however, taking four points from two games
There’s no doubting Coventry were the superior side last season but this game looks ripe for an upset. Due to playing at a higher level next season it means this competition will have little value for the visitors.
With MK Dons very strong at negotiating the opening round, and having home advantage, the selection is a home win in this one.
The best betting odds for MK Dons vs Coventry City
MK Dons to win: 9/4 Betfair
Draw: 5/2 at Betfair
Coventry City to win: 5/4 at Betfair
