Coventry City v Plymouth Argyle: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Two former England team-mates will be in opposing dugouts at the CBS Arena on Boxing Day with both Frank Lampard's Coventry City and Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle in need of some festive cheer.

Lampard has won two of his five matches since taking charge at Coventry last month, but his side will head into this game off the back of Saturday's chastening 4-1 loss at Portsmouth.

That leaves the Sky Blues 17th in the Championship table, six points above the relegation zone and the same amount clear of Rooney's Plymouth, who currently prop up the division following a seven-match winless run.

Coventry City v Plymouth Argyle betting tips and predictions

Coventry to win and over 3.5 goals - 13/8

Heading into Saturday's trip to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth, Lampard had made a strong start to life as Coventry manager, taking seven points from his first four games in charge, but the 4-1 loss on the south coast was a reality check for the former Chelsea star.

Lampard will be hoping that home surroundings will see Coventry quickly bounce back on Boxing Day and the Sky Blues have taken four points from their two games at the CBS Arena under the 46-year-old, following up a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City by beating Hull City 2-1.

Next up is a clash with a Plymouth side that hold the poorest away record in the Championship this season, as they have failed to win any of their nine road fixtures, picking up just two points.

The pressure was starting to mount on Rooney following a four-match losing run, but they did end that sequence thanks to Saturday's 3-3 home draw with play-off chasing Middlesbrough, although it could have been even better for the Pilgrims, who led three times in that match.

Building on that point will be what Rooney will be hoping for on Boxing Day, but Plymouth have lost their last three away fixtures by an aggregate score of 12-1 and no team has conceded more goals in the entire EFL than the Pilgrims, who have shipped 45 across their 21 games.

With four of Coventry's last eight fixtures featuring at least four goals, this could be an entertaining game at the CBS Arena, but one that sees Lampard get the better of his former England team-mate.

Jack Rudoni over 3.5 shots - 10/11

Midfielder Jack Rudoni has been a regular feature for Coventry since his summer arrival from Huddersfield Town and he has been particularly favoured by Lampard, playing every minute since the new manager has taken charge.

Rudoni is an attack-minded midfielder with an eye for goal, as evidenced by his shooting stats, as only forward Haji Wright (39) has managed more shots in a Coventry shirt this season than the 23-year-old.

With 14 of his 37 shots coming since Lampard’s arrival, including four in Coventry's last home fixture against Hull, Rudoni is a player that appears to have extra license to get forward.

As a whole, Coventry have had the third-most shots in the Championship this season, firing off more efforts than league leaders Sheffield United and high-flying Sunderland. Expect that trend to continue against Plymouth with Rudoni managing at least four on his own.

Norman Bassette to score a header - 10/1

Coventry are a side that like to get crosses into the box, as they have managed 542 in the Championship this season, which is the most of any side.

Unsurprisingly that has led to them scoring more than their fair share of headers, with nine of their 28 goals coming in that manner, again that is the most of any team in the division.

With Plymouth's defence the leakiest in the entire EFL, Coventry could easily grab another headed goal on Boxing Day and forward Norman Bassette is perhaps the most likely candidate.

The Belgium international, a summer arrival from French club Caen, is enjoying an extended run in the side under Lampard, who seems to prefer him to Ellis Simms while top scorer Haji Wright is currently sidelined through injury.

Bassette was on the scoresheet against Portsmouth, albeit in defeat, and while he has yet to fully find his scoring boots since moving to England, he could head home an important Coventry goal against Plymouth.

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Coventry City v Plymouth Argyle odds

Coventry City - 1/3
Draw - 4/1
Plymouth Argyle - 17/2

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.