Coventry City v Hull City: Match Preview, Odds, Lineups, Prediction

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Coventry vs Hull City in the Championship on matchday one. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 12:30 BST match.

• Fixture: Coventry vs Hull City

• Date: Saturday, 09 August 2025

• Kick-off: 12:30 BST

• Venue: The Coventry Building Society Arena

The match between Coventry and Hull City promises to be a closely contested affair. Coventry have experienced a mixed build-up to the new campaign, but picked up some really good home results towards the end of last season. 

Hull City have picked up some excellent results in their pre-season campaign, which will give the Tigers confidence heading into this encounter. 

Given the head-to-head record and the current form of both teams, the game could swing either way. However, home advantage could prove to be a significant factor, as the Sky Blues are formidable at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Hull City will need to be at their best to counter Coventry's home crowd and secure a positive result. The match is likely to be decided by fine margins, with both teams pushing hard for the win.

Match Prediction: Coventry 2-1 Hull City

Coventry have played just three pre-season friendlies. They suffered defeats against Portimonense and Monaco, but got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win at Bristol Rovers. The Sky Blues have won six of their last eight Championship games on home soil. They will be confident of adding another victory in this encounter. 

Recent Championship Results:

• (D) 1-1 at Sunderland (13 May 2025)

• (L) 1-2 at home against Sunderland (09 May 2025)

• (W) 2-0 at home against Middlesbrough (03 May 2025)

• (L) 0-1 at Luton Town (26 Apr 2025)

• (L) 1-3 at Plymouth Argyle (21 Apr 2025)

Hull City's recent results have been impressive, as the Tigers have recorded four straight wins in pre-season, including wins over Istanbulspor, Kasimpasa, Stockport and Sunderland. 

The visitors have also conceded just one goal in their last three outings, which suggests they have improved massively in defence from last season. That defensive improvement will be put to the test in this clash, though. 

Recent Championship Results:

• (D) 1-1 draw at Portsmouth (03 May 2025)

• (L) 0-1 at home against Derby County (26 Apr 2025)

• (W) 2-1 at home against Preston (21 Apr 2025)

• (L) 0-1 at Swansea City (18 Apr 2025)

• (D) 1-1 at home against Coventry City (14 Apr 2025)

The head-to-head record between Coventry and Hull City shows a closely contested rivalry, with both teams having their moments of success. In their most recent encounters, both teams have claimed one victory apiece, with three games ending in draws, indicating that neither team has a clear historical upper hand.

Recent Championship Results

• Hull City 1-1 Coventry (14 Apr 2025)

• Coventry 2-1 Hull City (14 Dec 2024)

• Coventry 2-3 Hull City (24 Apr 2024)

• Hull City 1-1 Coventry (15 Sep 2023)

• Coventry 1-1 Hull City (11 Mar 2023)

• Bobby Thomas (Calf injury) - Doubtful

• Haji Wright (Achilles tendon problems) - Doubtful

• No reported injuries

• 4-4-3: Dovin; Van Ewijk, Latibeaudiere, Kitching, Bidwell; Torp, Allen, Grimes; Thomas-Asante, Sakamoto, Simms

Coventry's predicted line-up suggests a focus on maintaining a solid defensive structure while seeking to capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities. The inclusion of key players in midfield and attack indicates a strategy aimed at controlling the tempo and capitalising on Hull's defensive weaknesses.

• 4-2-3-1: Pandur; Giles, Egan, Hughes, Coyle; Alzate, Crooks; Palmer, Kamara, Ndala; Joseph

Hull City's predicted line-up suggests an approach that strikes a balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair. The selection of players in key positions suggests a game plan that involves pressing high up the pitch and looking to create scoring opportunities through quick transitions.

• Matt Grimes (Coventry) vs Steven Alzate (Hull City): This duel in midfield could go a long way to deciding this contest. 

• Ellis Simms (Coventry) vs Miles Joseph (Hull City): The battle between these two forwards could be key. Simms is the Sky Blues' main attacking threat. The versatile Joseph is looking to make a proper mark in the Championship. 

• Matt Grimes (Coventry): The midfielder has been highly consistent as a Championship midfielder in recent years. His presence in the middle of the park could be key to a home win.

• Abu Kamara (Hull City): The young winger impressed last season, and he has the ability to threaten the home team's goal.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.