Ricoh return can be catalyst for Coventry in Gillingham game

Home is where the heart is. Whether a relatively new stadium by a slip road leading to the M6 has the soul of Highfield Road is something of a moot point for Coventry City supporters. They are odds-on at 10/11 with Coral to win upon their return to the Ricoh Arena.

It’s a ticket sell-out of 15k (the full capacity of the ground is more than twice that, but another moot point), and if recent meetings with Gillingham are anything to go by then we’re in for a televised treat from League One. Their last six encounters have contained 28 goals – an average of four-and-two-thirds per game. Tasty odds of 5/1 say the total will be over 4.5 again here.

A Sky Blues win with both teams scoring is also appealing at a safer 14/5. Steven Pressley continues to have to sell anyone who shows promise at the West Midlands outfit, however, and the third tier’s leading marksman last term, Callum Wilson, was the latest to be cashed in on.

Gills boss Peter Taylor steered the club from Kent to safety last term, and will want to build on a mid-table finish. They are 3/1 outsiders to win here, though, as they have lost their last three league away games. Odds on a draw are 12/5.

Taylor’s top scorer Danny Kedwell has netted as many goals at home as away, but those on the road tend to just be consolations. If punters fancy the Gillingham frontman to be on target here, then take odds of 23/10 in the anytime market.

Hosts Coventry also presently occupy a spot in mid-table, but were active on transfer deadline day with the capture of Ipswich Town forward Frank Nouble on loan. He is 5/1 to net the opener at the Ricoh and send its returning crowd into raptures.

Bournemouth loanee Josh McQuoid, meanwhile, is 9/5 for a goal anytime, having previously struck against Wycombe Wanderers (Football League Trophy) and the Sky Blues’ last league outing at Swindon Town. Skipper Reda Johnson always carries a set piece threat, and must be considered at 4/1. Be sentimental here and count on Coventry using their return to their home as a catalyst.