Coventry City vs Leeds United Preview
Championship | 5 February 2025 | Coventry Building Society Arena
Leeds United return to Championship action on Wednesday night with a crucial away fixture against Coventry City. After demolishing Cardiff City 7-0 in their last outing, Daniel Farke’s side will aim to maintain momentum as they push for automatic promotion.
Sitting at the top of the table, Leeds hold a two-point lead over second-placed Sheffield United and a five-point cushion over third and fourth place. With no reinforcements arriving in the January transfer window, the squad will need to rely on its existing strength to get through the second half of the season.
Coventry, on the other hand, have overcome a slow start and are now genuine playoff contenders. They are just three points behind West Brom in the race for the top six, making this fixture just as crucial for them as it is for Leeds.
Form Guide (Last Five Championship Matches)
Coventry City: ❌✅✅✅✅
Leeds United: ➖✅✅✅➖
Coventry have been in impressive form, winning four of their last five league matches. Leeds remain unbeaten in their last five, with their most recent performance—a 7-0 thrashing of Cardiff—being their biggest statement win of the season so far.
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings)
Leeds 3-0 Coventry (September 2024)
Coventry 2-1 Leeds (April 2024)
Leeds 1-1 Coventry (December 2023)
Coventry 2-1 Leeds (February 2012)
Leeds 1-1 Coventry (October 2011)
Leeds dominated Coventry in their most recent meeting, winning 3-0 at Elland Road in September. However, the Sky Blues have a solid home record against Leeds, having beaten them 2-1 the last time they met at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Team News
Coventry City
Coventry will be without key midfielder Ben Sheaf, while forwards Haji Wright and Ephron Mason-Clark remain sidelined. Their absences could impact Coventry’s attacking threat, but they have still managed to perform well in recent weeks.
Leeds United
For Leeds, Patrick Bamford remains out due to injury. However, Pascal Struijk returned to the squad in the last match and could be in contention for a starting spot. Given how solid Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu have been as a centre-back pairing, Struijk might have to settle for a place on the bench.
Predicted Lineups
Coventry City (4-4-2):
Dovin; Latibeaudiere, Thomas, Kitching, Van Ewijk; Grimes, Allen, Rudoni, Bidwell; Simms, Thomas-Asante.
Leeds United (4-2-3-1):
Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Tanaka, Rothwell; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe.
Leeds are likely to stick with the same attacking setup that proved so effective against Cardiff, with Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville providing width and creativity. Joel Piroe is expected to lead the line again after finding the net in recent games.
Where to Watch
This match will not be broadcast live on TV in the UK, but supporters can tune in to BBC Radio Leeds for live match commentary.
Match Prediction
Leeds will head into this fixture full of confidence following their dominant display against Cardiff. However, Coventry’s recent form suggests they will be no pushovers, particularly at home, where they have performed well against top sides.
While Coventry will make it a competitive contest, Leeds should have enough quality to grind out a result. Their firepower, led by Piroe and Summerville, could make the difference.
Prediction: Coventry 1-2 Leeds United
Leeds should edge this one, but it may not be as straightforward as their last outing. If they can maintain their intensity and take their chances, they will put themselves in a strong position to strengthen their grip on the Championship’s top spot.