Coventry and Aston Villa lock horns in round three of the EFL Cup, with both still without a win in the league so far this season.

Coventry vs Aston Villa details overview

  • Date: Wednesday 16th September 2026
  • Kick-off: 8pm
  • Venue: Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry, UK
  • How to watch: Sky Sports +

Coventry vs Aston Villa quick tips

Coventry vs Aston Villa prediction

With both sides struggling badly in the league, Coventry City and Aston Villa must try to build some momentum on Wednesday, when they clash in round three of the EFL Cup.

The Midlands rivals will meet for the first time since May 2001, when Villa's victory relegated Coventry from England's top flight. The Sky Blues have only just got back to the Premier League after 25 years away.

Frank Lampard's men will demand a response from his side after getting a 5-0 thumping against Brighton at home last time out.

The Sky Blues are still looking for their first goal in the league, but they did score four times to dump League One Plymouth out of the cup in round two.

They will have to do it without striker Taiwo Awoniyi though, the Nigerian forward was sent off against Brighton. But that may open the door for the likes of Ellis Simms, Haji Wright or new signing Sadiki Cherif to get valuable minutes.

Villa, had a similarly poor start to the season last year, going six games in all competitions without a win. They've had the core of their squad gutted in the summer and Unai Emery will have a big task to turn this around.

Coventry will hope to seize the opportunity on home soil to progress to the next round and help galvanise the fans before the international break.

But if Villa's side start clicking, then this could be another long night for Lampard's men.

Coventry vs Aston Villa tips

Coventry to score in Villa win

Yes, both of these clubs have found it hard to find the back of the net in the league. But the EFL Cup may bring both sets of players a chance to reset and show their worth.

Both managers will likely shuffle their packs and give some fringe players a chance. But crucially, both will be intent on picking up some much needed momentum.

We're backing Coventry to get on the scoresheet but Villa to find a way to win the game.

Aston Villa win and BTTS - 11/4 with BetMGM

Abraham in the goals

Having been half way out the Villa Park door in the summer with Ipswich ready to make a move, England man Tammy Abraham has stayed at Aston Villa and is likely to get a chance from the start here.

The injury to young striker Brian Madjo, has meant Abraham is needed as competition for Nicolas Jackson in attack.

It's his time to prove his worth and against a disjointed Coventry back-line he may just reap his rewards.

Tammy Abraham to score anytime - 6/4 with Midnite

Matt to pay for his Grimes

I've often backed Caleb Yirenkyi to be booked when previewing Coventry games so far this season. But the young Ghanaian hasn't started as many matches as first presumed.

Sky Blues captain Matt Grimes has been an ever-present in the midfield. He's committed a foul roughly 0.67 per 90 minutes and over his Coventry career has picked up 23 yellow cards.

Wednesday night's referee Robert Jones has averaged around 4.2-4.5 yellow cards per game across his Premier League career.

We're backing Grimes may be on the receiving end of one of these.

Matt Grimes to be carded - 7/2 with BOYLE Sports

Coventry vs Aston Villa predicted lineups

Coventry (3-4-2-1): Rushworth (GK); Latibeaudiere, Thomas, Mfuni; Van Ewijk, Grimes, Torp, Dasilva; Tchaouna, Hamer; Cherif

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Suzuki (GK); Wan-Bissaka, Harwood-Bellis, Mings, Ruggeri; Bogarde, Kamara; McGinn, Buendia, Mbaye; Abraham

Coventry vs Aston Villa latest odds

Find the latest Coventry vs Aston Villa betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More EFL Cup predictions

We have plenty more EFL predictions and picks - find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Coventry vs Aston Villa

Aston Villa's 3-2 win on the final day in May 2001, relegated Coventry from the Premier League.

  • Last meeting: Aston Villa 3-2 Coventry (May 2001, Premier League)
  • Last 6 matches: Coventry wins - 2; Aston Villa wins - 3; Draws - 1.

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