Exeter City will find out who they will take on for a place in League 1 at Wembley Stadium later in the month when the second League 2 playoff semi-final second leg takes place at Meadow Lane on Friday night when Notts County host Coventry City.
The tie is nicely poised after the two sides drew 1-1 at the Ricoh Arena last weekend so it is very much winner takes all on the evening. However long it takes the side that comes out on top here will be heading to Wembley.
Notts County
I would imagine that Notts County came away from Warwickshire with mixed feelings. Had you asked them before the first leg if they would have taken a 1-1 draw then they would very much have done so but with the way the encounter panned out there is probably a tinge of disappointment that they are not taking a lead into this second leg.
I guess given that each of the five ties that have been concluded so far have been won by the side at home in the second leg, you could argue Notts County still have the advantage in the tie but sometimes playing at home in a big match in front of a big crowd can be daunting and get to players rather than give them the freedom to express themselves.
Coventry City
I guess Coventry will have left the Ricoh Arena knowing they were fortunate to be on level terms given how the first leg panned out but at the same time I’m sure they will be quick to point out that they hit the post in the first half and edged the clearer cut chances. I don’t think they will believe they are out of the tie by any means.
The one thing which will make this tie interesting is I’ve seen nothing to suggest that Coventry are likely to go on their travels and attempt to keep things tight. They like to get after sides and I’m sure that will be the approach that they will adopt here. Coventry have plenty of positive experience in knockout cup-ties recently which could also be important.
Team News
Jonathan Forte looked to pick up an injury in the first leg but he is expected to be fit to go in this one. With that in mind Kevin Nolan could well name the same XI that played the first leg.
Coventry will be forced into a change after defender Tom Davies saw his season ended when he was given a ban for a stamp in the first leg. Rod McDonald or Jordan Willis look most likely to replace him.
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Betting
I think Coventry City are being underestimated here. They clearly didn’t perform in the first leg but I still think they have more goals in them than this Notts County side and ultimately it is goals that are going to win this tie. Notts County are an aging side and while that provides them with experience they might have a few heavy legs which could be found out. Coventry have proven themselves to be a good cup team in recent times and will have the belief to get the job done here.
I also think Coventry’s style will have this as a more open second leg than some of the matches we’ve seen so far. I didn’t think either defence looked up to much in the first leg and some poor finishing kept the score down but I don’t expect that to be the case here. I fancy the goals will flow a little more often so over 2.25 goals looks a pretty obvious play given the likelihood of this opening right up especially if an early goal is scored.
Tips
WON – Back Coventry City (0AH) to beat Notts County for a 4/10 stake at 2.05 with 888sport
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WON – Back Over 2.25 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with BetVictor
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