Newcastle face Coventry side with Premier League’s lowest tackles-won total

Newcastle United's upcoming opponents Coventry City have won just 26 tackles across the opening weeks of the Premier League season, ranking lowest in the division. Ahead of their clash on Monday, October 12, data highlighted by BBC Sport also shows Frank Lampard's side averaging 39% possession while ranking second bottom in distance covered and sprinting.

Despite the low tackling statistics, writer James Chettle notes that Coventry outran and outsprinted Nottingham Forest in a victory prior to the international break. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle faces the challenge of breaking down Coventry's defensive structure while matching the heightened physical intensity the promoted side demonstrated in their recent win.