Football League Preview 22nd Dec

The big game in the Championship this weekend is the one that pitches league leaders Cardiff against fifth placed Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Cardiff suffered a shock defeat at home to bottom side Peterborough last weekend and are 3/1 (william hill) to get the victory which is a stunning price. Of course defeat last week was a huge shock but when are you going to get the league leaders at that price again. Admittedly Leicester are no mugs themselves and have a good home record however they have won just one of their last four games and 3/1 on a side with the fire-power of the Bluebirds can not be passed up.

Also in that division I like the look of a couple of sides in the draw no bet market. Birmingham have won just one of their last seven and Burnley have lost just one of their last five yet they can still be backed at 6/5 (ladbrokes/Coral) in the draw no bet market. This looks great value. The same can also be said of the Blackburn/Brighton game where Brighton are 11/10 (paddy Power) in the draw no bet market. Blackburn have just one win in their last nine games while Brighton have lost just one of their last 11 games.

Into League One and with Tranmere suffering a comprehensive loss to Swindon on Friday night a number of teams have the chance to go top of the table on Saturday afternoon. The team in pole position are Brentford who are on a remarkable run of form losing just one of their last 14 league games and none of their last nine. Stevenage are their opponents this weekend though odds of 5/6 (general) on a Brentford win look about right. One bet that does appeal in that game is Marcello Trotta to score at anytime for Brentford at 17/10 (paddy Power) he scored twice in the FA Cup for Brentford in midweek his first goals for the club.

Last season he grabbed six in a four game spell when at Wycombe and looks to be a streaky player who when hot has spells of scoring.

The standout bet in League One for me is Coventry to see off Preston at their own ground at 5/4 (Blue Sq/888 Sport/william hill). Last week I suggested the Sky Blues had perhaps been lucky with the games they had won as they had not beaten anyone of note, well now I stand corrected. Last weekend they went to high-flying Doncaster and blew them away. This looks huge value on a team that have won four and drawn one of their last five league games netting an incredible 18 goals in the process. Preston are on a poor run of form with just one win in their last eight.

Into League Two and the best bet here is York to get something from their game at home to league leaders Gillingham. Martin Allen and his side are just starting to stutter a bit at the moment and have just two wins from their last seven in the league. In six games against the top seven sides this season York are unbeaten and at 11/8 (Skybet/Stan James) in the draw no bet market look value in this game.

Also in this division I will be interested to see how Bristol Rovers do under their new manager John Ward as they take on Rotherham. I would not be shocked if Rovers get something out of this game as they did well under Mark McGhee in the early stages of his reign. Rotherham though have won the last four away from home and as such I will give this game a miss.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Coventry to beat Preston, 5/4 (Blue Sq/888 Sport/william hill)
SILVER: Cardiff to beat Leicester, 3/1 (william hill)
BRONZE: York to beat Gillingham in draw no bet market, 11/8 (Skybet/Stan James)

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07/01/2013     © Frixo 2024