Championship Specials

We have already had a look at the outright markets in the Championship, but that is just one of a number of betting options presented by bookmakers for this division, here is a look at some of them.

TOPSCORER: The top three in the betting last year (Rickie Lambert, Ricardo Vaz Te, Billy Sharp) all played for sides that got promoted (although Sharp and Vaz Te moved in the January transfer window). It is important to be playing for a club doing well, not just because they are among the goals, but because there is less risk of your player moving on. A player challenging with a team pushing for the Premier League is more likely to turn down a January move to the top tier than a striker banging them in for a mid-table or struggling team. This brings itself to our second issue with the market, the August transfer window. It is perhaps best to hold onto most of your money until you know who will be plying their trade in the league.

Having said that here a couple of players who I think will not be leaving the club and are worth taking now. Michael Chopra at 25/1 (general) is the first recommendation. Chopra and Ipswich had a tough season last time out, but he is player with a proven record of finding goals at this level and looks decent value at 25/1.

Matty Fryatt is another proven scorer at this level having grabbed 16 for Hull last season and a number of goals from his time at Leicester. The introduction of new manager Steve Bruce could bring new life out of Fryatt and 40/1 (Totesport/betfred) looks real value. At a much bigger price is Theo Robinson (125/1-Totepsort/betfred) who grabbed ten league goals last season for Derby and could build on that this season playing off Nathan Tyson.

RELEGATION: Bookmakers make Barnsley the 6/4 (You Win/BWin) favourites for relegation and Keith Hill seems to have his work cut out with the loss of Jacob Butterfield and having struggled to replace the goals of Ricardo Vaz Te. Strugglers last season Bristol City, Peterborough and Millwall are all expected to be near the bottom, one side who could be value at a higher price are Derby who have struggled to add quality to the squad this season and at 5/1 (BWin) offer some good value.

NEXT MANAGER TO LEAVE POST: Paul Jewell at 7/2 (all prices Stan James) heads the market and that is hard to dispute as Ipswich are set to stagnate in mid-table once more. Steve Kean at (4/1) and Eddie Howe (8/1) are two other bosses who start the season under pressure. Darren Ferguson at 10/1 is always in demand at other clubs and might walk if the right job presents itself.

GROUP OR MATCHBETS: Back Cardiff at 2/1 (betfred) to see off Leeds, Forest and Brighton. Also Back Hull at 4/1 (Coral) to see off Watford, Charlton, Ipswich, Burnley and Derby.

TOP TWELVE FINISH: Newly promoted Sheff Wed have bought well this summer and in Dave Jones they have a manager who knows the division well, they are 6/4 for a top twelve finish. In adddition I like the look of the 11/8 (BetVictor) on them to finish the highest of the three promoted teams. They have done some great work in the transfer market and should be stronger than Huddersfield and Charlton.

TOPSCORER SPECIALS: A number of bookmakers are priced up on team topscorers in the Championship, Marlon King 15/8 (BetVictor) to be top Birmingham scorer which is a great bet as is the 4/1 (Coral) on Theo Robinson being top Derby scorer.

Go To bet365

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19/08/2012     © Frixo 2024