Football Championship Preview

We have just one live Championship game this weekend as Forest take on Derby in the East Midlands derby. Having lived in the fine city of Nottingham for a while and worked in Derby I know just how important a game this is to the people of both cities. The players will also know this and this is reflected in the sendings-off market with a red card being shown in each of the last three meetings. I like the 5/4 (paddy Power) available on Derby defender Craig Bryson to be booked as he has been in two of his last four games. Simon Cox is another among the bookings having been shown the yellow card in two of his last three games and he is 11/8 (paddy Power) to be booked here. Those looking for a bet on the match itself can get 10/9 (pinnacle) on a Nottingham Forest victory, 47/18 (pinnacle) the draw and 3/1 (general) on an away victory.

The pick of the bets in the Championship is Barnsley to defeat Ipswich at 13/9 (Pinnacle). The Tractor Boys are without a win in their last five games (losing each of their last three) and they are up against a Barnsley side who hit Birmingham for five last week. The Tykes are unbeaten at home this season winning two and drawing with Blackpool. These are two sides on the opposite ends of the confidence stakes and the home win is the way to go.

Another home win on a side in form is Huddersfield to beat Watford. Confidence must be sky high with the home side after winning 3-1 at Blackpool. Simon Grayson has done an excellent job since taking over the club and they should be able to see off a Watford side with no wins in their last five games. Gianfranco Zola seems a lovely guy however I am not convinced that he is a football manager. The 23/20 (william hill) are offering must be taken.

As well as providing you with winning bets this column also likes to warn you off bets. Most people will be rushing to add Brighton to accumulators as they take on a Birmingham side hit for five last week. I think Birmingham will have a point to prove after an embarassing showing on national television while Brighton rode their luck a little against Millwall. The last three meetings between these sides have ended drawn and with the away side desperate to keep things tight this could end up the same way.

Another bet I like the look of is Crystal Palace at 24/17 (32 Red) in the double chance market. Bolton are no mugs especially at home and this is a tricky game for Palace. However, bookmakers have misjudged the away side who are on a good run of form themselves. Palace are unbeaten in their last four including a victory over Cardiff and sit on identical points with Bolton. In addition why not try a few goalscorer bets on this game on two in-form strikers. Glenn Murray is 9/1 (Stan James/bet365) to score first or 11/4 (Skybet/william hill). The Palace striker netted a hat-trick against Cardiff last game. Another player who is also in form is Chris Eagles who is 9/1 (Stan James) or 11/4 anytime (Skybet/william hill). The midfielder has grabbed four goals in his last six games for the Trotters.

The game of the weekend in this division is the one that pitches Cardiff up against Blackpool Both sides will be looking to bounce back from disappointment last time out. Both sides have a number of goalscoring threats and it might pay to side with over 3.5 goals which is available at 2/1 (william hill).

Go To bet365

#Ad

28/09/2012     © Frixo 2024