Be careful of first impressions in the Championship

’I don’t know if you ever noticed this, but first impressions are often entirely wrong. You can look at a painting for the first time, for example, and not like it all, but after looking at it a little longer you may find it very pleasing. The very first time you try Gorgonzola cheese you may find it too strong, but when you are older you want to eat nothing but Gorgonzola cheese…..Your initial opinion on just about anything might change over time.’

That is a quote from Lemony Snicket, the Bad Beginning and it is the most valuable piece of betting advice I can give you before you place your football bets this weekend. It is one of the reasons why you must look to oppose Blackpool at evens (CORAL) at home to Barnsley. The first weekend of the season saw Blackpool comfortable 3-1 winners over Doncaster while Barnsley were easily beaten by Wigan 4-0. The conclusion for this week then would be that Blackpool should cruise to victory though that is now football works. The Tykes are unlikely to meet a side as strong as Wigan this season nor are Blackpool as likely to meet a side as easy to beat as Doncaster were on the opening day. Crucially Blackpool will be without Thomas Ince who is their key player as he is suspended this should give Barnsley hope especially as they won here 2-1 in February which made it two wins and a draw from their previous three visits. It is for that reason that I think Barnsley are value at 7/2 (bet365/william hill/SPREADEX) although I am keen to get the draw on side so will do so with the Asian Handicap where Barnsley are given a 0.5 start and are 30/29 (188 BET).

The biggest game in the Championship this weekend could be the battle between Bolton and Reading both of whom are expected to be among the front-runners in the race for promotion.

The Trotters are the 7/5 (BETVICTOR/william hill) favourites for the game as they look to extend a run of form at the Reebok that has seen them win nine and draw two of their last 11 games.

Reading will take heart from the three points they got against Ipswich on the opening day of the season and the fitness concers Bolton have over key player Chris Eagles. The Royals are 9/4 (bet365) for victory and the draw is 5/2 (BETVICTOR) in a tough looking game.

Another team I like the look of are Burnley to get something from their game with Sheffield Wedneday. I saw both these teams in action on the opening weekend and the Clarets impressed me much more than the Owls. Sean Dyche has Burnley playing some nice football to go along with their organisation and team spirit and if they spend the Charlie Austin money well they can go well. Wednesday meanwhile looked to be lacking in creative strength against a QPR side who looked for the taking at the back. The Owls have won just one of their last seven games against the Clarets at Hillsborough and I think the visitors can get something here so look to take them at 13/8 (SKYBET) in the draw no bet market.

One final bet I would like to recommend comes in the anytime scorer market in the game between Yeovil and Birmingham. Dan Burn was a threat in the air last weekend for the Blues and up against the side he played for last season I think he looks overpriced at 12/1 with bet365 to get among the goals.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Barnsley +0.5 on Asian Handicap v Blackpool, 30/29 (188 BET)
SILVER: Burnley in draw no bet market v Sheffield Wednesday, 13/8 (SKYBET)
BRONZE: Dan Burn to score anytime v Yeovil, 12/1 (bet365)

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09/08/2013     © Frixo 2026