Thought I'd do some previews in a slightly different format today, and give y'all my thoughts on a few of today's Championship fixtures, a league I know a bit about (although not Swansea v Crystal Palace- that's already kicked off)
Bristol City v Middlesbrough
Both teams were rather disappointingly dumped out of the FA Cup last weekend by Sheffield Wednesday and Burton Albion respectively. Both sides started the season poorly, leading to managerial changes, but while Bristol City have recovered somewhat (with summer signing Brett Pitman finding his feet and starting to score goals at this level), Middlesbrough have been sluggish of late, and their dreadful 2-2-9 away record makes William Hill's 13/8 on Bristol City to win very appealing
Norwich v Cardiff
This 3rd v 2nd clash could be an absolute humdinger. Norwich have been very impressive under Paul Lambert this season- their squad contains few big household names, but many young players with potential and a point to prove, particularly after their FA Cup exit against Leyton Orient, and a strong holiday period leaves them well-placed for at least a play-off place. Cardiff, on the other hand, do have a smattering of big names and experienced players, but have had a ropey holiday period (last week's FA Cup draw away at Stoke notwithstanding), and have already lost 6 away games in the Championship this season. Snap up the 6/5 on Norwich offered by Boylesports
Nottingham Forest v Portsmuth
Forest have an unbeaten home record that stretches back as far as 30 games- their less impressive away form is the main barrier between them and a play-off place, and their attacking artillery looks set to be further enhanced by USA striker Robbie Findley. Portsmouth's recent form has dipped somewhat, culminating in a 3-1 defeat by Brighton in the FA Cup last time out, but they look like they should survive in the Championship this season, which would arguably be considered a success given their financial worries. Forest should be too strong at home for them, though, with 4/6 generally available on the home win
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Showing posts with label Championship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Championship. Show all posts
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Another early tip for 2009/2010
Well, this writer is spending much of his time swotting up on the Brazilian league to keep y'all going over the summer. In the meantime, here's another early tip for 2009/2010:
Ipswich to win the English Championship @ 10/1 (general). Yes, this is the Roy Keane effect, but once again Keane, as he was at Sunderland, is backed by plenty of dosh and ambition. This writer expects him to deliver. Keane himself will be a big sell, and will surely attract some quality players to Portman Road (don't be surprised to see him raid Manchester United's Reserves again). Back the Tractor Boys now- they won't be 10/1 if the anticipated fire sales at the relegated sides (the only sides currently with shorter odds) take place
Ipswich to win the English Championship @ 10/1 (general). Yes, this is the Roy Keane effect, but once again Keane, as he was at Sunderland, is backed by plenty of dosh and ambition. This writer expects him to deliver. Keane himself will be a big sell, and will surely attract some quality players to Portman Road (don't be surprised to see him raid Manchester United's Reserves again). Back the Tractor Boys now- they won't be 10/1 if the anticipated fire sales at the relegated sides (the only sides currently with shorter odds) take place
Friday, 24 April 2009
Birmingham City v Preston North End, Saturday 25th April
My Thoughts
A win for Birmingham takes them up into the Premier League. It really is as simple as that for Alex Mcleish's side, as they face a Preston side fresh off the back of ending Cardiff's automatic promotion challenge with an emphatic 6-0 romp at Deepdale last Saturday, a result which means Alan Irvine's side still themselves have a mathematical chance of making the play-offs. Birmingham's home form this season has been predominantly solid. They are not among the division's highest scorers, but the experienced Maik Taylor (who should be back in goals following suspension) forms part of a solid, cohesive unit at the back, which is helped by a midfield never short on effort. Preston travel to St Andrews in buoyant mood after that 6-0 win over Cardiff, but also with a poor away record this season away from home: only 4 wins away from home this season, the 18th best record in the Championship.
The Verdict
Birmingham have been solid if unspectacular in their promotion push this season, and are unbeaten in 10 at St Andrews. I can see this being another tight game, but Birmingham should be able to do enough to get the win to take them back up. Home win
The Bet
Birmingham can be backed at 5/6 with Betfred to win, although it may also be worth considering under 2.5 goals, which is available across the market at 4/6
A win for Birmingham takes them up into the Premier League. It really is as simple as that for Alex Mcleish's side, as they face a Preston side fresh off the back of ending Cardiff's automatic promotion challenge with an emphatic 6-0 romp at Deepdale last Saturday, a result which means Alan Irvine's side still themselves have a mathematical chance of making the play-offs. Birmingham's home form this season has been predominantly solid. They are not among the division's highest scorers, but the experienced Maik Taylor (who should be back in goals following suspension) forms part of a solid, cohesive unit at the back, which is helped by a midfield never short on effort. Preston travel to St Andrews in buoyant mood after that 6-0 win over Cardiff, but also with a poor away record this season away from home: only 4 wins away from home this season, the 18th best record in the Championship.
The Verdict
Birmingham have been solid if unspectacular in their promotion push this season, and are unbeaten in 10 at St Andrews. I can see this being another tight game, but Birmingham should be able to do enough to get the win to take them back up. Home win
The Bet
Birmingham can be backed at 5/6 with Betfred to win, although it may also be worth considering under 2.5 goals, which is available across the market at 4/6
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