We have a full slate of Championship football and Matthew O'Regan is here with his best bets and predictions.
Wrexham vs Coventry –
Coventry Over 1.5 Goals - 1.90 - betano
Wrexham created history by securing three promotions in a row to play in the Championship. While a fourth promotion seems out the question, The Red Dragons will be looking to consolidate in the second tier.
After conceding 12 goals in their first six league games, Phil Parkinson has prioritised pragmatism, conceding just five in the next six – with the opposition scoring fewer than two in all of these.
However, they face off against the best side in the division in Coventry. Frank Lampard’s side have scored 34 goals in 12 games, including 18 in their away way games, only failing to score 2+ once.
Leicester vs Blackburn-
Under 2.5 Goals - 1.80- Betmgm
The two former Premier League champions now do battle in the second tier, both looking to overcome shaky starts to the season.
Leicester fans are becoming frustrated with Marti Cifuentes’ slow style of play, with the Spaniard’s side struggling going forward. Of their 12 games, The Foxes have only scored 2 or more in 4/12, with under 2.5 goals landing in 4/5 – the exception the 2-1 win over strugglers Sheffield Wednesday on opening day.
The problems at Blackburn continue to worsen. Incompetence at boardroom level has seen the club in a relegation battle. Valerin Ismael’s side are outside the relegation zone by just one point and face slipping into the bottom three if they fail to get a result at Kingpower. Away from home, Rovers games are averaging just two goals, with 3/5 seeing under 2.5.
Norwich vs Hull –
Hull Draw No Bet- 2.25 - Betnero
To the surprise of many, Norwich are engulfed in a relegation battle. Only financially stricken Sheffield Wednesday have fewer points than the Canaries who have lost all five home games. Protests are expected at a despondent Carrow Road.
Hull on the other hand are the leagues entertainers, scoring 20 and conceding 12 in eight games. The Tigers will look to bring this chaos to Norfolk and potentially spell the end of Liam Manning’s short tenure at Carrow Road.
West Brom vs Sheffield Wednesday-
Sheffield Wednesday Draw No Bet - 5.00 - betmgm
West Brom took a risk in hiring the inexperienced Ryan Mason in the summer, with the first time gaffer seeing his side in 11th. While they have won five games under his stewardship, The Baggies have been far from convincing, with all their victories coming by a sole goal.
With so much turmoil at Hillsborough, Sheffield Wednesday treat away games like a carnival – something that spurs the side on. The Owls boast a better record on the road than at home. Of their two losses, both came by just one goal, so another tight, low-margin game is expected – one the visitors might just nick.
Stoke vs Bristol City
Stoke Draw No Bet - 1.72 - Betano
It is no surprise that Stoke are flying under Mark Robins. The 55-year-old is an extremely popular figure at Coventry after the stellar work he did there. While last season was about stabilising the Potters, this season was seen as the one where Stoke return to the Premier League after a seven year hiatus.
Robins has made his side hard to beat- particularly at home. Stoke have lost just once in five and conceded three goals, so will fancy their chances of mustering at least a draw – despite Bristol City’s blistering start to the season.
Watford vs Middlesbrough
Over 2.5 Goals- 1.80 - Betano
Watford are already onto their second manager of the season, with Javi Gracia once again gracing the Vicarage Road dugout. The Spaniard has had a mixed start since returning, with a 2-1 win over West Brom sandwiched in between away losses to Sheffield United (1-0) and Coventry (3-1). The Hornets were particularly strong against Coventry and perhaps could’ve salvaged a draw if it weren’t for the heroics of the Sky Blues goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. Of their six home games, five have seen at least three goals.
Due to the excellence of Coventry, Middlesbrough’s strong start to the season has perhaps gone unnoticed. After making the bold decision to sack Michael Carrick in the summer, Rob Edwards was hired as his replacement. Under his guise, Boro now sit second just three points off the table toppers. While their six home games have seen just six goals, their nine in six away from home suggests the handbrakes come off a bit when travelling.
Charlton vs Swansea
Zan Vipotnik To Score- 4.5- Betano
Alan Sheehan remains a divisive figure amongst the fanbase, with his pragmatism frustrating the home faithful. While Swansea sit 13th, just three points off the playoffs, most of this has come from striker Zan Vipotnik.
The Slovenian is in his second season at the club and has already surpassed last seasons goalscoring tally. With six goals in eight starts, the quoted price on Vipotnik look far too big.
Oxford United vs Millwall
Millwall Draw No Bet- 1.90 - Betmgm
Sat in third, Millwall fans are dreaming of a first ever promotion to the Premier League. Shrewd recruitment and Alex Neil getting the best out of the squad at his disposal has seen the Lions emerge as genuine promotion contenders.
Millwall are yet to lose this season on the road, picking up 11 points from a possible 15, including impressive wins at Loftus Road and Brammall Lane.
They travel to an Oxford side who are struggling in front of goal, particularly at home. Gary Rowett’s side only win at the Kassam Stadium came against struggling Derby.
QPR vs Ipswich
QPR Double Chance - 1.70 - Betnero
Ipswich head into this game as clear favourites – something I disagree with. The pre-season title favourites have been disappointing as they chase an instant return to the Premier League. While their 14 points from seven home games is promotion worth, The Tractor Boys have taken just two points on the road.
QPR have been an enigma this season and come into this after a disappointing 1-0 loss at Derby. Still, The Hoops are ninth in the league and will be looking to bank on their strong home form against an out of sorts Ipswich. Julien Stephen’s side have lost just twice this season, so the prices on double chance appeal.
Southampton vs Preston
Under 2.5 Goals – 1.95 - Quickbet
Another relegated team struggling are Southampton. Despite the appointment of the highly touted Will Still, The Saints are currently just three points clear of relegation with just two wins to their name.
The St. Mary’s faithful will be particularly frustrated by the lack of penetration in the final third. Southampton have scored just four times in five home games, with these games seeing just eight goals.
Experienced operator Paul Heckingbottom will arrive on the south coast looking to frustrate the hosts. Preston are seventh in the league after an unlikely start. However, North End have struggled on the road, winning just once with the games seeing just 11 goals in five.
Birmingham vs Portsmouth
Under 2.5 goals- 1.75- Betnero
Birmingham were one of the pre-season title favourites after storming to the League One title last year but things are yet to materialise for The Blues. Chris Davies’ side have struggled and are 15th but are just about keeping pace with the playoff chasers. While goals flowed easily last campaign, they have been hard to come by this year. Only four teams have scored fewer goals.
One of these teams is Portsmoith who have just ten goals to their name. Away from home, their games are even lower-scoring averaging just 1.6 goals.
Sheffield United vs Derby
Under 2.5 goals- 1.66- Betmgm
The league lowest scorers host the side with the least xG generated in what should be a cagey affair at Bramall Lane. After an unsuccessful five game period in charge, Ruben Selles was dismissed as Sheffield United, with Chris Wilder back for his third spell as manager.
While performances under the club legend have improved, goal scoring remains an issue. At home, they have just won win and three goals from five, so John Eustace will look to sit deep and frustrate.
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