Our football writer previews the English Football League Championship round 28 action kicking off on Friday 19 January 2018.
Round 28 of the English Championship is packed with great value for punters. Wolves are comfortably leading the way, but the race for the play-offs is wide open! The relegation scrap also involves a handful of teams, so expect plenty of excitement and drama in the matches ahead.
Friday 19 January
Derby 21/20 | Draw 22/10 | Bristol City 51/20 (21:45)
Derby will be eager to continue their fine form after thrashing Birmingham 3-0 away last weekend. Their unbeaten streak extends to eight matches with six wins. Bristol City, on the other hand, are struggling with three straight losses, scoring only once while conceding eight goals.
Five of the last six meetings between these teams have seen over 2.5 goals, available at 21/20, but backing Derby to take all three points on recent form looks smart.
Saturday 20 January
Bolton 31/20 | Draw 43/20 | Ipswich 17/10 (17:00)
Bolton may have lost 2-0 at Brentford but return to their fortress at Macron Stadium where they’ve won three of their last four matches. Ipswich impressed with a 1-0 home win over Leeds but have struggled away with three defeats on the trot.
A tight game is expected and the Under 2.5 Goals market at 13/20 looks a solid bet.
Leeds 23/20 | Draw 21/10 | Millwall 47/20 (17:00)
Leeds are seeking to snap a three-match winless run but remain unbeaten in their last five home games. Millwall haven’t won in their last 21 league away matches, dating back to February 2017. Leeds have claimed victory in their last five home meetings against Millwall.
A home win seems a strong pick and should be included in all multiples.
QPR 47/20 | Draw 43/20 | Middlesbrough 23/20 (17:00)
QPR’s recent form has improved with back-to-back wins. Middlesbrough suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham but are riding high with two consecutive away wins. The teams are evenly matched but the R’s might hold a slight edge.
A draw is tipped for this clash.
Sunderland 37/20 | Draw 21/10 | Hull 29/20 (17:00)
Sunderland, sitting at the bottom, have lost three of their last four matches and only secured one win at home in 13 games. Hull City have failed to win in six matches and only one success in 13 away games with three defeats straight off.
Expect a high-scoring affair with Over 2.5 Goals at 11/10 as the best bet.
Norwich 29/20 | Draw 21/10 | Sheffield United 18/10 (17:00)
Norwich head into this Saturday battle unbeaten in four matches with three wins. Sheffield United are struggling without a win in their last three games. Norwich has the dominant record, having won the last five home meetings.
Back Norwich to come out on top.
Aston Villa 11/20 | Draw 28/10 | Barnsley 5/1 (17:00)
Aston Villa have been flying high in recent weeks with three consecutive wins, scoring seven goals and conceding none. At home, they remain unbeaten in their last five games. Barnsley has struggled terribly away with just three wins in 13 matches.
Expect Aston Villa to continue their dominance and secure the win.
Reading 22/10 | Draw 24/10 | Brentford 11/10 (17:00)
Reading have been in poor form recently with no wins in seven games. Brentford boasts four wins from their last five but their away form is inconsistent. Recent meetings have seen both teams scoring.
Both Teams to Score – Yes – at 13/20 is a good wager.
Fulham 4/10 | Draw 36/10 | Burton Albion 57/10 (17:00)
Fulham has been impressive at Craven Cottage with four straight wins and are unbeaten in five. Burton Albion is struggling near relegation but impressively has won its last three away matches and took the reverse fixture 2-1.
A surprising call but backing Burton Albion to hold Fulham to a draw could pay off.
Wolves 4/10 | Draw 34/10 | Nottingham 6/1 (17:00)
Wolves were held to a goalless draw last time but remain clear leaders with a 10-point gap over second-placed Derby. Their home record is stellar with nine wins from 11 games. Nottingham are without a win in their last six and poor away form.
Wolves on the (-1) Handicap at even money is the call here.
Preston 15/20 | Draw 23/10 | Birmingham 39/10 (17:00)
Preston come off a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Millwall while Birmingham were hammered 3-0 by Derby, sitting second from the bottom. Both teams will be desperate for points, likely leading to an open attacking game.
Backing Both Teams to Score – Yes – at 12/10 is recommended.
Sheffield Wednesday 7/4 | Draw 21/10 | Cardiff 31/20 (19:30)
Sheffield Wednesday have been poor at home with three straight losses. Cardiff lost back-to-back away games but will be buoyed after a confident 4-0 home win versus Sunderland.
Away win for Cardiff is anticipated.
TREBLE TIPPED @ 12/1
- Leeds Win 23/20
- Norwich Win 29/20
- Cardiff Win 31/20
