Our football writer previews the English Football League Championship round 22 action which kicks off on Friday 15 December 2017.
Exciting times are ahead in Round 22 of the EFL Championship, featuring 12 captivating fixtures packed with value and real opportunities to win! League leaders Wolves hit a bump, settling for a goalless draw at home against relegation-threatened Sunderland, paving the way for title chasers to close the gap. The struggle at the bottom intensifies with Birmingham, Sunderland, and Burton Albion all battling to avoid the drop. Let’s dive into what each of this weekend’s thrilling clashes have in store.
Friday 15 December
Sheffield Wednesday 24/10 | Draw 47/20 | Wolves 21/20 (21:45)
Friday’s spotlight is on Sheffield Wednesday hosting league-toppers Wolves. Sheffield Wednesday have hit a rough patch with no wins in their last five matches, while Wolves are riding high with three consecutive away victories, scoring five goals and keeping clean sheets along the way.
This matchup promises a nail-biter after Wolves’ recent goalless home draw against Sunderland. The prediction? Wolves should bounce back strong with a confident away win. Back the away victory!
Saturday 16 December
Derby 12/10 | Draw 22/10 | Aston Villa 22/10 (17:00)
Derby hosts Aston Villa in an intense clash at Pride Park Stadium. The Rams boast four wins out of their last five games and are eager to keep momentum, while Aston Villa remain unbeaten in their past five but have drawn the last two.
Given Derby’s strength at home and Aston Villa’s struggles on the road, expect the home crowd to cheer their team to victory. Derby to claim all three points!
Birmingham 14/10 | Draw 43/20 | QPR 19/10 (17:00)
Birmingham is searching for form, winless across their last four, including two consecutive defeats. QPR shares a similar fate, with no wins in six and poor away form (winless in 17 away games dating back to February).
With Birmingham’s home scoring woes (just six goals in ten games), this contest looks low-scoring. Under 2.5 Goals is a safe bet at 13/20.
Millwall 2/1 | Draw 21/10 | Middlesbrough 27/20 (17:00)
Millwall aim to bounce back after a gritty goalless draw at Aston Villa. They impressed recently with a 3-1 home win against title hopefuls Sheffield United. Middlesbrough broke a losing streak with a strong 2-0 win over Ipswich.
This will be an attacking affair, with both teams likely to find the net. Both Teams to Score at 9/10 is worth backing.
Bristol City 15/20 | Draw 26/10 | Nottingham 33/10 (17:00)
Bristol City are in excellent form with three straight wins, including recent home dominance over Nottingham. Nottingham’s away woes continue with seven losses in ten games and three successive defeats.
Bristol City is eyeing the title and will be determined to claim maximum points. The home win looks solid.
Sunderland 19/10 | Draw 23/10 | Fulham 27/20 (17:00)
A tough encounter awaits between Sunderland and Fulham. Sunderland sit near the bottom with just two wins in 21 matches but showed heart holding Wolves to a 0-0 draw. Fulham enjoys solid form, boasting three wins in their last four.
This one might end evenly matched. A draw seems likely.
Ipswich 29/20 | Draw 23/10 | Reading 7/4 (17:00)
Ipswich are coming off a 2-0 loss to Middlesbrough but had back-to-back wins before that. Reading held strong with a 2-2 draw against title contenders Cardiff, marking five unbeaten matches on the trot.
The last five meetings between these two have been goal-rich, averaging 3.4 goals per game. Over 2.5 Goals market at 9/10 is a smart pick.
Bolton 19/20 | Draw 22/10 | Burton Albion 29/10 (17:00)
In a relegation battle, Bolton face Burton Albion. The hosts are 21st, narrowly above the bottom three by goal difference, while Burton sit last. Both teams have only three wins this season from 21 games.
Expect a tight, low-scoring clash. Under 2.5 Goals at 13/20 is recommended.
Preston 5/4 | Draw 9/4 | Sheffield United 2/1 (17:00)
Preston is unbeaten in their last five with two consecutive wins. Sheffield United, though winless in four with two defeats, are looking for a revival to stay in the title hunt.
All last three clashes at Deepdale have ended in draws. Another stalemate is on the cards.
Leeds 23/20 | Draw 23/10 | Norwich 22/10 (17:00)
Leeds is close to the play-offs, eager to close the gap. Norwich has been disappointing with only seven wins in 21 matches.
Despite Leeds’ modest home form, Norwich’s poor travel record suggests Leeds should take the win. Back the home victory.
Brentford 11/20 | Draw 31/10 | Barnsley 4/1 (17:00)
Brentford remain unbeaten at home following nine matches. Barnsley struggles with six games without a win, suffering five straight losses.
Home victory for Brentford is the safe bet.
Cardiff 13/20 | Draw 26/10 | Hull 39/10 (19:30)
Cardiff stands undefeated at home, with seven wins and three draws in ten matches. Hull recently won 3-2 at home but struggles severely away with only one win in ten.
Backing Cardiff for the home win is sensible.
TREBLE TIPPED @ 4/1
Bristol City to Win 15/20
Brentford to Win 11/20
Millwall vs Middlesbrough BTTS at 9/10
