Our football writer previews the English Football League Championship round 27 action which kicks off on Friday 12 January 2018.
With 20 rounds of Championship football remaining, Wolves sit comfortably at the summit, leading by an impressive 12 points. Their focus and drive will be crucial as they push to secure a well-deserved return to the English Premier League!
The battle for the play-off spots is still wide open, and the relegation fight promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. After a season packed with excitement, Week 27 is set to deliver even more captivating clashes.
Friday 12 January
Sheffield Utd 17/20 | Draw 23/10 | Sheffield Wed 32/10 (21:45)
The curtain raiser on Friday night features the fiery Steel City Derby. Sheffield United have been formidable at home, though their recent form flickers a little. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday have struggled terribly away, losing five of their last six matches. The Owls have recently endured back-to-back defeats, conceding five goals without reply. A tight home victory looks the most likely outcome.
Saturday 13 January
Cardiff 7/10 | Draw 49/20 | Sunderland 38/10 (14:30)
Saturday’s early kickoff sees Cardiff face bottom-placed Sunderland. Cardiff have been woeful lately, suffering four straight defeats. Sunderland celebrated their first away win recently with a 2-0 triumph over Reading and will look to continue their escape fight. With five of their last six meetings going over 2.5 goals, expect another goal-filled encounter.
Burton Albion 37/20 | Draw 2/1 | QPR 15/10 (17:00)
Burton Albion impressed with a 3-0 away victory at Sheffield Wednesday last time out but have not won at home in their last nine matches, suffering eight losses. QPR are coming off a hard-earned 2-1 home win over Cardiff and will be eager to keep the good form going. This clash is expected to be tight, so backing under 2.5 goals at 6/10 looks like a smart play.
Hull City 21/20 | Draw 23/10 | Reading 5/2 (17:00)
Hull City and Reading meet in what promises to be an entertaining tussle. The Tigers have gone five games without a win, and Reading haven’t won in six, including four defeats. Given both sides’ struggles, a low-scoring game is anticipated; the Under 2.5 Goals market at 8/10 is tipped.
Bristol City 12/10 | Draw 23/10 | Norwich 43/20 (17:00)
Bristol City have been disappointing recently, including a heavy 5-0 loss at Aston Villa. Norwich have remained unbeaten in their last three league outings and aim to continue their solid form following a goalless FA Cup draw with Chelsea. The Canaries look organised and are tipped for at least a draw with the Win/Draw Double Chance on Norwich at 6/10.
Brentford 11/20 | Draw 31/10 | Bolton 17/4 (17:00)
Brentford remain unbeaten at home since their season opener, chalking up 12 matches without defeat on home turf. Bolton have struggled badly with just one win in 13 games, scoring only nine goals and conceding 24. Brentford took the reverse fixture 3-0 and look favourites for the home win once again.
Birmingham 47/20 | Draw 2/1 | Derby 5/4 (17:00)
Birmingham have shown resilience lately with back-to-back wins, scoring three goals without letting any in. Second-placed Derby are unbeaten on the road in their last nine matches, with five wins and four draws. Derby’s confidence and previous 2-1 win over Birmingham suggest they should narrowly take the spoils.
Barnsley 4/1 | Draw 26/10 | Wolves 13/20 (17:00)
Barnsley face Wolves at Oakwell on Saturday. Barnsley have not won at home in their last five matches, including three losses. Wolves are the dominant table leaders, remaining undefeated in their last 12 matches with 10 victories. Wolves also won the reverse fixture 2-1 and are the strong pick for an away win.
Millwall 15/10 | Draw 2/1 | Preston 37/20 (17:00)
Millwall are unbeaten in their last five home matches, winning three, while Preston have been equally strong on their travels. Millwall have claimed victory in the last four home encounters with Preston and are tipped to continue capitalising on home advantage.
Middlesbrough 21/20 | Draw 47/20 | Fulham 49/20 (17:00)
Middlesbrough have been excellent at home with four wins in their last six matches. Fulham haven’t lost in their last four games, with three wins highlighted by a 4-1 home thrashing of Ipswich. Expect a tight, cagey game with a draw likely.
Ipswich 39/20 | Draw 21/10 | Leeds 14/10 (17:00)
Ipswich are struggling with no wins in their last four and consecutive losses. Leeds have also had a tough run but desperately need points to secure their play-off spot. Their recent matches suggest both teams usually score; backing Both Teams to Score – Yes at 9/10 is advisable.
Nottingham 19/10 | Draw 2/1 | Aston Villa 29/20 (19:30)
Nottingham Forest took an impressive 4-2 win over Arsenal but have been winless in their last five league matches including losses at home. Aston Villa come into this with back-to-back wins, including a 5-0 thrashing of Bristol City. Expect a close game with Aston Villa narrowly predicted to win.
TREBLE TIPPED @ 11/2
Brentford Win 11/20
Wolves Win 13/20
Millwall Win 15/10
