Our football writer previews the English Football League Championship round 13 action which kicks off on Saturday 21 October 2017.
It’s never easy to pick the winners in the Championship but when you do, it’s always a valuable payout. Round 12 produced plenty of upsets and I’m determined to come back strong with a full set of fixtures lined up for the weekend. Let’s get to it.
Saturday 21 October
Brentford 15/20 | Draw 26/10 | Sunderland 31/10 (16:00)
Brentford will take on a lacklustre Sunderland side on Saturday afternoon. The hosts are unbeaten in their last five matches, as well as their last five home games.
Sunderland are without a win in their last 10 matches, including six losses and four draws. Those stats alone are enough evidence for me to back the home side. The Black Cats are on a downward spiral so I suggest you back Brentford with confidence.
Wolves 15/20 | Draw 49/20 | Preston 36/10 (16:00)
Table-toppers Wolves have been excellent in recent weeks with four wins from their last five matches, including back-to-back victories, scoring six goals without conceding. Preston have been excellent, as they remain unbeaten in their last nine games with four wins and five draws.
The home side will be determined to stay at the top of the log, while Preston will be looking to maintain their superb form. As a result, Both Teams to Score – Yes – is the way to go here at 9/10.
Barnsley 19/10 | Draw 47/20 | Hull City 13/10 (16:00)
Barnsley played to a 2-2 home draw with Middlesbrough last time out and face another former Premier League side in the form of Hull City.
The Tigers earned a well-deserved 1-1 draw at Norwich last time out, while prior to the international break, they had smashed Birmingham 6-1 on home soil. This one should go down to the wire but I like the current look of this Hull City team. A small punt on the away win will do.
Nottingham 15/20 | Draw 26/10 | Burton Albion 32/10 (16:00)
Nottingham have been dismal with four losses from their last five matches and have also lost four of their last five matches. However, Burton Albion are winless on their travels in their last seven matches, including three losses and four draws.
Both sides have shown glimpses of improvement in their last two matches and I’m expecting an entertaining clash here. The Over 2.5 Goals market is worth a dabble at 15/20.
Bristol City 21/20 | Draw 24/10 | Leeds United 47/20 (16:00)
Bristol City and Leeds United will square off on Saturday with the former unbeaten in their last 10 matches at home. Leeds have been in terrible form with four losses from their last five games, including three straight defeats, scoring once and conceding seven times.
The home side are placed fourth on the standings and will be hopeful of remaining hot on the heels of the log-leaders. Bristol City are tipped to capitalize on home advantage.
Middlesbrough 21/20 | Draw 22/10 | Cardiff 51/20 (16:00)
Middlesbrough earned a hard-earned point at Barnsley last time out and will be hoping to build on that. Second-placed Cardiff suffered their second defeat of the season last weekend but will be desperate to return to winning ways.
Cardiff have lost the last three meetings at Middlesbrough for those who are keen on past meetings. However, I think both sides will find the back of the net and that’s what I’m tipping.
Bolton 39/20 | Draw 22/10 | QPR 27/20 (16:00)
Bolton remain bottom of the table despite claiming their first win of the season last time out – a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at home.
QPR are without a win in their last 13 matches on the road, including nine losses and four draws. With both sides struggling to find a winning formula, I’m expecting a dull contest. The Totals – Under 2.5 Goals – should be taken at 15/20.
Sheffield United 1/1 | Draw 47/20 | Reading 26/10 (16:00)
Sheffield United have been excellent with three wins from their last four matches and have the best home record in the league, winning five of their six games. Reading are just two points off the drop zone with only three wins from 11 matches this season.
The away side won both meetings last season and will look to that as motivation ahead of the clash. Nonetheless, Sheffield are looking a class above their opponents and should do enough to claim the three points.
Derby 23/20 | Draw 22/10 | Sheffield Wednesday 47/20 (16:00)
Derby returned to winning ways last time out, ending a dry spell of four matches without a win. The Rams have won three of their last four matches at home and will be up for the challenge to add to that tally.
Sheffield Wednesday have lost their last two games on the road and have lost three of their last four matches, including a 2-1 defeat to bottom-dwellers Bolton last weekend. The home win is tipped.
Aston Villa 5/4 | Draw 23/10 | Fulham 2/1 (16:00)
Aston Villa’s four-game winning streak came to an end last time out with Wolves snatching a 2-0 victory at the Molineux Stadium. The Villains will return to their fortress where they remain unbeaten in their last eight matches, dating all the way back to last season.
Fulham have been strong on the road this term with three wins from six matches, going down just once. However, their lack of consistency has cost them too much, too often this season. Back the Villains to come out on top.
Millwall 11/10 | Draw 22/10 | Birmingham 49/20 (18:30)
Millwall have been poor of late with back-to-back losses, scoring just once and conceding four times. The Lions will return to the Den this weekend, where they have won three of their last four matches. Birmingham returned to winning ways in spectacular fashion, edging Cardiff 1-0 at home.
Most would have been surprised by the upset but this is the sort of thing you can expect in the Championship. The Blues have the worst away record in the league as they remain winless on the road, scoring just three times and conceding 13. Millwall look well worth a punt.
Sunday 22 October
Ipswich 21/10 | Draw 24/10 | Norwich 23/20 (13:00)
Let’s make this one quick and to the point. Ipswich have been dismal of late with two losses on the bounce, scoring once and conceding four times.
Norwich are unbeaten in their last seven games and have won their last three travels. The Canaries are also unbeaten against their opponents in the last eight meetings. Get on the away win.
TREBLE TIPPED @ 9/1
Derby Win 23/20
Millwall Win 11/10
Norwich Win 23/20
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