James Buttler looks ahead to Sunday's Championship action and picks out the best bets with a treble.
Sheffield United v West Brom
Now second-placed Sheffield United saw their 11-match unbeaten run ended by a 2-0 home defeat to fellow automatic promotion chasers Burnley on Boxing Day. But the Blades should bounce back against The Baggies on Sunday. Prior to the Burnley loss Bramall Lane was a fortress where home wins to nil were the norm.
West Brom are a good side that currently occupy eighth in the table, but they are winless in their last four away matches and lost the last two of those. The Blades and ‘unders’ has been a regular winner for Betting Radio this season and that one Burnley blip doesn’t put me off it just yet. Sheffield United and Under 2.5 match goals is 3/1 with Betfair.
Blackburn Rovers v Hull City
Blackburn have experienced a minor blip with an away defeat at Millwall and a home draw against Sunderland, but they’ve taken seven points from their last three homes matches and beaten high-flying Leeds United in the process.
It’s a run that has taken Rovers to fifth in the Championship table and Sunday sees them host a side that can’t buy a win on the road.
Hull are in relegation bother, currently 22nd and only a point above bottom sides Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff City. They have no win in six away trips and have lost their last seven. Blackburn should take the three points and the 11/10 for them to win is fine by me.
Coventry City v Millwall
Frank Lampard’s Coventry City – apparently you must call any team managed by Lamps with his name at the start. I’m not sure whether it’s contractual. They got off to a stonking 4-0 start at home to Plymouth on Boxing Day and I expect more of the same in Sunday.
The Sky Blues take on a Millwall side with no win in four away games and Coventry were left in good shape by former boss Mark Robins and if Lampard can utilise the loan market, as he did at Derby a few seasons ago, expect Coventry to climb towards the playoff spots. Coventry City to win and Over 2.5 match goals is 23/10 with Paddy Power.
James’ Championship Treble
Roll those selections into a treble and it amounts to 25/1 with Betfair.
Please gamble responsibly and have a very Happy New Year.