This weekend see’s the final round of Championship fixtures before the international break. We take a look at three key fixtures and provide betting selections in each. All odds are taken from our designated bookmaker BeanBagSports.
Nottingham Forest v Hull City (Saturday 3pm)
It would be fair to say that Nottingham Forest have been a model of inconsistency at the start of their season. Two wins, two draws and two defeats from their last six games certainly reflects that, as done their mid-table league position. Predicting any outcome from a game they are involved with is never easy. However they entertain a Hull City side who have started the season very brightly, albeit with slightly indifferent road on their travels. If this game was home form against away from then it would be 17th against 15th. All points towards a very tight encounter at the City Ground. With that being the case then the opening periods of the game could be slow-burners. A price of 11/10 for a half time draw certainly appeals. The last five meetings has seen a winner emerge from this game, all by a one goal margin. Given the hosts inconsistency, Hull to win by a goal is fairly generously priced at 16/5 and is certainly worth considering. If you’re feeling extremely ambitious, then a 1-0 Hull win is available at 7/1. This has all the makings of being a typically scrappy Championship encounter.
Recommended tips: Half-time draw (11/10)…..Hull to win by 1 goal (16/5)…..Hull win 1-0 (7/1)
Reading v Middlesbrough (Saturday 3pm)
If any neutral fan was given the option to attending any Championship game this weekend, then a large majority of those would pick this encounter for sure! 3rd takes on 2nd at the Madejski Stadium as the two form sides take each other on and immediately the goals market appeals. Reading did make plenty of signings on and around the transfer deadline day and those players are starting to truly settle into Steve Clarke’s way of playing. They could head into this game without Matej Vydra however, which would be a blow. On paper Middlesbrough’s front line is very much to the envy of every other Championship manager. The likes of Kike and Albert Adomah are resigned to places on the bench at the moment, indicating the strength of their squad. Middlesbrough are greatly improved away from home this season and a price of 9/5 for the straight win is a neat little price to back. Middlesbrough to score over 1.5 goals at 7/4 is a must have, especially when it is remembered they have scored at least two or three goals in their last five matches. There has also been two or three goals in Reading’s last three matches so the unique betting market of there being two or three goals in this game is a respectable 5/6 shot. On paper this should be an entertaining game and the watching crowd shouldn’t be disappointed on that front.
Recommended tips: Middlesbrough win (9/5)…..Middlesbrough to score over 1.5 goals (7/4)….. 2-3 goals in the game (5/6)
Charlton Athletic v Fulham (Sunday 12noon)
They say form goes out of the window when it comes to local derbies and Charlton will certainly be hoping that is the case! They have lost four out of their last five Championship games and were also knocked out of the cup by Crystal Palace in the midst of that. Fulham aren’t in glowing form themselves however, they did hammer QPR 4-0 but were comfortably beaten by Wolves since them and had lost their two games prior to the QPR match. Once again we look towards the goals market in this game as it is hard to back any of the two teams outright with any degree of confidence. Charlton have only kept one clean sheet at home this season and Fulham haven’t earned any on their travels, therefore both teams to score at 5/8 should be a fairly decent shout. Charlton have however earned victories against both QPR and Hull at The Valley so far this season, scoring twice in the second half each time. This game should open up more in the second half, so backing over 1.5 goals in the second half at 1/1 is of serious interest. Finally we’ll have a little peak into something of more value, with Charlton to win the second half priced at 19/10. They noticeably score very early in the second half quite often and if they can do that again then this bet has a great chance of coming in. An entertaining game is expected.
Recommended tips: Both teams to score (5/8)…..Over 1.5 goals in second half (1/1)….. Charlton to win second half (19/10)
