Championship Betting Preview: Can resurgent Preston halt the Blues?

Championship / Andrew French / 11 December 2008 / Leave a Comment

Alex McLeish's men have given the perfect response to their early November slump and are now in a prime position to give Wolves a serious run for their money at the top of the division. But their trip to Lancashire this weekend will not be easy, says Andrew French.

With 47 points from 22 games, Birmingham would - in most recent seasons - have done enough to be top of the Championship. The fact they are being stopped by near neighbours Wolves is bound to irk them, but they are still steadily going about their business and have overcome a mini slump to look again like a true automatic promotion candidate.

The Blues went three games without a win in early November, and some questions were asked as to whether they could keep pace with the Old Gold at the head of the table.

However, Alex McLeish's side have responded perfectly, and have taken 16 points from the last 18. What's more, they have averaged more than two goals a game during that run, and finding the net had hindered them earlier in the season.

They have lost fewer away games than anyone else in The Championship (one in 11), but that will be put to the test this weekend when they visit Preston.

North End have flirted with promotion so many times, but have had to rebuild a little under new boss Alan Irvine. The ex-Everton assistant has got them flying though, and they have lost just once in their last seven outings.

It's a tough game to call, and if there is to be a winner, then I think Birmingham are more likely. However, my preference is to lay Preston, which can be done at [3.0]. I just feel that Birmingham are a little bit better than most in this league, and the way they are playing right now underlines that.

I'd be suggested to back the draw at [3.35], as Birmingham have shared the points in almost half their away games this term. However, Preston haven't drawn at home all season - but if they do this weekend, you've got that result on your side by laying the home side.

Now Birmingham have started to score more freely, this game looks more of a contender to pay for Over 2.5 goals backers at [2.12]. Preston home games are averaging 2.7 goals, to add confidence to the selection.

Although Preston have not drawn at home, I'd still be tempted to look at something like 2-2, which can be backed at [16]. A 2-1 Birmingham win at [10] also catches the eye.

I really liked the way Burnley played against Arsenal's young guns in the Carling Cup recently, and Owen Coyle has got a squad together that looks well able to maintain a promotion campaign.

They had to fight back to earn a draw with Cardiff on Tuesday, but their task should be a little easier this weekend as they host a Southampton side that looks set to be fighting against the drop.

The Saints have a young side. They try to play football, but as Sky viewers saw on Monday when they lost at Crystal Palace, they can be outmuscled.

Burnley have only lost once at home all season, and I simply can't see them slipping up against the Saints. Back the Clarets at [1.77].

They may still be right in the mire, but Nottingham Forest are, by all accounts, playing a bit better than their results and lowly league position suggest.

They deserved better than the 1-0 defeat they suffered at home to Sheffield United on Tuesday night, and before that had lost only one in eight. Visitors Blackpool are inconsistent, following a grim home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday with back-to-back victories over Plymouth and Charlton, but then losing to Reading.

I think they will be good enough for a share of the spoils at the City Ground, and Forest certainly like a draw; eight of their games have finished even this term. Back the draw in this one at [3.25].

Finally, it's not the original tip, but I feel you have to keep siding with Wolves at the moment. Three points clear at the top of the table, and they have dropped just five points at Molineux.

Visitors Barnsley do not travel well (seven away defeats in 11), and they are without a win in three. Therefore, even at [1.52], get on Wolves.