Championship / Andrew French / 24 September 2009 / Leave a comment

Lover of Championship football Andrew French believes following some in-form and/or quality sides like Leicester, Newcastle and West Brom can pay handsome dividends on Saturday.

"Sure, their form isn't what it was a few weeks ago, but they are still second in the table with some top-notch players and the loan signing of Marlon Harewood only adds to that."

There are few teams able to boast an unbeaten home record stretching back more than 12 months - and opportunities to back such teams on their own patch at better than even money are few and far between. So, get on Leicester at [2.22] as they entertain Preston this weekend.

The Foxes have carried on where they left as they steamrollered their way to the League One title last season, and so far Championship life has held few fears for them. Their away form is only average, but at the Walkers Stadium they are very tasty: three wins out of four so far and a grand total of 29 games in all competitions since they were last eclipsed at home, a run stretching back to September 13, 2008.

Visitors Preston will be vying with the Foxes for a play-off place, I suspect, but I think they will play second fiddle this weekend. The 5-1 pasting they received from Spurs in the Carling Cup in midweek will surely sap their confidence never mind their energy, and with Leicester having no midweek game, that will also make a telling difference.

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I have been really impressed by the way Blackpool have started the season under Ian Holloway. But as with Preston, you cannot underplay what effect a midweek cup tie defeat has on reserves of energy - and when, like the Tangerines, you lose 4-3 in stoppage time having led 2-0, you also have to factor in what it does to morale.

Visitors Peterborough also played a cup tie in midweek, but their 2-0 win over Newcastle can only have lifted their spirits. Posh also claimed their first league win of the season last weekend, and those two results have made it six games without defeat in all competitions. Darren Ferguson's men may well be working out what is required following promotion last season, and I am happy to put my faith in their good current form and lay Blackpool at [2.1].

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Last weekend's 5-0 drubbing of Middlesbrough took West Brom to the top of the table and may well have made those who thought the two North-East clubs would be the pick of the relegated trio this season think again. The Baggies dominated at this level two seasons ago and certainly weren't disgraced last term in the top flight. They score plenty of goals, are unbeaten in the league and look very formidable opposition at the Hawthorns. Therefore, I can't see beyond a home win when Crystal Palace visit.

Neil Warnock's side beat Derby last weekend but it could have been very different had keeper Julian Speroni been sent off for a handball outside the box after less than 20 minutes. They were humbled 4-0 at home by Scunthorpe before that, and they just aren't consistent enough at the moment to stop Albion. Back Roberto Di Matteo's side at [1.54].

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If it weren't for the fact Newcastle have lost two of their last three games, I don't think they would be available to back at anything like [2.56] for their trip to Portman Road. Sure, their form isn't what it was a few weeks ago, but they are still second in the table with some top-notch players and the loan signing of Marlon Harewood only adds to that. And, if you are worried about their form, then you'd be petrified about Ipswich's: no league wins, four points from eight games and 15 goals conceded.

When the tabloids start quoting prices about how long the manager may survive, it's a sign things are rocky - and Roy Keane, for all his broad-shoulders, must be feeling it. Newcastle have, on the whole so far, looked considerably better than the usual level of the Championship, so make the most of a chance to back them at a biggish price.


* After last week's three out of four correct selections, Andrew is showing a profit of approximately £146 (£10 level stake/liability) on all his selections so far this season

Tags: Blackpool, Ian Holloway, Ipswich, Leicester City, Marlon Harewood, Newcastle United, Peterborough, Roy Keane, The Championship, The Championship Betting, Walkers Stadium, West Brom