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Championship round-up: Do or die time for Watford

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Andrew French talks us through the betting in the crucial matches from the Championship this weekend, including Watford's trip to Hull where three points are desperately needed by Boothroyd's troops

They have let me down regularly over the last few weeks, but I'm giving Watford one more chance this weekend - and if they let me down again, it could be the end of their automatic promotion hopes.

I have backed the Hornets to win or their opponents to beat them regularly of late, and their seven successive draws mean they have scuppered my pay-out every time! A stalemate at Hull this weekend would be easy to call bearing that run in mind, but with Watford facing a make-or-break afternoon without a couple of key players, I think it could be just the sort of backs-against-the-wall situation Aidy Boothroyd and his team thrive upon.

Skipper John Eustace and target-man Darius Henderson are both suspended as Watford travel to face a Hull side that is flying. The Tigers have won five of their last six and scored 14 goals in the process.

Goals have been in short supply for the Hornets, and with Henderson out, it's almost certainly going to mean they start with £3.25m record-signing Nathan Ellington (three goals in 29 appearances) and loanee Collins John (no goals in four outings). Those two must seize their opportunity and start finding the net or else Boothroyd will surely look to bolster his attacking options next season, regardless of which division they are in.

I think the Hornets will edge this one, based on the fact they are so difficult to beat: their run of seven draws has helped them go 12 games undefeated in the league. So for me it's Watford at [3.15] and a 1-0 Hornets victory at [9.0].

If Hull were to extend their excellent run, they could go top - but that would require results to go their way and I think Stoke will cement their position at the head of the table with a victory at relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday.

The Potters showed they mean to see this promotion push through this week by signing Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi on loan. His arrival could just be the renewed impetus Tony Pulis's side need. They are top, but have won only once in the last six games: it's the failings of those around them that has kept them in pole position.

Wednesday are enjoying a nice little run, with only one defeat in eight, but they aren't struggling in the league because they are one of the best sides. Stoke have the strength and firepower to see them off, and I'll be backing them at [2.94] - a good price for a team that is top of the table.

Despite some indifferent results of late, I still think all the teams at the op have most to fear from West Brom. If there is such a thing as a banker, then mine this weekend has to be the Baggies: the Championship's top scorers at home to the side with the worst defence which already has one foot in League One, Colchester.

Backing Albion, even at [1.37], is about as close as you can get to buying money. If you want a bigger price, Albion/Albion in the HT/FT market can be backed at [1.93] - and I'd also throw in 3-0 (at [9.8]) and 3-1 (at [12.0]), the latter because even for a side that has struggled all season, Colchester have still managed to be the seventh-highest away scorers in the Championship.

At the foot of the table, it's a real crunch game at the Walkers Stadium as Leicester host Scunthorpe. Ian Holloway hasn't worked the oracle for the Foxes, but they still should be good enough for this key game with home advantage.

I'm slightly concerned that they have neither won or even scored in their last three home fixtures, but Scunthorpe are poor on the road and have gone away pointless on their last four trips.

Backing to Leicester to win at [1.94] and Under 2.5 goals at [1.73] are the suggestions.