Leeds United to boost slim play-off hopes
There are just two weeks remaining of the latest gripping Championship season and there is still plenty to be decided, especially at the top of the table. Three of the 12 encounters on Bank Holiday weekend are being televised - here's what we're backing in each...
Leeds v Burnley (Saturday, 12.45pm, Sky Sports 2)
A month ago, it appeared unthinkable that Leeds would enter their penultimate game of the season behind Burnley, but a spectacular collapse has made successive promotions extremely unlikely. They haven't won in five but remain unbeaten at Elland Road since October, so with QPR away on the final day, this is a fixture that they must win to stay in the play-off hunt. The Clarets have lost three of their last four on the road though so back the hosts at [2.3].
Cardiff v Middlesbrough (Monday, 5.15pm, Sky Sports 1)
Middlesbrough have a slim chance of a top-half finish thanks to the fine job Tony Mowbray has done revitalising their fortunes, but their latest opponents have far more at stake as they fight to overtake second-placed Norwich. The Bluebirds have won five of their last six matches, only dropping points to leaders QPR, rendering them impossible to oppose right now. Bet on Dave Jones' side maintaining the pressure with a half-time/full-time triumph at odds of around [2.3].
Portsmouth v Norwich (Monday, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 1)
Norwich's belief will be soaring right now after stringing together three victories in a row for just the second time all season to hold off Cardiff's late charge, conquering Nottingham Forest, rivals Ipswich (5-1 away!) and Derby, and a fourth straight success is generously priced at [2.06]. The Canaries have triumphed in eight and drawn two of their 11 trips to bottom-half clubs, while Portsmouth's mixed campaign is petering out with an six-match winless streak.
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Published: 28 Apr 2011
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