Best places to bet in the football pyramid

Betting.Betfair's Football League experts pick out bets in the Championship and FA Cup first round, while we offer a tip for this weekend's non-league action...

Championship
Tony Mowbray's opening game ended in a home defeat at the hands of Bristol City to make it six defeats in seven for Middlesbrough, and dropped them below the Robins, level on points with bottom side Crystal Palace, who they host on Saturday. Boro are a good bit better than their current miserable results, and Mowbray has now had a full week to get among his players and kick a few backsides. Palace are hardly pulling up any trees themselves with four defeats in their last five - and they have conceded 16 times in their last six away trips, so back Middlesbrough at [1.82].

FA Cup
Bournemouth have gone three games without a win, but shouldn't be as they have given some pretty good performances - including Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Brentford. Critics would argue the Cherries are dropping too many points, but they are still a good side who are playing well. The south coast club can dominate games, but are lacking a slight cutting edge. Hopefully boss Eddie Howe will have back Marc Pugh (foot), Shaun Cooper (foot) and Ryan Garry (ankle) - who all missed Tuesday's game at Griffin Park. Back Bournemouth to win at [1.75].

Non-league
Former Football League team Boston United are finally on the up after a disappointing few years caused by financial problems. They're second in the Blue Square North and even more impressively have kept eight consecutive clean sheets, while their last away league loss came back in March. They have no trouble scoring either and certainly shouldn't this weekend when they visit a club who despite their mid-table position have lost more than they've won at home, Blyth Spartans. It's hard to see past Boston at [1.99].

Tempted by any of those wagers? Got a few of your own? Have your say in the box below...

Published: 5 Nov 2010

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