Championship Betting Tips: Back Swans to preserve their unbeaten start to the season

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Blackburn vs Sheffield United - Neither defence to cover themselves in glory at Ewood Park

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Tuesday, 19:45

Blackburn's squad is being stretched, and another quick turnaround is far from ideal. They weren't awful at Deepdale on Saturday and probably deserved a point, but a poor transfer window has left Tony Mowbray unable to influence the game with his subs.

Hayden Carter came off the bench despite not being 100% fit, whereas Jayden Fevrier looks a little out of his depth. After scoring four times in their opening two matches, Rovers have subsequently notched just twice, and that is a big concern for the fans.

Sheffield United were defeated by a Norwich side who finally got their act together on the road. The Blades were easily swept aside and there are questions about their strength-in-depth, yet they have far more options than Tuesday's opponents. Oli Arblaster made his return at the weekend, and Tom Cannon could also be drafted into the XI.

Neither side will be keen to lose back-to-back games, but the visitors have better options and look far more dangerous in forward areas.

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Cardiff vs Stoke - Midweek goal-fest in South Wales

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Tuesday, 19:45

Cardiff are sticking rigidly to their preferred possession-style of football, but it is causing issues at the back. The Bluebirds have conceded an xG of 9.10 across their opening five fixtures, with only Derby posting poorer figures. Furthermore, they have had personnel issues at the back with several defenders missing games and being played out of position.

Although they are stronger at home, it is far from ideal to be playing a Stoke side who have seemingly found their groove in the last seven days.

The Potters battered Charlton at the weekend and squeezed past Norwich in midweek. The squad seems to be finally gelling, with Justin Devenny, Ethan Galbraith and George Hirst all making an impression at the weekend. We can't yet trust them on the road, but we can back them to get on the scoresheet and play their part in another entertaining 90 minutes.

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Southampton vs Swansea - Resilient Swans to nulify Saints

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Tuesday, 19:45

It's been a disappointing week for Southampton, who have dropped points against Birmingham and Lincoln. Last season, the Saints struggled on the road during the first half of the season, and those issues appear to be haunting them once again. Against Brum, they were second best and were fortunate to take a point from the game, and on Saturday, they allowed the recently promoted hosts an xG of 1.93 and 38 touches in their box.

They are far more effective at home, and there will be very few sides who enjoy visiting St. Mary's, but this is not an easy assignment.

Swansea have had less rest and come off the back of a tough game against Wrexham, yet I was really impressed with their work rate and organisation, particularly off the ball. The Swans probably need to create a little more, but the Saints defence may hand them a few opportunities.

The visitors are top of the table for a reason, and they should be able to extend their unbeaten sequence to six games on Tuesday night.

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Watford vs Preston - Points shared in Hertfordshire

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Tuesday, 19:45

Watford have taken a high-energy approach to their games so far this season under Alessio Dionisi, but this has taken its toll on the players. The squad is already starting to become stretched and several players will be forced to miss this midweek clash with PNE. Edoardo Bove picked up an injury at the weekend, and although he is reportedly 'feeling positive', Dionisi confirmed that the experienced midfielder is likely to miss this game and will aim to return for the weekend.

With Bove, the Hornets lack energy in the centre of the park and as a consequence, I am not prepared to take a price of 11/102.11.

Preston picked up three points in the Lancashire derby at the weekend, but it wasn't particularly convincing. They've been poor on the road, losing to both Charlton and Bolton. This won't be easy, but there's every chance they can come away with a point.

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Wrexham vs Burnley - Another stalemate for the hosts

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Tuesday, 19:45

Wrexham picked up a point at the weekend at Swansea, showing a far more disciplined side to their game. Callum Doyle was the pick of the bunch and Matty James' experience also helped them to manage a difficult game.

They are yet to start firing and are still searching for their first home victory of the season. Although games against Millwall, Swansea and Birmingham aren't easy, they will have been expected to see off Watford and Cardiff.

Burnley's start to the season has been extremely underwhelming, but their fixtures have also been fairly tricky. They looked much better in the second half against Middlesbrough before reverting to type against an in-form Bristol City outfit at the weekend.

It's hard to trust either side to win this game, so backing a draw could be the best. I wouldn't like to back the visitors to keep a clean sheet. Defensive problems have plagued them so far and they look set to continue into this week.

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Bolton vs West Ham - Hammers to be given a tough test on Tuesday

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Tuesday, 20:00

Bolton will be keen to bounce back from their weekend mauling at the hands of Millwall. They have struggled on the road so far this season, so they will undoubtedly be happy to return to the Tough Sheet on Tuesday night.

Steven Schumacher's side have posted positive numbers in front of their own fans, despite picking up just a single victory here. They won't be expected to beat their recently relegated visitors, but they should be able to give them a few scares.

West Ham glided past Derby at the London Stadium, making it back-to-back wins in East London. They have conceded in each of their two away trips and this is not an easy assignment for Nuno's men. Nevertheless, they have plenty of firepower and should eventually find a way through.

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Derby vs West Brom - BTTS at Pride Park

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Wednesday, 19:45

Derby's defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium can be viewed as a bit of a 'free hit', but the fans are understandably concerned by their team's inability to defend. Once again, they gave away soft goals, and they struggled to contain their hosts.

The Rams are back at Pride Park on Wednesday night and will be hoping to collect their first home victory of the season. They have looked a little sharper going forward here, and they usually do find the back of the net when hosting WBA.

West Brom barely had to get out of second gear at the weekend as they eased past Watford at the Hawthorns. Their games on the road have averaged 3.5 goals and they have an xGA of 1.89. They will create chances, but they will also give plenty away. They do have better quality in forward areas, and that should be enough to edge it.

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Norwich vs Birmingham -

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Wednesday, 19:45

Norwich picked up their first away win of the season on Saturday, easily beating Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Philippe Clement's side are starting to get a few key players back with Ben Chrisene giving them a better balance on the left-hand side, and fans will be pleased to see Paris Maghoma back amongst the subs.

Having a deep squad is helpful, particularly at this stage of season with the fixtures coming thick and fast prior to the international break.

Birmingham do not have the same the level of depth to call upon. The Blues failed to add sufficiently during the window and they may end up paying the price. Jhon Solis' injury is a huge blow, and he missed out against Wolves at the weekend, and is unlikely to feature here. The Blues will be hard to beat this season, but with a day less to recover, and a key absence in midfield, they could struggle in East Anglia.

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Charlton vs QPR - Points shared in the London derby

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Wednesday, 20:00

Charlton had a first half to forget in the Potteries at the weekend. Although he accepted very little responsibility for the situation, supporters believe that Nathan Jones was to blame for their lunchtime defeat. He opted for a comprehensive shuffle of his XI and made several changes to the side which had made a blistering start to the campaign. Oli Skipp hardly covered himself in glory, whereas many fans and journalists called out Timothy Ouma for conceding a penalty and generally looking like a fish out of water.

If there's one thing that we have learned about the Welshman and his side is that there is normally a reaction. I don't expect them to be dwelling on this defeat and changes will be made once again. They are back at The Valley for this contest and they are stronger at home. QPR lost narrowly to Middlesbrough at the weekend, and were fairly unlucky. Injuries to Richard Kone and Ilias Chair are potentially concerning, but they have a decent squad and should have enough depth to compete.

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Take a look at this week's best football betting tips

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