West Ham vs Wrexham - Wrexham to suffer just their second defeat of the campaign
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Friday, 20:00
West Ham have taken a few weeks to find their feet in the second tier, but it now appears as though Nuno's side are close to firing on all cylinders. They are certainly ticking along nicely in forward areas, yet there are a few concerns about their defending.
They've netted ten times in their last three matches, seven of which were converted at the London Stadium, and Jarrod Bowen is pulling the strings on the right-hand side.
Wrexham haven't lived up to their potential so far. They're still undefeated in all but one of their Championship fixtures, yet their only victory came against a seriously injury-ridden and undercooked Millwall outfit. If last season is anything to go by, Phil Parkinson's side will be tough to beat on the road, so this match may only be decided by a solitary goal.
Back West Ham to Win by Exactly One Goal
Bolton vs Cardiff - Trotters to exploit the Bluebird's vulnerabilities
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Saturday, 12:30
At the start of the season, many of us were worried about Bolton's ability to score goals. Their squad lacked star quality in the final third, and we weren't sure whether they'd be able to create enough chances. That may be the case on the road, but at the Tough Sheet, they have an average xG of 1.85 and have netted twice against both Preston and West Ham. Furthermore, they were extremely unlucky not to find a way through in their 1-0 defeat to Lincoln.
They should have plenty of fun against a Cardiff back-line which has been forced into several changes throughout the season so far. Brian Barry-Murphy's side have conceded exactly two goals in each of their three away games, and have an average xGA of 1.74.
The Welsh side completely battered Stoke in midweek and they will pour forward here, but that will probably leave a few gaps at the other end.
Back Over 1.5 Bolton Team Goals
Derby vs Birmingham - Eustace's to struggle against his former employers
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Saturday, 12:30
Derby couldn't break down ten-man West Brom on Wednesday night as their disappointing start to the campaign continued. They've averaged just 0.83 goals per game this season, and haven't scored a home goal since August 22nd. Their only victory came against Pompey, and it was thoroughly undeserved.
Birmingham were beaten by Norwich on Wednesday night, despite putting in a decent performance at Carrow Road. That was their first loss of the season and despite their failures in the transfer window this summer, they have made a good start. The pressure on Chris Davies has relieved and he will be hoping to take another step towards job security with a victory here.
They should be able to take advantage of the hosts, who appear to be lacking in confidence.
Back Birmingham Win or Draw and Under 2.5 Goals
West Brom vs QPR - Two solid defences to cancel one another out
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Saturday, 12:30
West Brom held out for three points at Pride Park on Wednesday night, sending them top of the Championship table. The Baggies have won four of their opening six games, and have conceded just once in their last three.
James Morrison has had a transformative effect on the squad and they are brimming with confidence. With just two goals conceded at the Hawthorns, they will be extremely tough to breach and QPR will have their work cut out once again.
The visitors have made an excellent start themselves, helped by the astute additions of Glen Kamara and Tariq Lamptey. They have far more depth to their squad this season, so they shouldn't be too negatively effectived by the quick turnaround. They could easily squeeze a point out of this game.
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Blackburn vs Millwall - Lions to heap further misery on Mowbray's men
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Saturday, 15:00
This is a battle between two injury-hit squads. Blackburn's poor form continued with a midweek defeat against Sheffield United, a game missed by Andri Gudjohnsen, leaving the club without a recognised striker. His absence was due to 'fatigue', however, with such a quick turnaround, he may only be able to play a bit-part in this weekend's fixture.
After netting four times in their opening two fixtures, they have scored the same amount of goals in their subsequent four outings and their thin squad permits them from resting and rotating.
Millwall started with a deeper squad and although they have been incredibly unlucky with injuries, they do have better resources to call upon. The Lions dispatched Bolton last weekend and they should be able to make it back-to-back victories at Ewood Park. They do not like facing Blackburn and have a poor record at this ground, but there is simply no case to be made for the out-of-form hosts.
Back Millwall Win
Charlton vs Portsmouth - Another low-scoring contest at the Valley
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Saturday, 15:00
Charlton were the early-season table toppers and although they remain in a fairly lofty position, the schedule has not been particularly kind to them this week. They faced QPR on Wednesday night, whereas Saturday's opponents Portsmouth have had a full week to prepare for this fixture.
Despite this obvious disadvantage, Nathan Jones' side will be highly competitive and will be keen to preserve their unbeaten run at this venue. Their matches are often decided by a single goal margin and this one is likely to follow suit.
I don't feel like I have managed to get a grip on Pompey yet. They have a record of W2, D0, L3, with their two victories coming against the two newly-promoted sides. Josh Murphy has been left out of the squad for the first half of the season and that is a huge play to their creativity. Breaking down the home defence will not be easy.
Back Under 2.5 Goals
Middlesbrough vs Norwich - Boro to clinch back-to-back victories
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Saturday, 15:00
Middlesbrough were in cup action on Tuesday and although they were beaten convincingly by Crystal Palace, they have had an extra 24 hours to prepare for this game. Norwich were in action on Wednesday night and will make the long journey to Teesside for this Saturday afternoon clash.
Kim Hellberg's side beat QPR, producing an excellent first-half display before clinging on and surviving one or two scares in the second 45. I've yet to be convinced by the hosts across a full 90 minutes, but they have enough talent in their squad to win this. They've faced some decent opposition recently, with both QPR and WBA having both made good starts to the campaign and they should be able to maintain their recent good run of form.
Norwich's defence has been a little too leaky on the road, and they have failed to score at both Millwall and Stoke. They have failed to score in their last two trips to this part of the world.
Back Middlesbrough Win
Preston vs Lincoln - Imps to take a point home from Deepdale
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Saturday, 15:00
Lincoln lacked firepower during the early part of the campaign, yet they are certainly making it tough for the opposition. In their last three outings, they've taken points off Southampton, Bolton and Blackburn and will be looking to extend their unbeaten run against a side who are considered to be a relegation rival.
New arrival Mikkel Ladefoged is off the mark for the season and if he starts, he should be able to cause endless problems for the PNE defence.
Paul Heckingbottom's tactical reshuffle did not pay dividends in midweek. The Lilywhites were beaten by Watford on Tuesday night and have lost four of their last five in all competitions. They do tend to be stronger in front of their own fans, but this will be a tough assignment against an opponent, who will be up for the fight.
Back Lincoln Draw No Bet
Southampton vs Bristol City - Another exciting encounter at St. Mary's
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Saturday, 15:00
There is a general feeling that Southampton are just starting to warm up. There have been a few bumps in the road for Tonda Eckert's side, but they are unbeaten since mid-August and have won three of their last five. Without the four point deduction, they would be top of the Championship table.
They are expected to win this, but it will not be easy against one of the second tier's in-form sides.
The Saints have netted 11 times in their last three home matches and the Bristol City defence will need to be on high alert to prevent them from repeating that feat.
The Robins have won each of their last three and look fairly slick under Michael Skubala, but they are yet to keep a clean sheet and that has to be a worry for the travelling fans this weekend.
Back Over 2.5 Goals and BTTS
Swansea vs Burnley - Yet more dropped points for the visitors
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Saturday, 15:00
Unbelievably, Burnley are yet to pick up their first Championship victory of the season. Things haven't gone to plan for the Clarets, with Nicky Hayen's men conceding far too many goals. Admittedly, the fixture list hasn't been particularly kind to the Lancastrian outfit, facing four of the current top seven, and travelling to both Wrexham and Norwich.
Their first success is unlikely to be too far away, but I do not think it will come this weekend.
Swansea were unbeaten prior to Tuesday's defeat at Southampton. That loss should not affect their confidence, and they do tend to be effective in South Wales under Vitor Matos.
The hosts are yet to concede a goal at this stadium and I think they will take something from this.
Back Swansea Win
Watford vs Stoke - Points shared at Vicarage Road
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Saturday, 15:00
Watford were promised exciting football under Alessio Dionisi, and although there have been flashes of this gung-ho approach, their games have actually averaged just 2.17 goals. This total is slightly at home, but they aren't scoring freely, and have been reliant upon individual talent.
Nevertheless, they have been strong in midfield with Hector Kyprianou and Edo Kayembe forming a strong partnership and they have been fairly secure at the back, conceding an average of just 1.17 goals per game.
Stoke are now unbeaten in their last three games and are trending in the right direction. The Potters have conceded just once in that run of form and appear to have found a settled XI.
There won't be much between these two sides on Saturday afternoon.
Back Draw
Sheffield United vs Wolves - Potentially crazy contest at Bramall Lane
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Sunday, 12:00
Sheffield United have been involved in some entertaining games lately, with their last three containing 12 goals. The Blades are scoring goals, but their midfield is too easily bypassed and their defence is coming under increased pressure. They've conceded the first goal in each of their last four games, all of them coming within the first 20 minutes.
Chris Wilder's side should play their part in an entertaining contest on Sunday lunchtime, but they are unlikely to keep the visitors at arm's length for long.
Wolves have benefitted from a full week off and they will be keen to get back to winning ways. They have dropped points in their last two outings, both of which came away from Molineux. There have been 14 goals in their previous three away games and this should be another highly-entertaining affair.
Back Over 3.5 Goals