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Entertaining and absorbing Yorkshire derby
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Robins to edge out leaky Baggies
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Canaries to put on a show at Carrow Road
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Huddersfield vs Rotherham
Terriers and Millers to exchange blows
The Opta Stat:
"Although they've attempted the third-fewest passes in the Championship this season, Huddersfield have played more passes into the opposition penalty area than any other side (207). With 14% of their passes being played into the box, that is the highest percentage by a team in a Championship season on record (2013-14 onwards)"
Huddersfield have been better than expected from an attacking standpoint so far this season. With just three goals from their 76 efforts, they do need to improve their efficiency, however, this is a far easier home fixture than their previous two assignments.
Rotherham will be buoyed by their victory over Norwich and although the Millers don't win many on the road, they should be able to contribute.
The Betfair Bet:
Preston vs Plymouth
PNE and Pilgrims to show plenty of attacking intent
The Opta Stat:
"Despite only playing 283 minutes alongside one another in the Championship this season, no duo have created more chances for one another than Plymouth's Ryan Hardie and Adam Randell (8). They've only exchanged 17 passes, with 47% of those leading to a shot"
Preston's defence has been one of their biggest assets so far this season, however, it will come under serious pressure from Plymouth's sharp attack. PNE's two home games have both ended 2-1 and this could follow a similar path.
The Betfair Bet:
Watford vs Birmingham
Hornets new recruit to strike again
The Opta Stat:
"There have been 52 passes combined in the build-up to Watford's seven Championship goals this season, the most of any side. There were 15 before Mileta Rajovic's goal against Coventry, with the Hornets last having more before passes in the build-up to scoring a league goal in February 2019"
Mileta Rajovic could be exactly the striker that Val Ismael has been crying out for. He got off the mark a fortnight ago and with the Hornets topping the table for Shot Creating Actions, he should get a few opportunities this weekend
The Betfair Bet:
Bristol City vs West Brom
Baggies' indifferent form to continue
The Opta Stat:
"West Bromwich Albion only conceded 23 goals in their first 26 league games (0.88 per game) under Carlos Corberan but have since shipped 17 in their last nine (1.88 per game) under the Spaniard"
The Betfair Bet:
Norwich vs Stoke
Canaries to quickly bounce back from disappointment
The Opta Stat:
"Only Cardiff and QPR (15 each) have lost more Championship matches in 2023 than Stoke (13), with the Potters now losing eight of their last 12 games (W2 D2). Only one of their last 41 league defeats has been by a margin of more than two goals, losing 4-0 to Watford last October"
Stoke have given away plenty of opportunities on the road so far and if that trend continues, they could be in big trouble at Carrow Road. The hosts aren't watertight at the back and this could be an entertaining watch.
The Betfair Bet:
QPR vs Sunderland
Classy Black Cats to edge out QPR
The Opta Stat:
"QPR have lost 12 of their last 16 home league games (W1 D3), including five of their last six (D1). The Hoops haven't scored more than once in any of those 16 home games, scoring just seven goals"
Sunderland's last three results have been excellent and they are starting to go through the gears. They will find this tough, but their mobile front-line should be able to create chances in West London
The Betfair Bet:
Blackburn vs Middlesbrough
Goalmouth action at both ends
The Opta Stat:
"Although they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Plymouth last time out, Blackburn's Ryan Hedges created seven chances in the match, the most by a Rovers player in a league game since Craig Conway in December 2018 versus Sheffield Wednesday"
Both sides are creating chances. Boro's performances have been littered with defensive mistakes whereas Blackburn have also been far more open than their results have suggested
The Betfair Bet:
Sheffield Wednesday vs Ipswich
Narrow victory for the Tractor Boys
The Opta Stat:
"Ipswich Town have won four of their five Championship games this season, losing the other against Leeds. The Tractor Boys are the first newly promoted Championship side to have 12 points after five games since Wolves in 2014-15, who went on to finish 7th"
The Betfair Bet: