Championship Tips: Five best bets from Saturday's second tier fixtures

Betfair Football Superboost

Back Matheus Cunha to have one or more shots on the target when Wolverhampton Wanderers travel to Bournemouth on Saturday at the super-boosted price of 1/12.00 from 1/21.50.

The Cherries are 12 places above Wolves in the Premier League but the Brazilian has been a big threat for the visitors all season, with 14 shots on target in his last six matches. With 30 this season, Cunha is in the top five players in the Premier League for shots on target and averages 1.5 every 90 minutes. 

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Norwich vs Stoke

Potters to boost their survival hopes

Norwich's winless run was extended to three matches at the weekend as they failed to overcome Hull at the MKM. The Canaries' form has suffered due to a succession of injuries in midfield. Marcelino Nunez is reportedly back in training, however, it remains to be seen whether he is fit enough to start this game. Fans have bemoaned a lack of heft in midfield, with recent opponents happy to sit back and cede possession. The hosts can usually be relied upon at Carrow Road, however, they've dropped points against both Preston and Derby recently, and this game could be another potentially tricky assignment for Johannes Hof Thorup.

Stoke have flirted with the possibility of relegation at various stages this season, yet Saturday's victory over Swansea felt like a significant step in the right direction. Although the stats haven't necessarily improved, the results are going in the right direction, and they're now unbeaten in seven of their last nine. There were much improved performances from Wouter Berger and Joon-Ho Bae and the return of Million Manhoef will give them a much-needed boost in the final third. Mark Robins finally appears to be getting his ideas across and if they can win the midfield battle, they could easily take a point back to the Potteries.

Portsmouth vs QPR

Another entertaining afternoon at Fratton Park

Pompey continued to ease their relegation fears with a terrific away performance at the Kassam. John Mousinho's men have struggled on the road this season, winning just twice, yet their ability to pick up points at home has been crucial. They've looked confident in the final third with Josh Murphy pulling the strings. Unfortunately, they've lost Callum Lang to injury, yet they should still have enough firepower in the squad to get on the scoresheet here. Andre Dozzell, a player who has often flattered to deceive, has excelled in recent weeks and will be keen to make an impression against his former club. The hosts had 30 shots in their previous home fixture and are likely to be on the front foot on Saturday afternoon.

QPR obliterated Derby last weekend and will take plenty of confidence into this contest. Marti Cifuentes' men have lost their last two away games, yet they have a decent record on the road of 4-6-6. They have found the net in five of their last seven away from Loftus Road and should be able to find a way through. Ilias Chair reminded R's fans of his ability eight days ago, and he should cause a few problems for the hosts.

Coventry vs Preston

PNE to make it awkward for the hosts

Coventry look the most likely team to gatecrash the play-offs this season. Frank Lampard has had a transformative effect on a previously under-performing outfit, and they are just a single point off the top six coming into this contest. They weren't at their best last weekend, yet they still managed to claim all three points at Hillsborough. Lampard has also been helped by the return of key figures and he will be pleased to have seen Elis Simms bag a double in South Yorkshire. The former Everton striker is a confidence player and he will be keen to add to his tally at the CBS on Saturday afternoon. Cov should create plenty of opportunities for him in this game, however, they could find the visitors' defence hard to penetrate.

Under Paul Heckingbottom, Preston have become much tougher to beat. They may be stuck in mid-table, yet very few sides tend to enjoy coming up against them. Their press is hard to play through, and this has resulted in just one defeat across their last eight matches. The major disadvantage is that they played in midweek, securing a 1-1 draw with Millwall, yet they should still have the energy to make it difficult for their play-off chasing hosts.

West Brom vs Oxford

Tough afternoon for the hosts at the Hawthorns

Tony Mowbray's return to the Hawthorns was greeted with plenty of enthusiasm, yet the Teessider has yet to have the desired effect. WBA remain in the play-off positions, yet they have won just one of their last four and need to get back on track. They do tend to create plenty of chances at home, and they should win this contest, however, Oxford will look to make it difficult for them. Although they've improved going forward, they've looked a little suspect at the back and are still yet to keep a clean sheet in 2025. Mowbray must find a way of shoehorning Lankshear, Armstrong, Grant and Johnston into the team without disrupting the rhythm and he may use this match for further experimentation.

Oxford lost to Portsmouth at home last weekend and following two very poor performances, Gary Rowett may opt to go back to basics. He bemoaned his side's display against Derby and with just one goal in their last five games, the former Birmingham boss must find a way to increase his side's attacking output. The hosts may look susceptible at the back, yet they may not have too much to worry about this weekend.