EFL Championship

Championship Tipsheet: Best bets for Saturday afternoon

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick will be hoping that Middlesbrough can extend their unbeaten run to seven matches

The Championship returns following a truncated midweek fixture list. Jack Critchley has crunched the numbers and picked out his best bet for each of the seven 3pm KOs on Saturday...


Betfair's Saturday Football Superboost!

Aleksandar Isak and Antony Gordon for Newcastle form our Saturday Superboost with both players in red hot form.

We just need both men to combine for 3 or more shots on target vs Bournemouth which was priced at 8/111.73 but the selection has been boosted to 6/42.50!

This bet has landed in six of the last eight Premier League games.


Football... Only Bettor. Listen to the latest episode now.


Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough

Well-rested Boro to take advantage of tired Pompey

Much is made of a team's schedule, particularly at this stage of the season when injuries and suspensions slowly begin to impact performances. This is an exceptionally quick turnaround for Pompey who spent Wednesday losing at Ewood Park and will have had very little time to train ahead of Saturday's hosting of high-flying Middlesbrough. Portsmouth should have been awarded a penalty in midweek, yet their defending was naive at times and some supporters questioned the inclusion of Marlon Pack over Ryley Towler. Admittedly, they have been better at Fratton Park recently, winning four of their last five and they are unlikely to make it easy for the visitors. Nevertheless, they are still lacking bodies at the back. Although Rob Atkinson could turn out to be a savvy signing, he is still working his way back to match fitness following a long absence and loanee Isaac Hayden has also had very few minutes over the last twelve months. Middlesbrough have had a full week to prepare for this fixture following their elimination from the FA Cup last weekend.

Michael Carrick's men are still frustratingly wasteful, yet they should have enough cut and thrust to break through the Pompey defence. They've netted 2+ in four of their last six away games and having taken 18 shots at the MKM, they probably should have doubled their advantage against Hull. The return fixture finished 2-2 and it wouldn't be a surprise if we witnessed yet another end-to-end 90 minutes on Saturday.


Derby vs Watford

Another BTTS for the Hornets

Despite losing four of their last five matches, Derby still have a four-point cushion over the bottom three and Paul Warne's are typically tougher to beat at Pride Park. Only four sides have left this venue with maximum points and they'll be confident of taking something from this contest. Leaking goals has become a bit of an issue and they haven't managed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five Championship outings. Leeds are the only side to have left this stadium with a clean sheet and Watford are unlikely to add their name to that exclusive list.

The Hornets drew 1-1 with Cardiff in midweek with Tom Cleverley admitting that he set his side up to keep things tight and be 'solid'. His side were able to rescue a late point from the match and although they are winless in six away from home, they have managed to find the net in each of their last five on the road. This might not be a spectacular watch, yet both sides should have enough firepower to get on the scoresheet.


Oxford vs Blackburn

Points shared at the Kassam

Gary Rowett has had an instant impact at the Kassam. The former Birmingham is regarded as a 'safe pair of hands' at this level, although he does have some limitations. His sides tend to be incredibly competitive and tough to beat, yet they occasionally lack adventure in the final third. The Yellows are currently five unbeaten and Rowett has overseen a return of 11 points from a possible 15 and although there may be some tired legs, they should be able to keep the unbeaten streak going. They came up against an inspired Dan Grimshaw on Tuesday night and could easily have taken all three points.

Blackburn are another side who aren't easy to overcome. John Eustace has created a well-drilled and cohesive outfit who have suffered just three times since the beginning of November. They have avoided defeat in five of their last six on the road and should put up plenty of resistance. They are still lacking bodies in midfield, yet they will be competitive throughout the 90 minutes.


Luton vs Preston

Exciting start to Bloomfield's tenure

Rob Edwards was shown the door at Kenilworth Road last week following a poor run of form. Under his tenure, the Hatters were fairly reliable in front of their own fans, yet they were horrendous on the road. His successor Matt Bloomfield gets a home debut for his first game in charge and we are expecting to see a little more fight from his side. Prior to their 1-0 defeat here to Norwich, the hosts had netted in every single home match and they will be expected to get on the scoresheet once again.

Preston beat Charlton on Tuesday night and although their form on the road is mixed, they tend to create a few chances. Milutin Osmajic scored in midweek and his pace and power will give Bloomfield's men plenty to think about. PNE have found the net in their last nine games and there's no reason why that streak cannot continue this weekend.


Sheffield United vs Norwich

Entertaining contest in South Yorkshire

Sheffield United's defence has been resolute throughout the campaign, however, the loss of Harry Souttar has upset the apple cart. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last four Championship matches and a rotated Blades outfit were also defeated by Cardiff in the FA Cup last week. Vini Souza's absence has also been keenly felt with sides able to expose the Blades' defence fairly frequently as a result. Chris Wilder will be hoping that his side can return to winning ways at Bramall Lane and take advantage of a depleted Norwich outfit.

The visitors will be without Borja Sainz and Marcelino Nunez for this tie. Although Josh Sargent is fit again, the US international is likely to be eased back into the fold and may be given some minutes from the bench. The visitors are poor on the road and although they won at Kenilworth Road last time, their record when visiting top-half sides is below average.


West Brom vs Stoke

Stalemate at the Hawthorns

West Brom have looked a little more adventurous under Chris Brunt. With Raphael Wicky reportedly turning down the opportunity to manage the Baggies, the temporary management team will remain in charge for this fixture. They have been dealt a blow with the news that Josh Maja will face an extended period on the sidelines. His absence is likely to significantly reduce their goal threat. The hosts have suffered just a single defeat on their own patch this season and are unlikely to lost this game.

Mark Robins, who was linked to the WBA vacancy, has made a decent start in the Potteries. The former Coventry boss has tightened them up, however, they lack a clinical striker in the final third. Million Manhoef's injury coupled with Tom Cannon's recall has left them short up front. They have recalled Nathan Lowe from his productive loan spell in League Two, yet Robins' isn't renowned for his willingness to throw young players into the starting XI. The visitors will be typically frustrating to play against and they may have enough grit to take a point back to Staffordshire.


Coventry vs Bristol City

Robins to take something back to Ashton Gate

There has been a bit of frustration amongst Coventry fans with the lack of signings at the CBS. Frank Lampard hasn't been able to strengthen his squad so far and with Brandon Thomas-Asante linked with a move away, supporters are hoping for some good news in the coming weeks. On the field, they have been fairly average and have won just one of their last five. They do tend to be fairly tough to beat on their own patch and have won three of their last five. Bristol City remain one of the trickiest teams to analyse in the second tier. Liam Manning's side can be brilliant at times, yet they are equally as capable of throwing in a stinker. They do appear to be in a good place at the time of writing, winning three of their last four. They are winless in five on the road, yet they did manage to take a point from their trip to the Stadium of Light. They should be able to take advantage of the malaise which is engulfing the hosts and snatch something from this contest.


Now read more Football tips and previews here.

Recommended bets

New Customers can get £50 in free bets!

Available to new customers only. Place a £10 bet on the Betfair Sportsbook and you will receive £50 in free bets to use on Bet Builders and Accas! Opt-in here and T&cs apply.

Prices quoted in copy are correct at time of publication but liable to change.