-
Sunderland to leave the DW with maximum points
-
Low-scoring affair at the John Smiths
-
Managerless Canaries to bounce back
Toure's troops to lose the battle
Wigan 2.789/5 v Sunderland 2.9215/8; The Draw 3.3512/5
The appointment of Kolo Toure has failed to have the desired effect at the DW Stadium. The former Leicester coach has spoken candidly about the disappointing start to his tenure, however, he's adamant that he's up for the challenge and will not shy away from the battle.
Unfortunately, Toure is a little hamstrung by the lack of quality and depth within his squad and he will need to be backed in January if he has any hope of guiding the Latics out of the relegation mire. It's extremely tight at the bottom of the table and it may only take a half-decent run of form to climb away from trouble.
Although they have netted in each of their last two at this venue, the Latics have scored just nine home goals so far and their lack of firepower in front of their own fans is a big concern. Only Preston have notched fewer home goals so far this season.
Sunderland left it late against Blackburn on Boxing Day with Tony Mowbray delighted to get the better of his former employers. Although that victory was secured at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats have been superb on the road so far this season.
Only three sides have collected more points on their travels so far this season, including Sheffield United and Burnley, who have both left the DW with maximum points. With Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms both back in the squad, Mowbray is spoilt for choice in the final third and has plenty of striking options ahead of this Thursday night clash.
Lions to punish hapless struggling Robins
Millwall 2.01/1 v Bristol City 4.216/5; The Draw 3.711/4
Gary Rowett's Millwall have been strong at home all season, yet they've inexplicably dropped points in their last two outings at the Den against sides who are battling relegation. Nevertheless, they fired in a combined 37 shots across those two encounters and looked pretty ruthless at Vicarage Road on Boxing Day.
Although they haven't been able to finish the job in recent home fixtures, scoring against the Lions can be pretty tough and only two sides have managed to find the back of the net at this venue since September 17th. They are the epitome of efficiency, with 26% of their matches this season ending in a 2-0 victory.
Although they will be looking to add some additional firepower in the January window, Zian Flemming's form this season has given them an extra edge and the 24-year old is now into double figures for the season having netted in three of his last four appearances.
The fans began to turn on manager Nigel Pearson following Bristol City's tame home defeat to West Brom on Boxing Day. The former Leicester boss batted away any concerns over his future and was fairly steadfast in his response. The Robins have been slightly better on their travels this season, and this young squad will probably prefer to be away from the frustrated Ashton Gate faithful.
Overall, they've won just one of their last eight matches and have been sucked back into a relegation dogfight. They have avoided defeat in three of their last four away games, but this is a tough ask for the leaky Robins.
Two strugglers to battle it out
Huddersfield 2.226/5 v Rotherham 3.814/5; The Draw 3.412/5
Prior to their Boxing Day victory over Preston, Huddersfield looked dead and buried. Nevertheless, they now find themselves within touching distance of their fellow strugglers. Mark Fotheringham's side are scrapping for every point and his players are fighting for the cause, however, they just lack quality in the final third. Despite picking up four home victories this season, only Preston and Wigan have scored fewer home goals than the Terriers and they'll be aiming to give their beleaguered fans some much-needed festive cheer on Thursday evening.
Fotheringham has averaged just 1.07 points per game since arriving in West Yorkshire, and his side have netted just 12 times during his 14-match tenure. His side have conceded just 17 times since his arrival and only two of their last ten matches have featured three or more goals.
Rotherham have been far more entertaining to watch than their hosts and the Millers come off the back of a highly watchable 2-2 draw with Stoke. Nevertheless, they've struggled for goals on the road and have netted the fewest in the division (8). Their away matches have averaged just 2.18 goals per game and they could easily get dragged into a scrappy contest which may be decided by a single strike.
Entertaining 90 minutes at Ewood Park
Blackburn 3.185/40 v Middlesbrough 2.68/5; The Draw 3.3512/5
Blackburn are an extremely curious side and have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the division. Their underlying numbers suggest that they will be unable to sustain their level of performances throughout the campaign, although they have been extremely effective in front of their own fans. Jon Dahl Tomasson's side have won eight of their first 11 matches here, however, they were humbled by Lancashire rivals Preston prior to the break.
Boxing Day's defeat to Sunderland was the first time this season that Rovers have taken the lead and failed to collect maximum points. There is collective concern amongst fans that their promotion push will be difficult to sustain, particularly if both West Brom and Thursday's opponents Middlesbrough continue to climb the table.
Michael Carrick's side were at their explosive best against Wigan on Boxing Day with Chuba Akpom netting a sensational hat-trick. The managerial switch has galvanised the previously inconsistent striker and his all-round performances have been key over the last few weeks. Boro are dangerous going forward, and seven of their last eight matches have featured three or more goals. This could be another entertaining 90 minutes.
Lilywhites to continue away scoring streak
West Brom 1.824/5 v Preston 5.24/1; The Draw 3.814/5
West Brom have been completely transformed under Carlos Corberan with Baggies having been victorious in six of their last seven matches under the former Huddersfield boss. The Spaniard's arrival has given several players a significant boost with midfielder Okay Yokuslu seemingly improving on a weekly basis.
They've looked completely in control of matches and have shown tremendous spirit to bounce back from their setback at the CBS Arena. Although their Boxing Day victory owed plenty to Bristol City's lack of adventure, this is likely to be significantly tougher.
Preston are far more effective on their travels and having produced yet another underwhelming display at Deepdale on Monday, Ryan Lowe's side will be delighted to be back on the road. They've won six of their 11 matches away from home and have scored 15 times so far. Although the level of opposition that they've faced so far has been questionable, they did beat Norwich earlier in the campaign and have seen off strong home outfits such as Blackburn and Reading. They could contribute to a decent contest.
Coventry to edge out Bluebirds
Coventry 2.186/5 v Cardiff 3.929/10; The Draw 3.55/2
Coventry were outclassed by Sheffield United on Boxing Day with Mark Robins describing the Blades as a 'top team'. The Sky Blues have previously troubled the sides at the top of the table, yet they were unable to lay a glove on the high-flying South Yorkshire outfit.
Nevertheless, Robins' men are effective at home and they will fancy their chances of getting back to winning ways against relegation-threatened Cardiff. Only Millwall have conceded fewer home goals than Coventry so far this season and they've recently prevented West Brom and QPR from finding a way through. Their clean sheet record at this venue is remarkable, particularly considering how many defensive players have been sidelined.
Goal-shy Cardiff are embroiled in a relegation battle, however, Mark Hudson's side can be fairly difficult to beat. They've lost just one of their last four matches and are unbeaten in each of their last two away matches. Five of their seven victories this season have been by a 1-0 score-line and they will probably need to score the opening goal if they are to take anything from this tie.
Nevertheless, the hosts' ability to control games should see them edge this clash and with the in-form and sought-after Viktor Gyokores in the XI, they should have enough quality to pick up their seventh home victory of the campaign.
Smith's sacking to prompt an improved display
Norwich 1.794/5 v Reading 5.14/1; The Draw 3.711/4
Norwich sacked Dean Smith following the Canaries' disappointing 2-1 loss to ten-man Luton on Boxing Day. Although the East Anglian outfit remain fifth in the Championship table, they have picked up just three victories since the beginning of October and have lost three of their last four.
Supporters were concerned by the 'safe' tactics deployed by the former Aston Villa boss and his dismissal may prompt many of the club's attack-minded players to come to the fore. The Canaries' squad may be slightly unbalanced, however, their starting XI is one of the most talented in the division and this could be a match in which they put on a much-improved performance for the supporters.
Reading picked up yet another home victory on Tuesday and this is an exceptionally quick turnaround for the Royals. Tom Ince was in superb form for the Berkshire side, who continue to pick up points despite possessing one of the poorest squads in the second tier.
The visitors have won eight times at the Madjeski, however, they've failed to win in nine of their 12 away games with two of their three victories on the road coming against struggling duo Hull and Wigan.
Clarets to run riot in Staffordshire
Stoke 3.259/4 v Burnley 2.35/4; The Draw 3.412/5
Despite the return of Harry Souttar, Stoke are still having issues at the back with the Potters conceding twice to Rotherham on Boxing Day. The Potters have managed just a single clean sheet in their last six outings and have managed just a single shutout since the beginning of August.
Although the fans are yet to turn on Alex Neil, impatience is escalating and with just three home wins all season, they will need to start improving their displays in Staffordshire. On a positive note, the hosts have netted in each of their last three with both Tyrese Campbell and Liam Delap having found their shooting boots in recent weeks.
Burnley were ruthless against Birmingham on Tuesday evening with the Clarets confirming their superiority from the first minute. Vincent Kompany's side have netted three times in five of their last six matches and although I'm tempted by the Sportsbook's 2/1 on Burnley to win and over 1.5 goals, just simply backing the visitors to net twice at 5/4 is a slightly safer option.
Spoils shared in the West Midlands
Birmingham 2.0621/20 v Hull 4.131/10; The Draw 3.4549/20
John Eustace has done a superb job at Birmingham and the former midfielder has steered the Blues comfortably clear of relegation. Their performance against Burnley wasn't particularly good, however, they aren't the first side to have been outclassed by the Clarets and this looks a far more winnable assignment.
Scott Hogan is likely to return for this fixture with the striker's return from injury having been delayed by a bug, which has affected several players at the club. Only three sides have left this stadium with maximum points with only Sunderland having taken all three points home since the end of August.
Although Hull have improved under Liam Rosenior, there is still plenty of work to do. The Tigers were caught out by Blackpool's high press on Boxing Day and will have been disappointed not to have beaten one of their fellow relegation rivals. Having drawn four of their last six, the visitors aren't going down without a fight on Friday night.
Hornets to take at least a point
Swansea 2.47/5 v Watford 3.3512/5; The Draw 3.4549/20
Swansea's winless run continued on Tuesday night with Russell Martin's side losing 2-1 at the Madjeski and surviving a missed penalty. Matt Grimes told reporters that his side 'gave themselves a mountain to climb' yet again and they will need to significantly improve if they wish to take all three points from this encounter.
They have conceded the first goal in seven of their last eight games and with the Hornets having performed admirably in recent weeks on the road, they should be able to take full advantage.
The Hertfordshire side have been forced to change their style of play due to the lack of midfielders available, however, it hasn't affected their performances on the road and they have won three of their last four away from home. They've also managed to keep clean sheets in four of their last seven on the road.
Jack's 2022-23 Profit/Loss:
Staked: 221.00
Returned: 215.10
P/L: -5.90