Every year as people become more and more disillusioned with the Premier League, attentions consistently turn towards the Championship for the mountain of permutations and races for places.
This year is no different and with Leeds looking like a football club for the first time in 20 years, interest has certainly piqued in England’s second tier.
Their mammoth 46-game schedule is nearing its end now, but there’s something to play for in every aspect of the league table and that makes for entertaining, open football as points are now very much at a premium.
With that in mind, here’s a bet to see you in the money ahead of the big slate of games.
Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest, Friday 12:30
Forest in somewhat of a false position. While their squad was always like to fall short of promotion efforts or playoff contention, they’re still on a points tally that flatters their performances to this point.
You could argue that Sheffield United’s relatively young squad could struggle as Leeds’ experience will stand to them, but Martin O’Neill might be the only manager who would set up for a point to meet imaginary KPIs he’ll read off in press conferences for the foreseeable future.
That gives the better side the platform to feel their way into the game and their quality will shine through. Oh, and Sheffield United have conceded just 16 goals at home all season, while Forest have scored more than once on just one occasion in the Championship in 2019.
Pick: Sheffield United (1/2)
Millwall v Brentford, Friday 13:00
Millwall’s season took a bit of a tumble because of an FA Cup dream that eventually derailed in the cruellest way possible.
But here’s the thing – in times of crisis, The Den is difficult to contend with for teams.
Their home form took a hit in the middle of the FA Cup hysteria, but with Brentford coming to town with little to play for the fourth-worst away record in the division, this price looks tasty.
Brentford have shipped 35 times in just 21 away games this season and look a good bet to fold here, especially as motivation won’t be at a premium and their side likely gets shredded and their key performers shipped off.
Millwall have fallen into the pattern of just doing enough and this would be a prime example of that once again.
Pick: Millwall (6/5)
Bolton v Aston Villa, Friday 15:00
Bolton are probably down – that much is obvious. But the key point is that they aren’t.
Sides are most dangerous when they’ve got nothing to lose and everything to play for because they don’t sit back; they don’t waste time trying to feel their way into the game and they play open, direct football.
They also shoot on sight as the game progresses. This is complementary to both teams to score bets, as Villa are free-scoring away from home and need to consolidate their playoff spot and continue their impressive run over the last few months.
However, only West Brom have conceded more goals than Villa among the top seven sides away from home and it’s not something they’re particularly comfortable with. Expect goals in this one.
Pick: Both Teams To Score Yes (17/20)
Bet Summary
- Sheff Utd to beat Nottingham Forest – 1/2
- Millwall to beat Brentford – 6/5
- BTTS Bolton v Aston Villa – 17/20