If there’s a few constants in life, then Leeds letting you down is somewhere near the top of that list. Realistically, Marcelo Bielsa’s magical footballing powers can only bring you so far when you’re ultimately doomed to fail regardless of tactical application.
Stoke City are nowhere near promotion contenders and Swansea look more like a League One side than a recent Premier League departure.
But hey, this is Championship football where nothing is predictable. That is – until now.
Here’s a bank holiday Monday hangover cure for you.
Ipswich v Swansea: Swansea – 10/11
Stop beating a dead horse, the cynics cry. I certainly won’t.
Ipswich were an embarrassment this year and their relegation was certainly justified. Given the lack of interest any of their players have in resembling a football squad, this one makes perfect sense.
No, Swansea were not world beaters this season and their confidence levels pre-season were quickly given a reality check, but they’ve enough footballing ability to go where no man should have gone before – East Anglia – and pick up three points at a shade of odds-on.
Does anyone remember that metric that Sky Sports used to tell you that Leroy Fer and Leon Britton were the best players in the Premier League? God help us.
WALSALL, ENGLAND – JULY 25: Aston Villa player Glenn Whelan in action during a friendly match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Banks’ Stadium on July 25, 2018 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Aston Villa v Millwall: Aston Villa – 8/15
This is actually a fairly generous price when you think of it.
Tammy Abraham might be the best striker in the football league. Jack Grealish, after getting a slap in the second city derby, seems to have catapulted into life and they’ve won their last seven in a row.
Automatic promotion might be just out of their reach right now, but realistically, they’ll be the form team going into the playoffs and that usually pays dividends.
Millwall’s season died a death after the heartbreak of losing an FA Cup quarter-final on penalties to Brighton and they’re probably just content to see Rotherham not picking up more points.
Derby v QPR: QPR and Draw Double Chance – 11/10
Derby County are the team to watch around this time of year. Not because they excel, but because they normally provide countless entertainment as they perennially underachieve despite the good squads they’ve built up over the years.
It makes it even funnier this time around as Derby are being led by one of life’s biggest overachievers in Frank Lampard, who despite clear technical flaws, is one of the best players to ever play in the Premier League.
You see where I’m going with this, I’d imagine. I don’t think Derby created a single chance in the second half against Birmingham on Saturday despite their opponents playing with six up top. Classic Rams.
Pick: QPR and Draw on Double Chance – 11/10
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – APRIL 30: Fans arrive ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff City at Hillsborough stadium on April 30, 2016 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol City: Both Teams to Score – 13/20
You’ll love my logic for this one.
You know when you place a bet on a multiple and you’re so assured of one leg of it, then another lets you down?
You always ask yourself the same question afterwards. Why did I not just have a bigger punt on the leg I was sure of?
This, folks – is that leg. Nailed on.
Pick: Both Teams to Score – 13/20
An acca on these four games pays out at 9/1
- Swansea win – 10/11
- Aston Villa – 8/15
- QPR and Draw on Double Chance – 11/10
- Both Teams to Score in Sheff Wed v Bristol City – 13/20
*All odds correct at time of posting
The Championship’s a dogfight, scrap your way to the top with this 9/1 acca at PaddyPower.com