*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
Middlesbrough v Birmingham, 12.30pm: Sky Sports Football
Middlesbrough take on Birmingham in the early kick-off on Saturday in the Championship. Neil Warnock’s men are in a decent stretch of form in the league, and last weekend’s FA Cup defeat at Brentford won’t bother their manager too much after a Covid crisis hit the squad in recent weeks.
With a recovered and a rested squad to choose from a home game is welcomed this weekend.
Birmingham were chasing shadows in their FA Cup defeat to Manchester City last Saturday but it’s their league form that is the big problem for manager Aitor Karanka. He won’t be expecting things to get much easier against his former club in this one after they ran out 4-1 winners when the two met earlier this season at St Andrew’s.
Birmingham are one of the worst teams in the Championship at present, while Middlesbrough under promotion expert Warnock will get better as the season goes on, and they currently liet seventh in the table. It promises to be an unhappy return to the Riverside Stadium for Karanka and the bet here is a Middlesbrough Win.
Leeds v Brighton, 3pm: Sky Sports Premier League
Leeds United return to Premier League action against Brighton following on from what Marcelo Bielsa described as the worst defeat of his career in the FA Cup against Crawley Town. The Whites currently sit 12th with 23 points from 17 games, with Brighton down in 17th with 14 points from 18 games after a 1-0 defeat against Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
Brighton put up a great show against City in that one, and it’s not the first time this season they’ve gone toe-to-toe with one of the big boys. For me, they are a much better team than their league position suggests.
Leeds have blown hot and cold this season and their defence is susceptible to a meltdown at times. Bielsa’s interview midweek suggested there may have been words in the dressing room after that dismal display in West Sussex. Patrick Bamford’s return should help.
While I’m not overly convinced by Brighton’s manager I think they are much better than relegation candidates. If they can match Wednesday’s performance I can see them being strong in defence and getting a much-needed win at Elland Road. The bet is a Brighton Win.
PP News Daily Double
Saturday January 16
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
More top tips:
- PHIL THOMPSON: My 4/1 Premier League treble for Saturday
- Our top trader’s 33/1 punt for Liverpool v Man Utd
- Footy Acca: Paddy’s 30/1 4-fold from across Europe this Saturday