We’re coming into the period of the year when these basement battles take on huge significance in the Championship, as time begins to run out in the battle to avoid the drop to League 1. Ironically, Rotherham have more time than most to dig themselves out of it after they have two games in hand on most of the division owing to Covid-19 related issues earlier in the season.
But, The Millers still sit in the relegation zone and have not shown many signs of late that an escape is on the horizon – taking just four points from their last five games. Birmingham, on the other hand, have more than proven that they are up for the fight since Lee Bowyer took over in the managerial hot seat on March 16.
Sunday 12:00 – Rotherham United v Birmingham City
Sky Sports Football
The Blues have taken a handy 10-point haul in their previous five Championship outings heading into this one, as the new manager bounce theory seems to have worked for them just when they needed it most. Another stat in their favour coming into this six-pointer is Rotherham’s rotten recent home record.
Paul Warne’s outfit have lost six of their last seven league games at the New York Stadium and with The Blues coming into this on an unbeaten three-game run, you’d have to fancy them to win here to push themselves closer to safety. You can also see the benefit of the work that Bowyer has been able to do with his defence during the last international break, as Birmingham haven’t conceded a goal since the Championship returned and we’re tipping them to keep a fourth clean sheet in a row here too.
At the start of the season, if you’d asked people about this fixture taking place at this time of year, they’d be forgiven for predicting that this one would be another relegation battle. But, Barnsley have rocked the Championship to its core this term and looked almost nailed on to secure one of the most unlikely Play-Off spots in the history of the competition.
The Tykes can take a step closer to a top-six finish by winning at St.Andrews and beating a Coventry side who have quietly gone about their business this season on their return to the second tier. The first aim for the vast majority of promoted sides is to remain in the division and an away victory over relegation rivals Rotherham on Thursday has certainly helped the cause of the Sky Blues in doing just that.
But, the job is not done for the Mark Robins-led team and they face one hell of a test against a superbly organised Barnsley XI on Sunday. Valérien Ismaël’s men come into the game in incredible shape having won 11 of their last 14 Championship fixtures and could be gracing the bright lights of the Premier League if they can keep up that kind of form until the end of the season.
On the flip side, Coventry’s league form has been patchy of late, as they lost three of their last six matches and we just have to go with the more consistent side here. Bang a Barnsley win into your betslip folks!
Football tips: Our deadly 15/2 double for Sunday’s Championship games
Premier League? Pfft! Championship is where it's at.
By PP Staff / Football Tips / 2 years ago
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* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
12:00 Rotherham United v Birmingham City: Birmingham To Win To Nil
We’re coming into the period of the year when these basement battles take on huge significance in the Championship, as time begins to run out in the battle to avoid the drop to League 1. Ironically, Rotherham have more time than most to dig themselves out of it after they have two games in hand on most of the division owing to Covid-19 related issues earlier in the season.
But, The Millers still sit in the relegation zone and have not shown many signs of late that an escape is on the horizon – taking just four points from their last five games. Birmingham, on the other hand, have more than proven that they are up for the fight since Lee Bowyer took over in the managerial hot seat on March 16.
Sunday 12:00 – Rotherham United v Birmingham City
Sky Sports Football
The Blues have taken a handy 10-point haul in their previous five Championship outings heading into this one, as the new manager bounce theory seems to have worked for them just when they needed it most. Another stat in their favour coming into this six-pointer is Rotherham’s rotten recent home record.
Paul Warne’s outfit have lost six of their last seven league games at the New York Stadium and with The Blues coming into this on an unbeaten three-game run, you’d have to fancy them to win here to push themselves closer to safety. You can also see the benefit of the work that Bowyer has been able to do with his defence during the last international break, as Birmingham haven’t conceded a goal since the Championship returned and we’re tipping them to keep a fourth clean sheet in a row here too.
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15:00 Coventry City v Barnsley: Barnsley To Win
At the start of the season, if you’d asked people about this fixture taking place at this time of year, they’d be forgiven for predicting that this one would be another relegation battle. But, Barnsley have rocked the Championship to its core this term and looked almost nailed on to secure one of the most unlikely Play-Off spots in the history of the competition.
The Tykes can take a step closer to a top-six finish by winning at St.Andrews and beating a Coventry side who have quietly gone about their business this season on their return to the second tier. The first aim for the vast majority of promoted sides is to remain in the division and an away victory over relegation rivals Rotherham on Thursday has certainly helped the cause of the Sky Blues in doing just that.
But, the job is not done for the Mark Robins-led team and they face one hell of a test against a superbly organised Barnsley XI on Sunday. Valérien Ismaël’s men come into the game in incredible shape having won 11 of their last 14 Championship fixtures and could be gracing the bright lights of the Premier League if they can keep up that kind of form until the end of the season.
On the flip side, Coventry’s league form has been patchy of late, as they lost three of their last six matches and we just have to go with the more consistent side here. Bang a Barnsley win into your betslip folks!
Championship tips summary:
12:00 Rotherham United v Birmingham City: Birmingham To Win To Nil
15:00 Coventry City v Barnsley: Barnsley To Win
* A double on these two best bets pays at approximately 15/2 with Paddy Power.
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