Bet Builder Tips: A 27/1 punt for Sunday’s Huddersfield v Forest playoff final

Our tipster Colin Harvey looks to take his share from the richest game in football.

*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

It’s not often that the two highest-placed teams make it to the finals but that’s exactly what we’ve got this Sunday with the 2022 Championship playoffs reaching their conclusion at Wembley. It’s Huddersfield, who finished 3rd and last dropped out of the top flight in 2019, against Nottingham Forest who are looking to get back to where they think they belong after a 23-year absence.

Most neutrals want the Tricky Trees to do it, especially after The Terriers’ dismal showing when being relegated last time, and maybe there’s a spot of nostalgia thrown in there as well. Forest is undoubtedly where the fairytale lies. They’ve risen from the foot of the table and come into this game as Paddy’s favourites to make it back into the big time.

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It’s a battle of the bosses as much as the players with Steve Cooper rightly earning plaudits aplenty. Carlos Corberan has quietly been doing a superb job up at the John Smith’s. I promise you Carlos, it’s not gone unnoticed in these parts.

Both are in blistering form and both came through incredibly hard-fought semi finals to get here. Only one can triumph but we too can pick up some silverware if I can send some winners into the top corner for our Championship Playoff Final 2022 Bet Builder. Let’s go.

*A Bet Builder with these four bets pays at approximately 27/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com right now

Sunday 4.30pm: Huddersfield v Nottingham Forest
Championship Playoff Final at Wembley
TV: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football

Huddersfield to Win

Forest’s rise has been sensational this season but there’s one result that’s sticking out and is putting me off backing them to get the job done when the pressure is really, really on. That’s their 1-0 loss to Bournemouth on the penultimate day of the season.

If they had won that game they would have gone level with The Cherries on points heading into the final day of the season with a straight shootout for the second automatic spot. However, as it happened, Bournemouth got the points and that was enough to secure their promotion back to the Premier League, simultaneously condemning Forest to the playoffs.

In general you can’t question their form, but I’m just wondering if they’ll struggle to get over the line and whether they’ll be a bit scarred from that. In their last 10 regulation league games they won seven, lost two and drawn one.

The Terriers are red hot as well and won six of their last seven games to rubber stamp their playoff spot. In a game of fine margins I’ll take a bit of a chance on Huddersfield to Win, especially at the prices.

Over 2.5 Goals

I’ve mentioned elsewhere on this esteemed website this weekend to go low in the goals markets in playoff finals, but I think this game might buck the trend. Of course it will be tight and nervy, but these two score lots of goals and both have conceded around a goal a game this season.

The Terriers have scored in each of their last nine matches while it’s at least one in seven of Forest’s last eight. You’d back Cooper’s crew to net again so Huddersfield will need at least two to win, nicely taking us Over 2.5 Goals.

Steve Cooper

Brennan Johnson to Score or Assist

Brennan Johnson has been the breakout star in the EFL this season and I’m sure he’d love to cap it off with another big impact in the playoff final. He’s notched up a superb 19 goals and 10 assists in 52 games this term.

The baby-faced assassin is good value to get involved here and if he has a special day he could turn the tie by himself. As it is, I’m just happy to side with Johnson to Score or Assist.

Jordan Rhodes to Score or Assist

However, the final word could come down a wily, seasoned campaigner in the shape of Jordan Rhodes. Ok, I’ll admit I was a little surprised to find out he’s only 32 as it feels like he’s been around for donkey’s years, but he could play a prominent role here.

This occasion certainly won’t faze him and, after a slow season, he popped up with the vital goal against Luton in Huddersfield’s semi final second leg to send them through 2-1 on aggregate. Terriers top scorer Danny Ward is a slight injury doubt so our man may get more minutes than anticipated and I’m pretty sure he’ll feature as a substitute if he doesn’t start. We’re getting a decent price on Rhodes to Score or Assist.

Huddersfield v Nottingham Forest tips

Huddersfield to Win
Over 2.5 Goals
Brennan Johnson to Score or Assist
Jordan Rhodes to Score or Assist

*A Bet Builder with these four bets pays at approximately 27/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

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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

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