James Buttler looks ahead to Saturday's Championship action and picks out the best bets with a treble.
Leeds United v QPR
Leeds were knocked off their stride in midweek with a disappointing showing in a 1-0 away defeat to Millwall that saw them slip to third in the Championship table. Back at Elland Road where they have won five and drawn one of their seven league matches, they have every chance of bouncing back. At home they have scored 15 and conceded 5 and only been beaten by Burnley.
The Whites beat Plymouth 3-0 last weekend and will be hoping for something similarly commanding against a QPR side that are down in 23rd spot. Rangers have only 10 points from 14 matches and only tasted a win once all the way back in August against Luton Town. Already five points off safety it would be a major shock if they laid a glove on Leeds this weekend.0
So, I’m taking Leeds to record a fifth straight home win and over 2.5 match goals at 17/20 for our treble, and I’d also be tempted by a repeat of the 3-0 score Leeds recorded against Plymouth at 6/1.
Sunderland v Coventry City
Top of the table Sunderland have recorded successive 0-0 draws in the league and are two pints clear of Sheffield United at the top, but they’ll be keen to get back to winning ways at the weekend. The Stadium of Light has been host to much of the Black Cats success this season with 16 points coming from their opening six home league matches, more than any other side in the division.
Regis Le Bris's team will be keen to remain at the summit for the international break and they face a rudderless Coventry City. Many in football were shocked when the Sky Blues announced the departure of manager Mark Robins on Thursday after a defeat to Derby County. He had been in charge for seven years and taken the club from League Two to the verge of Premier League promotion. It does seem a tad harsh off the back of successive league wins, although they are down in 17th.
Despite Sunderland goals drying up, you’d expect Coventry players to be a little dazed and confused this weekend and a Sunderland win appears the play. And with the price 6/5 on the hosts, with their dominance at home this season, it adds to our treble nicely.
Portsmouth v Preston
Rock bottom Portsmouth will welcome fellow strugglers Preston North End with neither side having tasted victory in four league fixtures. Promoted Pompey have struggled to adapt to life in the Championship and haven’t won at home all season. They have lost four and drawn three of their matches at Fratton Park. Their only win of the season came away at QPR in mid-October.
Preston however haven’t won away from home this season with three draws and three losses and manager Paul Heckingbottom will be keen to increase the cushion between his side and the relegation zone.
This could be a cagey battle with both sides unaccustomed to success, but Portsmouth are more fragile at the back than is healthy and Preston should have just enough. I’d completely understand if you left this off your betting slip, because neither side can be trusted, but I’m playing Preston to claim their first away win at 6/4.0
James’ Championship Tips
Leeds win and over 2.5 match goals at 17/20
Sunderland to win at 6/5
Preston to win at 6/4
Treble is 9.1/1 with William Hill
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