James Buttler looks ahead to the 11th round of Championship action on Tuesday evening and picks out the best bets, including a treble.
Leeds v Watford
Leeds United find themselves in third after their 2-0 home win over fellow promotion chasers Sheffield Utd on Friday. Watford are eighth and arrive at Elland Road with a 3-0 defeat at Luton Town on Saturday fresh in the memory.
Previously unbeaten Blades boss Chris Wilder said that Leeds were the best side his team had faced so far this season Leeds are unbeaten in five league games and have won their last two home fixtures 3-0 against Coventry and 2-0 over Sheffield Utd, whereas Watford have lost their last four away matches by a cumulative 11-1. Watford boss Tom Cleverly has highlighted poor away form as a real problem and Elland Road isn’t the obvious place to travel to in search of a solution.
Leeds should win this one and combined with over 2.5 match goals the price is 10/11.
Cardiff City v Portsmouth
These are two sides in the relegation zone, both on eight points and both experiencing a slight upturn in fortunes. I’m not even going to try and work out which team wins this match as putting your money on either is a risky business, and always gamble responsibly, but goals appears to be a route into this fixture.
Cardiff took one point from their first seven matches and then seven from their last three, with home wins over Millwall and Plymoth (5-0 at the weekend) and a draw at Bristol City. Portsmouth beat bottom club QPR 2-1 away at the weekend and have scored at least once in their last five away games.
Cardiff seem the most likely victors and the 21/20 on the Bluebirds isn’t a daft choice. But I’m ignoring the win markets and taking Both Teams To Score at 8/11.
Oxford v Derby County
Oxford and Derby are smack bang in mid-table on 13 points and the draw is a play in this one as Oxford have drawn their last four matches, including the last two at home, and Derby held Millwall to a credible draw at the weekend. The draw is 12/5.
But Oxford at 29/20 to take all three points screams value. They are unbeaten in their last eight home league matches, if you include the last two at the Kassam in League One last season. The point Derby earned at Millwall was their first of the season, preceded by four straight defeats. And even that point may have felt like a loss after taking the lead in the 78th minute and conceding the equaliser in the 85th minute. Not winning away has become a costly habit. As I said, Oxford to win at 29/20 screams the betting value.
James’ Championship Tips
Leeds to win and over 2.5 match goals at 10/11
Both Teams to Score in Cardiff City v Portsmo.uth at 8/11
Oxford to beat Derby at 29/20
The treble is worth 7/1 (prices at William Hill – shop around you may find marginally better).
As always, please gamble responsibly.