Will it be a Good Friday in the Championship for Leeds United, Burnley and Sheffield United?
- James M Buttler
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
James Buttler takes a look at Good Friday's Championship matches and tips up the automatic promotion chasing hopefuls.
Watford v Burnley
As the Championship season enters its decisive phase, Watford host Burnley at Vicarage Road with the Hornets currently 10th and hoping to salvage a late push for playoff contention. They face a tough challenge against second-placed Burnley, who are surging toward automatic promotion.
Burnley come into this fixture in red-hot form, with just two away defeats all season. In contrast, Watford have been inconsistent, managing only one win from their last five outings and suffering a 2-1 defeat to West Brom in their most recent match.
Burnley hold the psychological edge, having won their last meeting 2-1. With momentum, quality, and consistency on their side, the Clarets look set to take another step toward the Premier League.
So, the tip in this one is the Clarets to claim another crucial win in their promotion push and to keep it tight at the back. Burnley have conceded just 13 goals all season and Watford are struggling in attack. Burnley to win ‘to nil’ is 13/8 with Bet365.
Sheffield United v Cardiff City
Promotion hopefuls Sheffield United need to get their act together to maintain pressure on Leeds and Burnley in the battle for automatic promotion. The Blades, currently third with 83 points, are pushing for a top-two finish.
Sheffield United have been strong at home all season, with 14 wins in 21 games at Bramall Lane. Despite a recent 2-1 loss to Plymouth, Chris Wilder’s side remains one of the most defensively solid teams in the league, conceding just 33 goals in 42 matches. Their structured 3-5-2 setup and superior quality across the pitch make them heavy favourites on Friday.
Cardiff sit 22nd and face a real relegation threat after enduring a dismal season, especially away from home. They’ve managed only two wins on the road. Their defensive record is among the worst in the division, having shipped 65 goals so far.
The Blades couldn’t hope for a better opportunity to reestablish their top two credentials with a controlled and professional performance. -1 on the handicap markets is a play. Add in Sheffield United to win ‘to nil’ against a lacklustre Cardiff attack and the price is 5.88/1 with SkyBet.
Oxford United v Leeds United
Good Friday night’s Championship clash at the Kassam Stadium sees league leaders Leeds United travel to face struggling Oxford United in a fixture that has implications at both ends of the table. Leeds sit top the standings with 88 points and look set for a Premier League return, while Oxford are battling to stay above the relegation zone with just 45 points from 41 games.
Leeds come into this encounter in formidable form, boasting a 25-13-4 record and a league-best +53 goal difference. Their away record (9 wins, 9 draws, 3 losses) is solid, and they’ll be confident following a 2-1 win over Preston. Daniel Farke’s side have been a well-balanced unit, scoring 82 goals while conceding just 29. Expect them to control possession and apply plenty of pressure.
Oxford, meanwhile, are inconsistent and their home form (10 wins in 21 games) has been a key factor in their survival bid. A gritty 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday last time out showed they’re capable of springing surprises. Manager Gary Rowett will likely deploy a defensive, counter-attacking strategy to frustrate the visitors.
The tip in this one is Leeds at -1 on the handicaps at 17/5 with William Hill as they look to solidify their bid for a Premier League return.
James' Good Friday Championship Treble
If you roll all of the tips for Good Friday into a treble, the price is 82/1 with William Hill.
Please always gamble responsibly.
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