Championship betting tips: Burnley to struggle, Leeds Utd to overcome tough test
The Championship has a habit of hurling bewilderment our way, and we are sure this week will be no different.
Matchday 33 is upon us, and as we near crunch time in the race for the automatic promotion places and play-off spots, there is no margin for error.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Championship tipster Ethan Pitts selects four tips which will help you cash in with the bookies this weekend.
Preston vs Burnley
To kick-off Saturday’s large conundrum of fixtures, we see high-flyers Burnley travel to Deepdale in what is poised to be a tight game against Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston North End.
Since the arrival of Heckingbottom, we have seen a complete transformation in results for Preston. It might not be free flowing, but there is no doubting their ability to grind out results, especially in front of their home faithful.
Contrary to their league position, Preston are unbeaten at home since early November, and I don’t see that ending come Saturday afternoon.
Despite Burnley having such a plethora of talent, I can see Preston grinding out at least a draw in this Lancashire Derby.
However, this isn’t the only line we will be taking in this fixture.
Like me, you are probably getting sick and tired of seeing Burnley co-owner JJ Watt’s face on your timeline every time James Trafford and company keep a clean sheet.
Although Burnley’s defensive record is out of this world, their attacking-impetus doesn’t match.
Preston and Burnley only average just over a goal a game each, so I would hazard a guess that this will not be a goal-heavy game. So, I’m backing this match to have under 3.5 goals.
Suggested Bet: Under 3.5 goals and Preston to draw or win at 10/11 (bet365)
Luton Town vs Sheffield United
Commiserations to any Luton fan who has gone through the pain of watching their side in the first 31 games of the season.
Unfortunately, I cannot see this being the week your fortunes change.
When betting on Championship games, you must be under the illusion that literally anything can happen.
However, the odds of Sheffield United to beat Luton at just over evens seem crazy to me - and are something I cannot turn my nose up at.
Sheffield United currently sit second in both the league table and the away form table.
They are unbeaten in nine out of their last 10 matches away from home, and when you combine that with the fact that Santa has been and gone since Luton last won a game of football, it all points to one outcome.
Suggested Bet: Sheffield United to win at 13/10 (bet365 and Paddy Power)
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Sheffield Wednesday vs Coventry City
From the red side of Sheffield, to the blue, we see Sheffield Wednesday play host to Frank Lampard’s Coventry.
With 14 games left of the Championship season for both these sides, we are reaching crunch time.
This is a match that could well play a huge factor in deciding who reaches the play-offs, and who narrowly falls short.
In recent games between the two sides, it has been very much action-packed.
This is anchored by the fact that in their last five games (including cup competitions) we have seen both sides score in four of them. This statistic is one that I can’t see changing come Saturday afternoon as I predict a goal-heavy affair.
To add on to this, I really like Josh Windass’ betting props for this game.
Windass averages 2.5 shots per game this season and averages just under one shot-on-target a game.
In last season’s affair at Hillsborough, Windass registered two shots-on-target as Coventry won 2-1 on the day.
Wednesday will need their talisman to be on top form if they are to beat a Coventry side in exemplary form, and I’m backing him to do so.
Suggested Bet: Both teams to score and Josh Windass to have over 0.5 shots on target at 7/5 (bet365)
Leeds United vs Sunderland
Concluding the weekend and our selections, we see Sunderland travel down to Yorkshire as Elland Road plays host to a mouth-watering clash at the top of the table.
Elland Road has become somewhat of a fortress for Daniel Farke and his side as they aim to achieve promotion back to the Premier League - the Whites have only lost once at home all season.
With their current form, both offensively and defensively, I think they have too much for this exuberant Sunderland side and will overcome the Mackems.
However, if Leeds are to overcome Regis Le Bris’ side, they will need their star players to be at the top of their game.
Step forward, Manor Solomon.
Solomon has been a revelation for Leeds this season on loan from Tottenham. His form has established himself as a key member of Farke’s side and has limited the likes of Largie Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto to substitution appearances.
Solomon has accumulated seven goal contributions in his last five games at home, and with a packed Elland Road under the lights on Monday, I can see Solomon stepping up and leading his side to a vital victory with a goal contribution.
Suggested Bet: Leeds United to win and Manor Solomon to score or assist 17/10 (bet365)
Suggested Combined Accumulator - 26.83/1 (bet365):
Under 3.5 goals and Preston to draw or win
Sheffield United to win, both teams to score
Josh Windass to have over 0.5 shots on target
Leeds United to win and Manor Solomon to score or assist
