Saturday Championship Tips: High-scoring affair expected at Kenilworth Road

“Elijah Adebayo, Harry Cornick and Luke Berry have all scored 4+ goals this season and the potent trio should find plenty of joy against a Huddersfield defence which has kept just a single clean sheet in September”

Luton and Huddersfield to trade blows

Luton 2.26/5 v Huddersfield 3.45; The Draw 3.45

Luton have now scored eight times in their last two games and having produced xG’s of 2.8 and 3.3, they aren’t likely to sit back this weekend. Nathan Jones has been frustrated with his side’s wastefulness in front of goal this season, however, they seem to have very few problems creating opportunities. Elijah Adebayo, Harry Cornick and Luke Berry have all scored 4+ goals this season and the potent trio should find plenty of joy against a Huddersfield defence which has kept just a single clean sheet in September. The Terriers have seen five of their last seven matches feature three or more goals and their midweek victory over Blackburn was one of the most entertaining Championship fixtures of the season.

Recommended Bet: Back Over 2.5 Goals in Luton vs Huddersfield @ 1.991/1

Lions to leave Oakwell with at least a point

Barnsley 2.26/5 v Millwall 3.45; The Draw 3.45

Barnsley have the lowest xG in the Championship this season, however, the Tykes looked far slicker going forward against Nottingham Forest, especially in the first half. Markus Schopp’s side are struggling and despite some promising performances from Clarke Odour and Jordan Williams, they have failed to win any of their last eight matches. Millwall are the division’s draw specialists and are extremely tough to beat. Gary Rowett may have his detractors, however, his side are unbeaten since August 21st and have conceded just four times in their last six matches. They should take something from this contest.

Recommended Bet: Back Millwall Draw No Bet (vs Barnsley) @ 1.855/6

Tricky Trees to continue their momentum at St. Andrews

Birmingham 2.285/4 v Nottingham Forest 3.613/5; The Draw 3.185/40

Despite their promising start to the season, things appear to have gone a little stale at St. Andrews for Birmingham. Lee Bowyer’s side have now failed to score in three consecutive matches and have won just one of their last four home matches. Their defence has come under fire from supporters with both Harlee Dean and Marc Roberts having struggled in recent weeks. This could be the wrong time to come up against a Nottingham Forest side who appear to have been rejuvenated under Steve Cooper. The East Midlands side came from behind against Barnsley and the new coach appears to have finally unlocked their attacking potential.

Recommended Bet: Back Nottingham Forest Draw No Bet (vs Birmingham) @ 2.55

Both sides to notch by the seaside

Blackpool 3.052/1 v Blackburn 2.568/5; The Draw 3.3512/5

Although Blackpool squandered the lead against Hull in midweek, the Seasiders are now three unbeaten and are starting to build some momentum. Neil Critchley’s side are still a little short of firepower and have only managed to score 2+ goals in two of their last 10 outings. However, they have a genuine dangerman in the shape of Shayne Lavery, who has already plundered four Championship goals. Blackburn’s performances on the road have been a little underwhelming, however, they produced an xG of 2.1 in midweek at the John Smith’s Stadium. Having notched seven times in their last two matches, it’s hard to imagine them failing to hit the target here.

Recommended Bet: Back BTTS in Blackpool vs Blackburn @ 1.774/5

Cherries to edge out Blades

Bournemouth 2.021/1 v Sheffield United 4.1; The Draw 3.45

Bournemouth have slipped back down to second in the Championship table, although the Cherries are still yet to taste defeat this season. They couldn’t find a way past Posh in midweek, however, they have a deep and talented squad and Scott Parker is likely to make a few changes here. Since drawing 2-2 with Blackpool on August 21st, the Dorset-based club have conceded just two goals and Sheffield United could find them hard to break down. The Blades were blunted by Middlesbrough in midweek with many fans describing them as a ‘work in progress’. They’ve been on a good run, however, there were too many below-par performances on Tuesday night and this is likely to be one of their toughest tests to date.

Recommended Bet: Back Bournemouth to beat Sheffield United @ 2.021/1

Royals to take at least a point back to Berkshire

Cardiff 2.111/10 v Reading 3.711/4; The Draw 3.412/5

Reading’s recent revival had given their fans hope, however, they were left disappointed by their side’s lack of cutting edge on Wednesday night. The Royals aren’t the first team to be frustrated by a stubborn Derby outfit and they certainly won’t be the last. Although they have looked extremely shaky at the back, they have only conceded once in their last two matches and they could make things tough for a one-dimensional Cardiff outfit on Saturday afternoon. The Bluebirds have been struggling to find their rhythm and with a 50% pass completion rate on Tuesday night, they also appear to be struggling with the basics. Mick McCarthy is under significant pressure and he could struggle to motivate his side ahead of this one.

Recommended Bet: Back Reading Draw No Bet (vs Cardiff) @ 2.55

Rams and Swans to share the points at Pride Park

Derby 2.68/5 v Swansea 2.942/1; The Draw 32/1

Derby have developed the knack of frustrating the opposition and despite their off-field issues, Wayne Rooney has somehow managed to galvanise his troops. Having been handed a points deduction, the Rams have a significant deficit to make up, however, they have given themselves a realistic chance of survival this season. They are unbeaten here and have conceded just three times at Pride Park. Swansea were swept aside by Fulham in midweek, although Russell Martin’s side are trending in the right direction. With the South Wales derby on the horizon, the Swans will be keen to get back on track, however, it could be tough to break down an obstinate Derby defence.

Recommended Bet: Back Draw in Derby vs Swansea @ 32/1

Buoyant Boro to edge past timid Tigers

Hull 3.052/1 v Middlesbrough 2.6413/8; The Draw 3.1511/5

Hull have scored the fewest goals in the Championship this season and although Grant McCann’s side found a way through on Tuesday night, they need to start picking up maximum points in order to move away from the relegation zone. The Humberside outfit haven’t tasted victory since the opening day of the season and many fans are still calling for a change in the dugout. With the Northern Irishman likely to stay in charge for the foreseeable, this could be another tough watch for Tigers fans. Middlesbrough got back to winning ways in midweek with Sol Bamba earning rave reviews. Following a period of struggle, Neil Warnock has seemingly gone back to basics and his side looked sharp in every department on Tuesday. That should be enough to secure back-to-back victories.

Recommended Bet: Back Middlesbrough to beat Hull @ 2.6413/8

Posh to sneak past inconsistent Robins

Peterborough 2.68/5 v Bristol City 2.942/1; The Draw 3.39/4

Peterborough may be struggling on the road this season, however, their home form is excellent. Although their xG numbers don’t particularly impress, they have conceded just four times on their own patch and have avoided defeat in four of their last five home matches. West Brom are the only side to defeat them here and having kept high-flying Bournemouth off the score-sheet in midweek, they will be confident of taking three points in this one. Bristol City struggled against Millwall on Wednesday and Nigel Pearson’s side continue to struggle for consistency. Goals continue to be a problem for the Robins and with just five in their last seven, they may find it difficult to break down the hosts.

Recommended Bet: Back Peterborough to beat Bristol City @ 2.68/5

All-square in West London

QPR 2.1211/10 v Preston 3.613/5; The Draw 3.55/2

QPR’s xG numbers have been very impressive this season and Mark Warburton’s side were able to snap a three match winless run in midweek. Even when they’re not at their best, the West Londoners are finding a way to pick up points, and there is a nice balance to their starting XI. Despite their relatively lofty position, they’ve only won twice at home this season and have already dropped points against Barnsley and Bristol City. Preston appear to rivalling Millwall for the title of the Championship’s draw specialists and Frankie McAvoy’s side are extremely tough to beat. PNE have drawn each of their last five and it’s hard to imagine that this game will be any different.

Recommended Bet: Back Draw in QPR and Preston @ 3.55/2

You can follow Jack Critchley on Twitter @jcritch7