There are six midweek Championship fixtures and Jack Critchley believes that Sheffield United can come out on top in the battle between two play-off hopefuls…
“The hosts have conceded just four times in their last 12 fixtures here and they’ve had an extra 24 hours to prepare for this mouthwatering midweek match-up.”
Blades to take advantage of Boro’s poor away form
Sheffield United 2.1211/10 v Middlesbrough 4.216/5; The Draw 3.412/5
Tuesday 19:45
It’s now two matches without a win for Sheffield United, however, Blades fans shouldn’t too dismayed by recent results. Although they were second best against Nottingham Forest on Friday evening, they are currently facing a tough run of fixtures, and upcoming contests with Barnsley, Stoke and Coventry look far more palatable.
Nevertheless, if Paul Heckingbottom’s side are going to make the play-offs, they must start beating the sides around them. Middlesbrough are the latest visitors to Bramall Lane and the watertight hosts will fancy their chances of leapfrogging the Teessiders on Tuesday night.
The hosts have conceded just four times in their last 12 fixtures here and they’ve had an extra 24 hours to prepare for this mouth-watering midweek match-up. Although Jayden Bogle and George Baldock are on the sidelines, academy graduate Femi Seriki didn’t look out of his depth against Nottingham Forest and he is likely to remain in the XI.
Boro have enjoyed a productive week having ousted Spurs in the FA Cup and edged past Luton on Saturday afternoon. Chris Wilder will be desperate to get one over on his former employers, however, the Teessiders’ away form is patchy. They’ve failed to win in five of their last six and conceded three times to Barnsley at the end of February.
The visitors have conceded a goal in the first 30 minutes of their last three away ties and if this game follows a similar pattern, they may struggle to break down the Blades’ stubborn resistance.
Recommended Bet: Back Sheffield United to beat Middlesbrough @ 2.1211/10
Two struggling sides to strike at Oakwell
Barnsley 2.1211/10 v Stoke 4.216/5; The Draw 3.412/5
Tuesday 19:45
Barnsley blew their opportunity to close the gap on the sides above them on Saturday afternoon as they produced a listless performance against one of their relegation rivals. Tykes fans complained about their side’s lack of energy and motivation and they will need to lift themselves for a winnable looking match against out-of-form Stoke. Jordan Williams’ absence is a blow, however, the hosts have scored four times in their last two home games and should be able to find a way past the Potters’ defence.
Stoke played reasonably well against Blackpool, however, they couldn’t find a way through. They have been much better on the road and have found the net in five of their last six. They haven’t kept a clean sheet since mid-January and always look liable to switch off at crucial moments.
Tight 90 minutes expected at Ewood Park
Blackburn 2.26/5 v Millwall 4.3100/30; The Draw 3.185/40
Tuesday 19:45
Blackburn are slipping down the table and their lack of firepower is holding them back. Tony Mowbray must find a way to get his side firing and having drawn a blank in six of their last seven, they will need to improve their attacking output if they are to find a way past Millwall’s tough rearguard.
The Lions have won five matches in a row and have put themselves firmly back in play-off contention. They’ve kept three clean sheets in their last four and although they aren’t high-scorers, they are incredibly tough to breach.
Recommended Bet: Back BTTS? No in Blackburn vs Millwall @ 1.664/6
Sky Blues and Hatters to share the points
Coventry 2.245/4 v Luton 3.814/5; The Draw 3.39/4
Tuesday 19:45
There are just three points between these two sides and both will fancy their chances of sneaking into the top six. Coventry has rediscovered their early-season form at the CBS Arena and have taken eight points from a possible 12 here recently. Mark Robins’ men have been much tougher to beat and have conceded just twice during that run.
Luton have been on a decent run of form, and almost snatched something against Middlesbrough at the weekend. The Hatters have a few key injuries and are embarking upon a tough run of fixtures, and although they haven’t drawn on the road since November, they may have to settle for a share of the spoils here.
Recommended Bet: Back Draw in Coventry vs Luton @ 3.39/4
Cottagers to edge past inconsistent Swans
Swansea 5.39/2 v Fulham 1.865/6; The Draw 3.613/5
Tuesday 19:45
Fulham haven’t been at their imperious best in recent weeks, however, they are finding a way to win. Although their defence has been far from perfect this season, they have managed to keep a clean sheet in four of their last six outings. Marco Silva’s men have won each of their last three away games by a one goal margin and they may have to be patient in South Wales on Tuesday night.
Russell Martin’s Swansea are inconsistent and are occasionally capable of pulling off a surprise. They have narrowly beaten high-flying duo Huddersfield and Blackburn here, so they will fancy their chances of causing an upset. However, the visitors are playing at a far superior level and should be able to sneak past the hosts.
Recommended Bet: Back Fulham to beat Swansea @ 1.855/6
Cherries to breeze past hapless Posh
Bournemouth 1.3130/100 v Peterborough 1312/1; The Draw 65/1
Tuesday 19:45
Bournemouth have dropped out of the top two, however, they have several games in hand on Huddersfield. Scott Parker’s side are playing reasonably well and although they tasted defeat at Deepdale at the weekend, they couldn’t have asked for an easier midweek fixture.
At home, the Cherries have been very entertaining to watch with 87% of their matches featuring at least three goals. They will fancy their chances of sticking a few goals past Grant McCann’s Peterborough.
Posh look set to drop back into the third tier following a disastrous season which has seen them concede 48 times on the road. Having conceded nine times in their previous three visits to top four opposition, and with an away xGA of 1.94, they are unlikely to keep the hosts at arm’s length on Tuesday night.
Recommended Bet: Back Over 2.5 Bournemouth team goals @ [5/4]
Source: Betfair UK English Championship
