Bees Buzzing to be back at Griffin Park
Brentford [1.78] v Birmingham [5.2]; The Draw [3.95]
Thomas Frank won just one of his first five matches in charge, but the Dane gradually turned things around in West London, and he oversaw just a single defeat between mid-December and the end of February. The Bees have always been a side who thrive at home, and their record at Griffin Park in 2019 was very impressive. West Brom are the only side to have won at this ground since December 8, 2018, while the likes of Aston Villa, Stoke and Leeds were all dispatched with relative ease. Only promoted duo Norwich and Sheffield United picked up more home points than Brentford last season, and that is not a statistic that will fill travelling Birmingham fans with much confidence.
The Bees are back in familiar surroundings for this opening fixture, and they should be able to make a fast start. They won each of their first four home matches during the 2018-19 campaign, a run which began with a 5-1 dismantling of now-relegated Rotherham. Although Romaine Sawyers and Ezri Konsa have left the club, they appear to have recruited well, and the fact they’ve kept hold of Said Benrahma is significant.
It’s been another tumultuous summer at St Andrews, with Pep Clotet taking over from Garry Monk. The Spaniard didn’t last long at Oxford United, and many questions remain over his ability to be head honcho. They’ve lost Che Adams, who was responsible for 34.4% of Birmingham’s goals last season, and although I’m confident that Dan Crowley will go on to become one the division’s most creative midfielders, it’s not clear where the goals are going to come from.
The Blues haven’t beaten Brentford in any of their last five meetings, and I think they’ll find the Bees far too strong in their own backyard on Saturday afternoon. The price has been shortening all week, but you can get [1.78] on the Exchange for a Brentford victory, and that looks like a decent place to start on this opening weekend.
Stendel’s Warriors to Make Life Tough for the Cottagers
Barnsley [3.35] v Fulham [2.22]; The Draw [3.6]
Despite guiding Barnsley to an immediate return to League One, there has been very little fanfare surrounding Daniel Stendel. Tykes fans are understandably content with this situation, as they would like to maintain the services of the Frankfurt-born boss for as long as possible. He has been sensational since arriving in West Yorkshire, and although his side are being tipped to struggle this campaign, they could take one or two teams by surprise over the next couple of months.
The 45-year old is yet to lose a competitive match at Oakwell since joining the club, and boasts a 17-10 win-draw record here. His credentials will be well and truly tested when promotion favourites Fulham pitch up at Grove Street on Saturday afternoon. The Cottagers have hotshot striker Aleksandar Mitrovic tied down to a five-year deal, and they’ve also added wing wizard Anthony Knockaert. They look ready for an instant return to the top flight, but they may not have it all their own way here.
Barnsley’s high-pressing style will put increasing pressure on a Fulham defence which hasn’t always stood firm, and finding a pro-Barnsley bet in this game may be the best course of action.
With Stendel’s imperious record in front of the home faithful, it is definitely worth considering the 5/4 on offer for Barnsley Draw No Bet. Fulham were promoted two seasons ago, but they failed to win three of their first four away games in that campaign, and the Tykes will fancy their chances of getting something from this tough-looking opening day assignment.
Entertainment in short supply at the Madejski
Reading [2.62] v Sheffield Wednesday [2.94]; The Draw [3.25]
Jose Gomes managed to keep Reading in the Championship, and the Portuguese coach certainly had a noticeable effect on his team’s style of play. He helped make the Madejski a fortress, with the club losing just one of his 11 games in charge in Berkshire. They also kept four clean sheets, and only Leeds and Wigan have scored more than once at this ground since New Years Day. The former Rio Ave has the potential to introduce a more expansive style of play this season, but he doesn’t look to have the personnel to do so.
Sheffield Wednesday have endured a turbulent summer with Steve Bruce packing his bags and heading home to Tyneside. The cricket-loving Geordie had noticeably improved the Owls towards the back of last season, although they only beat two sides on the road in 2019, and they are both playing their football in League One. Lee Bullen takes charge of the club once again, and Wednesday fans will be confident that the Scot can provide some much need calm. During the 48-year old’s previous four-game stint in charge, he averaged two points per game, and remained undefeated with a 2-2 record. His side also conceded just twice during that period despite facing Preston, Middlesbrough and West Brom.
Bullen is likely to have his side well-drilled, and they should be well-organised. Neither side look set to take the Championship by storm this season, and this game may not be one for the neutrals. Using the Sportsbook’s Same Game Multi, we can get 5/4 for Reading Double Chance (Win or Draw) and Under 2.5 Goals, and that looks a superb way of approaching this opening day fixture.
You can follow Jack Critchley on Twitter @jcritch7
Source: BetFair Tips
