In the Championship, Ipswich Town are great value to cash in on Leeds’ frailty at the back at 11/10 (bet365).
Championship table-toppers QPR couldn’t break down Millwall on Tuesday evening and they could have a similar problem as they head to Crystal Palace, especially as the Eagles returned with a creditable point from a goalless draw at high-flying Cardiff in midweek. A draw at Selhurst Park is priced by Victor Chandler at 5/2 but that remains a slightly speculative flutter and there are better bets elsewhere.
The first port of call is Portman Road, where Ipswich and Leeds lock horns. The hosts have looked fairly solid at home, losing only to runaway leaders QPR and they have what it takes on their own patch to see off the beleaguered Whites, who threw away a 4-2 lead to lose to 6-4 to Preston last time out. In the circumstances, Roy Keane’s men look huge at 11/10 (bet365) to force their way back into the play-off mix with a fifth win of the campaign.
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is coming under increasing pressure as his side continue to underperform and although their home record is decent on paper, we don’t fancy them, even at 11/10 with Ladbrokes, to come up with the goods against rejuvenated Portsmouth at the Riverside.
Pompey moved out of the bottom three on Tuesday with a second consecutive win and with nine goals across those matches signalling a return to form in front of goal, Steve Cotterill’s side have been underestimated. Nevertheless, 888Sport’s 3/1 for an away win looks a touch risky given Portsmouth’s away record and a bit of insurance wouldn’t go amiss on Teesside so backing the visitors either at 8/11 (Paddy Power) with the benefit of a goal start or at 13/8 in Stan James’ ‘Draw No Bet’ market could be the way forward.
Elsewhere, Sheffield United can build on the draw at Nottingam Forest by seeing off Watford, whose excellent run was halted by Swansea in their last outing. William Hill rate the Blades at 11/8 to register a third home win of the season while Leicester (10/11, Coral) can turn things around against Scunthorpe and Swansea catch the eye at 5/6 with Partybets as they entertain Derby.
Recommended Bets:
Ipswich to beat Leeds – 11/10 (bet365)
Portsmouth to beat Middlesbrough ‘Draw No Bet’ – 13/8 (Stan James)
Double on Leicester and Swansea – 23/10 (Betfred)
Compare all Championship odds and bet at the best prices.
