Boxing Day Championship Tips: A bet for every game this Friday | OneFootball

EFL Championship

Festive fancies from the second tier

The Championship serves up a big portion of Boxing Day footy and here with a bet for EVERY game is our league expert Jack Critchley who has scoured the Friday fixture list for the best betting opportunities...

Birmingham vs Derby - BTTS in the early KO

Boxing Day, 12:30, Live on Sky Sports Football

Birmingham fans were not happy with their side's performance on Saturday, and many have registered their displeasure with manager Chris Davies. The former Spurs coach has failed to stop the rot on the road with the Blues haemorrhaging goals away from St. Andrews and there was an imbalance in the XI, which resulted in some indiscipline. Tommy Doyle was given his marching orders after 18 minutes, and both centre-backs were walking a tightrope within the first 11 minutes. Keshi Anderson, who also received a yellow card, was hooked after 30 minutes. The club is likely to dip into the transfer market again come January, but for now, they will have to make do with their current squad.

The good news for Blues fans is that they are back at home on Boxing Day, and if they are to keep their play-off ambitions alive, they must continue picking up maximum points in front of their own fans.

Although they've won two of their last three here, they haven't managed a clean sheet in any of those games, and with Doyle suspended and Iwata likely to continue deputising at right-back, there can be very little confidence in them keeping the opposition off the scoresheet once again.

Derby picked up a point on Saturday against Portsmouth and it left many fans underwhelmed. Nevertheless, without Carlton Morris and David Ozoh, the Rams are weaker and they simply came up against a Pompey outfit who were prepared to dig in and defend for their lives. Interestingly, the East Midlanders have been better on the road recently, and have won 50% of their away trips so far this season. They are averaging 1.6 goals per games away from Pride Park, and they have netted 2+ goals in four of their last five. They should be able to test the home defence sufficiently and make their mark on Friday lunchtime.

Millwall vs Ipswich - Tractor Boys not to be trusted on the road

Boxing Day, 13:00, Live on Sky Sports+ App

Alex Neil was disgruntled with Millwall's display at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon as the Lions slipped to a tame 2-0 defeat. The Scot suggested that it was 'arguably as poor as it's been' and that his side 'lacked quality at times'. Strong words, however, the former Norwich boss often gets a reaction when he lays into this team in this manner.

Millwall are still riding high in the Championship and although their underwhelming performance in Lancashire would make many fans question the validity of the Lions' spot in the top six, they have been dealt a tough hand when it comes to injuries. Their midfield has been decimated in recent weeks and although they may be able to get one of two of the walking wounded back for this contest, they are unlikely to be able to take all three points on Boxing Day.

Billy Mitchell and Alfie Doughty were only just back from injury and Femi Azeez remains suspended for this tie.

Ipswich climbed up to third following a straightforward-looking success over Sheffield Wednesday. Despite the convincing scoreline, Kieran McKenna's side weren't completely convincing and were extremely sloppy in possession. This resulted in some very nervous moments and at 11/10, I struggle to trust them on their travels this season.

They've managed just a single clean sheet away from Portman Road and have failed to win any of their last three. If Saturday's performance is anything to go by, they are likely to gift the hosts a few opportunities.

Coventry vs Swansea - Leaders to sneak past the spirited Swans

Boxing Day, 15:00, Live on Sky Sports+ App

It was a decent weekend for Coventry with the Sky Blues taking a point from their trip to Southampton as Boro slipped up at Ashton Gate. It wasn't straightforward for the leaders, and their preparations were marred by a sickness bug which swept through the camp rendering first choice centre-backs Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching unavailable for selection. Tatsuhiro Sakamato also fell victim to the virus resulting in several youth players filling spots on the bench.

Frank Lampard praised his side's back-to-the-wall approach which earned them a point and they kept the previously potent Saints at arm's length for long periods of the second half.

It's a change of narrative for Cov, who have looked defensively susceptible in recent weeks and that bodes well for this home clash with Swansea.

The visitors squeaked past Wrexham on Friday night and have been much improved since the arrival of Vitor Matos. They still lack quality and they were arguably fortunate to take all three points from that clash. Away from home, they've struggled, losing four consecutive matches and conceding 2+ goals in each of those.

Cov should be close to full strength here, notwithstanding the injury to Brandon Thomas-Asante, and they will have enough firepower to take three points and continue to set the pace, although I expect the visitors to keep it tight for long periods.

Leicester vs Watford - Goal-heavy clash at the KP

Boxing Day, 15:00, Live on Sky Sports+ App

It was a chastening return to Loftus Road for Marti Cifuentes at the weekend as the former QPR boss watched his current employers inexplicably concede four first half goals. The Spaniard will have been pleased with his side's response in the second half, yet the damage was already done by this stage, and the travelling fans expressed their frustrations at the full-time whistle.

It's felt like one step forward and two steps back for the Foxes recently who have won four of their eight, yet remain rooted in midtable and simply cannot stop conceding goals. Many of these are preventable and frequent mistakes are holding them back. They do seem to have found their groove in the final third, scoring 2+ goals in each of their last three at this venue, but clean sheets have been at a premium.

Watford were victorious at the weekend, edging past Stoke at Vicarage Road. Away from home, their matches have been far more entertaining and are averging 2.7 goals per game. The Hornets are still searching for their first clean sheet on the road, yet they do tend to contribute. Overs at 17/20 is perfectly acceptable, but we can boost the price using a Bet Builder. Adding BTTS and over 0.5 first half goals will increase the odds to 5/4.

Middlesbrough vs Blackburn - Whittaker to shine back at the Riverside

Boxing Day, 15:00 Live on Sky Sports+ App

Kim Hellberg's winning start at the Riverside was abruptly ended by Bristol City at the weekend. The Swede admitted that he was frustrated as his side missed the opportunity to close the gap and saw Emil Riis score against them for the sixth season in a row. Boro also possess a wretched record at Ashton Gate and they'll be happier to return to Teesside for this Boxing Day fixture.

It wasn't a bad performance, with Boro firing in 28 shots, but it just wasn't their day as they found the Robins' back-line, particularly when they reverted to five at the back, just too tough to breach. Although Tommy Conway struggled against his former club, and David Strelec was quiet, Morgan Whittaker was still heavily involved and appears to be exuding confidence at the moment.

As well as being the most fouled player in the contest, he also took nine shots, six of which were blocked and one of which landed on target. Blackburn's defence isn't quite as measly and the former Plymouth man may have better luck in this one.

Rovers got the monkey off their back with a home victory on Saturday, and although they have been better on the road, this could be a tough 90 minutes for the Lancastrians.

Norwich vs Charlton - Canaries to edge to victory

Boxing Day, 15:00, Live on Sky Sports+ App

Norwich took a point back from Deepdale on Saturday, and most fans would agree that it was a fair outcome. The Deepdale pitch was cutting up and neither side were able to freely create chances. It extended Norwich's unbeaten run to four games, although the time of the equaliser may feel like a defeat. Nevertheless, Philippe Clement was satisfied with the attitude and application of his players and they will fancy their chances of bouncing back on Boxing Day.

Their home form has been decent since the Belgian took over in East Anglia, beating Southampton and QPR here in recent weeks. Javon Makama has stepped up superbly and his all-round game has caught the eye. The former Lincoln man has been able to hold up the ball sufficiently and he also has an eye for goal.

Charlton picked up a much-needed victory against Oxford. The Addicks have endured a poor run of form, although a difficult set of fixtures was to blame for their lack of success. Nathan Jones was delighted with his side's performance at the weekend, singling out the goalscorer Charlie Kelman for praise, admitting that the striker is playing through an injury.

The visitors haven't been as effective on the road, although they battled their way to a point at St. Andrews recently. They will make it tight and will relish the battle, but they may just fall short.

Oxford vs Southampton - Struggling hosts to test the leaky Saints

Boxing Day, 15:00, Live on Sky Sports+ App

Oxford's disappointing form continued on Saturday as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat away at Charlton. Some Yellows fans registered their displeasure in the direction of manager Gary Rowett, and he was subsequently relieved of his duties on Tuesday morning. They are two points adrift of safety and they cannot afford to fall any further below the dotted before a new manager is appointed.

Under Rowett's tutelage, Oxford tended to struggle against the teams around them, taking just five points from a possible 27 against sides in the bottom ten. Nevertheless, they do tend to thrive against the better sides in the division, taking points off Coventry, Middlesbrough and Ipswich here and drawing with Millwall. Although Southampton are not sitting quite as high in the standings, they are in decent form and are expected to be up there at the end of the campaign. The change in the dugout may just prompt an uplift in their attacking numbers and they could create a few dangerous moments here.

Saints had to settle for a draw with Coventry at the weekend, running out of ideas in the final few minutes of the game. It was the first time that Tonda Eckert's side have failed to win at St. Marys since the switch in the dugout and they'll fancy their chances of bouncing back on Boxing Day. They have ample firepower and shouldn't fail to register, but it wouldn't be a surprise to the see the hosts do their usual trick and give the visitors plenty to think about.

Portsmouth vs QPR - Entertaining affair at Fratton Park

Boxing Day, 15:00, Live on Sky Sports+ App

Pompey are now unbeaten in two, although their performance at Derby was far from vintage. John Mousinho's side scored with their only effort of the first half and were defending for their lives in the second period. Their away form is poor, yet their record at Fratton Park isn't bad and they have beaten Blackburn and Millwall at this ground since mid-November. Although they could easily get something from this tie, the potential injury to Josh Murphy is a concern, and that limits their creativity.

They aren't the easiest to beat on their own patch, with only four teams scoring 2+ goals at this ground so far this season, including the leaders Coventry. They defended diligently at Pride Park, but they will need to keep tabs on QPR's confident frontmen here.

The R's were ruthless in the first half against Leicester at the weekend and with Koki Saito, Rumarn Burrell, Richard Kone and Karamoko Dembele all combining well. Nicholas Madsen also had a fantastic game, one of his best since joining the club. They are full of confidence, yet their away is a little iffy of late. They have netted against both Middlesbrough and Norwich, yet haven't managed to keep a clean sheet in either. BTTS is likely and use the bet builder tool to chuck in a first half goal, we can boost the price to 5/6.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Hull - A lack of festive cheer at Hillsborough

Boxing Day, 15:00, Live on Sky Sports+ App

Sheffield Wednesday showed plenty of endeavour as they battled away at Portman Road at the weekend. The Owls' lack of quality and lack of options from the bench counted against them in the end, yet Henrik Pederson is still managing to inspire his side, led by the ageless Barry Bannan to give 100%, despite their impossible situation.

The hosts have performed better on the road and have struggled in South Yorkshire, giving away far too many chances. They've shipped three goals in each of their last three matches here and that pattern could easily continue against the visitors, who are full of confidence.

The Tigers have won three in a row and four of their last five and this appears to be a perfect opportunity to extend that positive sequence. They weren't at their best against WBA and were a touch fortunate with the penalty, but they still managed to collect maximum points and they have an opportunity to climb up to third in the table, if results go their way.

Stoke vs Preston - PNE to leave the Potteries with at least a point

Boxing Day, 15:00, Live on Sky Sports+ App

Mark Robins described his side's 1-0 loss at Watford as 'galling' and lamented his side's imability to defend set-pieces. The Potters' form has completed nosedived lately and although they've had some relatively tough fixtures, they have dropped out of the top six completely and their confidence has taken a hit. They did win their last game here in Staffordshire and are generally harder to beat in the Potteries, but this is a tough ask against a side, who tend to be aerially dominant.

Worringly for the home fans, Stoke's goals appear to have dried up, netting just three times in their last five matches.

Preston ground out a 1-1 with Norwich on Saturday and it's testament to the Lilywhites' determination that they rarely give up in games. Paul Heckingbottom may be sitting in the stands, yet under the guidance of Stuart McCall, they poured forward in the closing stages and deservedly took a point from a tricky fixture.

Only three sides can boast better away form than the Lancastrians, and they are unbeaten in each of their last five on the road. Only Pompey and WBA have beaten them as hosts so far, and both of those were decided by a single goal margin. They should be able to take at least point and look a little overpriced.

West Brom vs Bristol City - Close encounter in the Black Country

Boxing Day, 15:00, Live on Sky Sports+ App

Ryan Mason has taken a lot of flack for his side's away performances this season, although there's not a lot he could do about the 1-0 loss at Hull. The Baggies were far from perfect, but the referee wasn't on their side and although Mason blamed his side's lack of discipline, it is a match that could easily have gone the other way.

Back at the Hawthorns, WBA are always competitive and have won 50% of their home matches so far this season. Mason has been kept in a job by his side's ability to pick up results here and they will looking to maintain their unbeaten run, which stretches back to September 13th. The caveat to this is that they have only hosted one side who are currently sat inside the top half of the Championship table, so there will be tougher tests to come. Nevertheless, they did beat Preston here and easily saw off upwardly mobile Sheffield United recently.

Bristol City are hard to predict. They are a decent counter-attacking side, who give 100%, but injuries have prevented them from putting together any sort of consistent run of form this season. It's been two months since they won back-to-back games, so backing them to follow up their 2-0 success at Ashton Gate probably isn't the best option here.

They will look to keep things right and frustrate the hosts for long periods of this game. This could end in a stalemate.

Wrexham vs Sheffield United - End-to-end evening encounter

Boxing Day, 17:30, Live on Sky Sports Football

Wrexham probably didn't deserve to lose to Swansea, although they didn't do enough to win the game either. Their long unbeaten run is becoming a distant memory with the Welsh side failing to win any of their last five matches, and twice needing last minute equalisers to secure a share of the spoils. They barely conceded a goal throughout November, yet their December form has been troublesome and they've shipped 2+ in each of their last three.

Phil Parkinson's side have made uncharacteristic errors over the last few games with goalkeeper Arther Okonkwo one of the guilty parties. They need to cut out the mistakes if they wish to launch an assault on the play-offs this season, but 10 draws in their opening 22 games is holding them back.

Chris Wilder got a tune out of his side on Saturday, although they were helped by an early red card. The Blades boss has the majority of his key players back in the squad, giving him plenty of attacking options. Over the hectic festive period, he has the luxury of rotation and that will surely help to keep the South Yorkshire side as fresh as possible.

Their away form is far from perfect, but they should have more than enough to get on the scoresheet. They need to show more than they did at the Hawthorns, yet they seem to have their tails back up and should be able to test the Wrexham backline.

Jack Critchley's Boxing Day Multi in the Championship

My recommended multi for the Boxing Day Championship games is: Hull Win, Coventry Win, Norwich Win, and Over 2.5 Goals in Leicester vs Watford. If this bet loses, you'll get your money back as a free bet with Betfair this Friday. 

Recommended bets

Back BTTS in Birmingham vs Derby @ 1/1

Back BTTS in Oxford vs Southampton @ 7/10

Back Preston Draw No Bet (vs Stoke) @ 31/20

New Customers can get £50 in free bets!