Championship Tips: Welsh duo to prove effective in front of goal on Friday night | OneFootball

EFL Championship

Betting tips and predictions for each of this weekend's Championship matches

It's the final set of pre-Christmas fixtures, and there is plenty to be decided ahead of the Boxing Day games. Jack Critchley has picked out his favourite bets from this weekend's 12 matches from the second-tier...

Swansea vs Wrexham - No bragging rights in Friday's all-Welsh affair

Friday, 20:00, Live on Sky Sports Football

Swansea have been showing far more fight under Vitor Matos, but there is still a lack of quality in their XI. Zan Vipotnik's goalscoring record is excellent, but he fails to contribute in other areas. Liam Cullen has played 18 times this season, and despite scoring twice, he's yet to record an assist and often goes missing for long periods. Furthermore, Ji-Sung Eom and Ronald are exceptionally erratic, which is far from ideal in such a competitive and condensed division. Nevertheless, they've shown enough fight to suggest that they can be competitive on Friday evening, although 13/10 looks a little skinny for a side whose only home wins have come against teams currently occupying the bottom seven spots.

Wrexham were involved in an absorbing 2-2 with Watford and deserved their point based on their second-half performance. Phil Parkinson's side changed shape multiple times after the break and found a way back into the game courtesy of Ollie Rathbone, who has been a bit of a forgotten man recently.

Their form on the road has been far from convincing, yet their 2-0 defeat to Hull can be blamed on fatigue and Keiffer Moore did miss a penalty in that contest. They've won just twice on the road this season, yet they usually do find the back of the net and the aforementioned Moore is likely to give the Swans' defence a testing 90 minutes. This could easily end all-square, but it may be best to back BTTS as it's hard to see either side failing to register in South Wales.

Blackburn vs Millwall - Another week without a home victory for Rovers

Saturday, 12:30, Live on Sky Sports+ App

Blackburn's recent form has been underwhelming, and Valerian Ismael bemoaned his side's inability to do the basics and pointed out that the same mistakes are being made every week. Rovers have netted just four times in the last five matches and were also unable to hold onto the lead at Fratton Park last weekend. They've netted the third-fewest goals in the Championship with only Sheffield Wednesday scoring fewer on their own patch so far.

Four of their six home defeats have been decided by a single goal and they are managing to stay competitive in matches at Ewood Park, which is a positive. They do play with plenty of energy, but their lack of killer instinct is holding them back.

Millwall's injury crisis has caused them to drop points in each of their last two matches, yet they are generally tougher to beat on their travels. They've suffered just two defeats away from Bermondsey, but they are seriously lacking numbers in midfield for this weekend. Nevertheless, you can always rely on Alex Neil's side to give 100%, and they should be able to battle their way to a point on Saturday lunchtime.

Preston vs Norwich - Entertaining 90 minutes at Deepdale

Saturday, 12:30, Live on Sky Sports+ App

PNE had to grind out a result last weekend as they battled their way to a 2-1 victory at the Kassam. Visiting Oxford is far from straightforward, and the Lancastrians just about managed to preserve their slender lead. This is a different task for the Lilywhites and they are arguably meeting Norwich at just the wrong time. Nevertheless, their home form is strong, and they have suffered just two defeats at Deepdale.

They've had some tricky fixtures here recently, but still managed to find the net against Coventry, even with a man disadvantage. They aren't always an easy watch, but they do have players who are capable of producing the occasional moment of magic.

Norwich have picked up under Philippe Clement, with the Belgian having overseen a remarkable turnaround. In Josh Sargent's absence, Javon Makama led the line superbly last weekend, and both Jacob Wright and Pelle Mattsson are thriving under the new management. They rode their luck at times last weekend, needing a helping hand from goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic, but the players appear to be motivated and they look far more potent in the final third.

Clement's next target will surely be to pick up a clean sheet, something they've failed to achieve since the end of August. They still have a few defensive injuries, and it could be tricky to keep the hosts off the scoresheet. They remain in trouble and need to take maximum points from this fixture, so I'd expect Norwich to make a fast start, which should lead to a goal-heavy game.

Check out Alan Dudman's League 1 & 2 Tipsheet now.

Southampton vs Coventry - Lively encounter on the south coast

Saturday, 12:30, Live on Sky Sports Football

Southampton fell to their second consecutive away defeat last weekend as they were controversially beaten by Norwich. Irrespective of the contentious handball decision, the Saints were second best for large parts of the game, and their attempts to play it out from the back caused all sorts of issues. Saints have looked far more comfortable without the ball and they have thrived in the games where they've had far less possession recently.

Tonda Eckert has his side firing, but he has struggled to keep things tight at the other end, and they are without a clean sheet in four, conceding 2+ in three of those. They are far from the finished product and this is likely to be one of their toughest tests of the season.

Coventry got back to winning ways last weekend with Frank Lampard praising the spirit of his squad. They remain extremely open, and had Bristol City been a little more clinical, they may have been forced to settle for a draw. The Robins had eight shots on target and three good chances, and the rusty-looking Fally Mayulu should have done better with his late effort.

They have failed to win three of their last five away games, and have managed just one clean sheet away from the CBS since the beginning of October. They could be vulnerable and I'd expect an entertaining attacking display from both teams.

Bristol City vs Middlesbrough - Boro's swashbuckling approach to continue

Saturday, 15:00

Many Coventry fans suggested that Bristol City were one of the best teams to visit the CBS so far this season. The Robins pushed the Sky Blues all the way, yet they suffered from a combination of wayward finishing and bad luck, drawing a rare blank on the road. At Ashton Gate, Gerhard Struber's side haven't been as effective, although they were superb against Leicester ten days ago and could easily have nicked all three points.

They can counter-attack with pace and have taken points off Ipswich, Southampton and Birmingham. They won't make it easy for Kim Hellberg's side, although with Tanner and Vyner both likely to be out for this contest, they could be short of natural defenders. It means that Ross McCrorie may have to move into defence and that could make it a long afternoon for the Scot.

Boro look unstoppable under Kim Hellberg. Although their second-half performances have failed to match the intensity of their first 45s, they have done enough to win each of the last three games relatively comfortably. Morgan Whittaker has had a new lease of life under the former Hammarby boss and David Strelec looks like he may finally be starting to acclimatise to life in the second tier. The Teessiders have been unable to maintain the energy levels throughout the 90 minutes, but they should have enough in the tank to bag at least a couple of goals once again, despite possessing a poor record at this ground.

Charlton vs Oxford

Saturday, 15:00

Charlton battled their way to a point last weekend at Birmingham and took an unlikely point back to the capital. Nathan Jones' side ended their losing run with the Welshman praising his side's attitude and singling out Tyreece Campbell for his endeavour and composure. It hasn't been an easy run for the Addicks and considerations must be made for their fixture list which has included the top two, Coventry and Middlesbrough, alongside the upwardly mobile Southampton and top-half dwellers Stoke. This should be much easier.

Injuries have also hindered their recent progress, yet they still have a five-point cushion on the bottom three, and over this weekend's opponents.

Oxford have been incredibly hard to predict so far this season. Gary Rowett's side are combative and they will look to bombard the opposition with balls into the box. Sadly, they haven't been particularly clinical and are lacking a clinical edge. On their travels, they've netted just six times in eight, and may struggle to find the net in this one.

There will be no shortage of hard work, effort and grit in this fixture, although, it may lack a little bit of quality in the final third.

Derby vs Portsmouth - Overs at Pride Park

Saturday, 15:00

Derby had a fairly easy ride on Monday night as they eased to victory at Hillsborough. The small playing squad has taken its toll on the Owls, and John Eustace's side were able to use their squad effectively. They desperately needed that victory following a tricky period in which they picked up just a single point from a possible nine.

I'm still not convinced that the Rams are out of the woods yet and they have looked uncharacteristically shaky at the back recently. They haven't managed a clean sheet at Pride Park since October 25th and they could struggle here, despite Pompey's issues on the road. In the final third, a combination of Agyemang, Brereton-Diaz and Brewster seemed to work effectively, and Eustace may stick with the same combination for this fixture. The former was particularly sharp, landing three shots on target and getting into good positions throughout the 90 minutes.

Portsmouth got a much-needed victory last time out, turning around a goal deficit at Fratton Park. It relieved the pressure on John Mousinho, who had started to come in for some criticism. The manager's half-time changes did the trick with the introduction of Colby Bishop proving decisive, allowing Callum Lang to move back to his more natural position on the right-hand side. The visitors don't score many goals away from home, but they should be able to create chances if they stick with their second-half XI. Either way, they are far too open and this could still be a high-scoring affair, even if they choose not to get involved.

Hull vs West Brom - Tigers to avoid defeat at the MKM

Saturday, 15:00

Sergej Jakirovic was 'very, very happy' with his side's performance last weekend as they ran out 3-1 winners at Millwall. It's now back-to-back victories for the Tigers, who have netted five times in the last 180 minutes of Championship football. Despite a few inconsistent moments, mainly triggered by injuries to key players, Hull have exceeded pre-season expectations and currently sit in sixth place.

Defensively, they were poor against Middlesbrough, but they have only been beaten three times here and the return of Oli McBurnie from injury has come at the perfect time. Kyle Joseph is also starting to repay some of the transfer fee lately, netting both his efforts on target last weekend. Joseph's work rate is a significant positive for the hosts, and he appears to be finally hitting his stride in front of goal, too.

Hull have dropped just four points when hosting bottom-half opposition this season, so seeing them priced up as the outsiders is a little confusing.

West Brom were victorious at the Hawthorns last weekend. The Baggies have enjoyed plenty of success on their own patch, yet they've been largely unable to replicate this on the road. Ryan Mason's side continues to tread water in midtable, largely due to their inferior away form. They cannot stop conceding goals on their travels and it appears to be an issue that Mason is struggling to resolve.

October 1st was the last time that WBA were successful on the travels; it was also the last time they avoided defeat away from the Black Country.

Ipswich vs Sheffield Wednesday - Complete domination from the hosts

Saturday, 15:00

Ipswich's inconsistencies have frustrated their fans throughout the campaign and they struggled once again last weekend at the KP. Kieran McKenna suggested that it simply wasn't his side's day, and although they outshot their hosts, they probably didn't do enough to win the game. Nevertheless, the Tractor Boys have been much stronger at Portman Road this season and Saturday's game provides the perfect opportunity to get some confidence back into the XI.

They've won three of their last five matches at this stadium, keeping a clean sheet in each of those victories and they've also managed to keep Wrexham off the scoresheet. They should be able to keep a struggling Sheffield Wednesday at arm's length throughout the 90 minutes. McKenna has plenty of talent at his disposal, and can make a few changes if necessary to keep players fresh for the festive period.

Sheffield Wednesday were completely outplayed by Derby on Monday night. It was the end of a long, arduous week for their small squad, and the Owls are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table. They've lost four of their last five and although performances have been slightly better on the road, they are unlikely to take anything from this game. The goals have dried up with three blanks in four, and with Ipswich's superb home defensive record, they could struggle to fashion many opportunities.

QPR vs Leicester - Another end-to-end 90 minutes at Loftus Road

Saturday, 15:00

Although the result would suggest otherwise, QPR were actually the better side in the second half of their 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough. Julian Stephan's side remains untrustworthy at the back, but they have several dangerous players going forward and they've eight times across their last three home games. Rumarn Burrell and Richard Kone were a little subdued last weekend, yet they have thrived at Loftus Road, and they should be afforded plenty of space by a Leicester defence that has been fairly generous on their travels.

The Foxes were rocking against Bristol City, having established a two-goal lead and couldn't hold on. They haven't kept a clean sheet away since August 23rd, although they were absolutely battered by Charlton on that occasion. Nevertheless, the visitors have improved significantly in recent weeks, easing the pressure on Marti Cifuentes. A midfield duo of Oli Skipp and Jordan James has added some balance to their attacking play and Bobby Cordova-Reid has stepped up and combined well with the industrious Jordan Ayew.

Both sides will play on the front foot, and neither are particularly solid. That should result in a watchable contest, which will hopefully contain a few goals.

Sheffield United vs Birmingham - Blades to react to Wilder's disappointment

Saturday, 15:00

Chris Wilder didn't hold back following his side's tame 2-0 defeat to West Brom on Friday evening, claiming he was 'as angry and annoying as i've been in a long time'. His side has had a full week to work on the training ground and the Blades boss is likely to make changes for this fixture. Following their sensational return to form, they have stalled and have failed to win their last two encounters. Against Norwich, they came up against another in-form outfit and did enough to take all three points, but their no-show against WBA left Wilder absolutely livid.

Blades were better in the first half, and they have plenty of talented players in their squad. Wilder must find the right balance. Their home form has been far better, and they're unbeaten in their last four at Bramall Lane, conceding just a single goal.

Birmingham fans will consider it two points dropped as the Blues could only draw 1-1 at home to Charlton. Their top six hopes hinge on their excellent home form, with many of their away displays having been significantly below par. Chris Davies has come in for some criticism for his tactical decisions and a January splurge is surely in the offing.

Davies needs to sort out the Blues' defence, which hasn't kept a clean sheet for seven matches and hasn't managed a shutout on the road since October 21st. They don't tend to get handsomely beaten on the road, but they've shown a little bit of naivety and could fall short yet again.

Watford vs Stoke - BTTS at Vicarage Road

Saturday, 15:00

Watford are hard to beat. They've been defeated in just one of their last nine, although they've dropped too many points at Vicarage, especially when going off at odds-on prices. Scoring goals hasn't been an issue for the Hornets, and they've netted in each of their last 11 and haven't drawn a blank here since September 13th. Javi Gracia's young side will create chances and they have unearthed another gem in Othman Maamma, who has looked a cut above throughout the last couple of months.

Stoke are starting to drift downwards, although they stopped the rot last weekend with a 2-1 success at home to Swansea. On the road, Mark Robins' side have struggled, and have been conceding too many goals. Nevertheless, Sorba Thomas has been very impressive this season and, Robert Bozenik showed potential up front. Fans would like to see him paired with Sam Gallagher to form a big man-little man partnership.

The Potters barely created anything at both Ipswich and Sheffield United, and they need to show a lot more here. Regardless, the hosts are always likely to give up plenty of opportunities.

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