Championship Betting Tips: Back both teams to net at the Hawthorns to commence Matchday 27 | OneFootball

EFL Championship

Betting tips and predictions for the second tier games taking place this weekend

The Championship returns following its FA Cup break last weekend, and with management changes and incoming transfers, we've reached a crucial stage of the season. With this in mind, Jack Critchley has picked out his best bets for this weekend's action...

West Brom vs Middlesbrough - Entertaining debut for Eric Ramsay in the dugout

Friday, 20:00, Live on Sky Sports Football

West Brom appointed a second successive young manager this week, with Eric Ramsay arriving at the Hawthorns to replace the recently dismissed Ryan Mason. Ramsay has a little more experience than his predecessor, although his latest stint has been in the MLS with Minnesota United. During his time in the North Star State, he managed to overperform with a below-average squad, introducing flexible set-piece routines, which routinely caused issues for the opposition defence. He won 38 of his 81 games in the USA.

He inherits a decent squad, albeit one with a few gaps, and I suspect he will have requested a few incomings upon accepting the job. The former Manchester United coach will want to hit the ground running, although this may be a tough reintroduction to English football. Before Mason's departure, WBA were posting decent xG numbers and boasted strong home form. Ramsay's priority is likely to be to sort out the club's atrocious form on the road.

Middlesbrough have been busy in the transfer market this week, adding Leo Castledine and Finley Munroe. The latter is likely to be preserved for the future, whereas Castledine, who has been catching the eye in the third tier, may be given an opportunity to make an instant impact. Boro ended their barren run with a comprehensive 4-0 success against Southampton with the in-form Morgan Whittaker ending his own personal lean spell. Kim Hellberg's men play on the front foot, and although Adilson Malanda's arrival provides some much-needed assurance at the back, they are still lacking in defensive personnel.

Coventry vs Leicester - Chaotic Foxes to strike again

Saturday, 12:30, Live on Sky Sports Football

Coventy's drop off has been well-documented and they were also dumped out of the FA Cup by Stoke last weekend. The Sky Blues have lost their mojo, which may have been caused by a combination of fixture overload, key injuries and the opposition raising their game against the leaders. Frank Lampard has refreshed his squad with the addition of two wide players, with Min Hyeok-Yang and Romaine Esse both arriving at the CBS.

Bobby Thomas' preventable red card against Birmingham leaves them potentially short of options at the back, with another reshuffle expected for Saturday's game. Across the last three matches, Coventry's xG of 4.5 has been decent enough, although their xG of 3.9 suggests that they are giving up too many chances.

Leicester remain ensconced in midtable and although there is still a modicum of pressure on the shoulders of Marti Cifuentes, back-to-back home wins has left the Spaniard in a slightly more favourable position. They have managed to offload Wout Faes this week, which should help with the financial issues at the club, and there are likely to be a few more outgoings at the KP this month.

On the road, they have been wildly unpredictable and highly entertaining. Things are rarely dull when the Foxes are in town, and although these two near-neighbours played a 0-0 draw in the previous meeting, I'd expect this one to be more open.

Ipswich vs Blackburn - Rovers to struggle at Portman Road

Saturday 12:30, Live on Sky Sports+ App

Ipswich are keeping tabs on Coventry at the top of the Championship table and many are expecting Kieran McKenna's side to have a highly productive and successful second half of the season. Only Watford have collected more points than the Tractor Boys across the last six games and they were also triumphant in the FA Cup at the weekend.

McKenna has a vastly talented and deep squad to choose from, something which cannot be said for today's opponents. In their last Championship match, he was able to bring on Jack Clarke, Wes Burns and Jack Taylor, with Kasey McAteer and Jacob Greaves failing to get on the pitch.

The visitors have ben struggling for numbers, although Eirin Cashin has bolstered their defence. With Ryan Alebiosu still representing Nigeria at AFCON and Mahktar Gueye having left for China, it's fairly slim pickings for Val Ismael, who may have to name a few youth players on the bench. They did manage to come back from 2-0 down to take a point against Charlton and they made it all the way to penalties last weekend, so the players are fighting for the club, but this result may simply come down to the difference in quality.

Watford vs Millwall - Hornets fantastic form to show no signs of stopping

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

Watford's paltry effort in the FA Cup suggested that they are putting all of their eggs in the Championship promotion basket. The Hornets are the in-form side in the second tier, coping admirably with the fixture congestion across the festive period. They have lost Max Alleyne, who has been recalled (and immediately into the XI) by Manchester City, yet they still have the remainder of their key players. Edo Kayembe also returns from AFCON and should be ready to return to the first-team action following a disappointing tournament with DR Congo.

Javi Gracia has managed to get the most out of his players, including managing to completely revitalise Tom Ince. Imran Louza, Othmane Maamma and the recently returned Giorgi Chakvetadze have made them a force to be reckoned with going forward. Defensively, they've been fairly secure at home, although they will be forced into a reshuffle following Alleyne's recall.

Millwall are hoping to find some consistency and although they are unbeaten in their last four, they have a 2-3-2 record across their last seven matches. Alex Neil hasn't been helped by injuries although Josh Coburn is back in contention with the striker appearing to have bulked up during his time on the sidelines. They are still painfully short of genuine central midfielders and that could be the difference here.

They do have a good record against the hosts, losing just two of the last ten, but this is a tough time to face the in-form Hornets.

Charlton vs Sheffield United - Blades to continue their free-scoring form

Saturday, 15:00

Although this may not be a 'must win' for Charlton, it is a match which should be filed under 'must not lose'. The Addicks' form has improved, yet they are still struggling to pick up results and weren't able to hold onto a two goal lead against Blackburn last time out. Goals have been an issue with just nine in their last eleven, although they showed far greater adventure at Ewood Park. Miles Leaburn caused the Chelsea defence plenty of problems in the FA Cup and he is likely to get the nod alongside Charlie Kelman.

At the other end of the field, they have tightened up, and the addition of Harry Clarke makes up for James Bree's departure. They are just five points clear of the relegation zone and they will be looking over their shoulders with Oxford having appointed a new manager and Norwich strengthened their wide options.

Sheffield United were beaten in the FA Cup, yet they have shown a significant upturn in performances in the Championship. The Blades have plenty of firepower and have netted 2+ goals in eight of their last ten outings. Even if things aren't going their way, Chris Wilder has the luxury of attacking options from the bench with Gus Hamer, Danny Ings and Tyrese Campbell amongst the subs for their recent victory over Leicester.

Oxford vs Bristol City - BTTS in Bloomfield's home debut

Saturday, 15:00

Oxford appointed Matt Bloomfield as Gary Rowett's successor this week and he will be hoping to get off to a winning start at the Kassam. Bloomfield was in the stands for FA Cup fixture last weekend, and his squad will be bolstered by the additions of Jamie Donley and Myles Peart-Harris. Both players suggest that Bloomfield will prioritise a more possession-heavy style and a more front-footed approach may be implemented. Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen, yet there is always a better balance when Cameron Brannagan is in the XI and his return from injury could prove timely.

The players will be keen to make an impression on the new coach and having scored in four of their last five at this venue, they will fancy their chances of getting on the scoresheet. Jack Lankshear is likely to lead the line and the 20-year-old has netted in each of his last two outings.

Bristol City are still tricky to predict under Gerhard Struber, yet the Robins tend to be better on the road. They will be full of confidence heading into this fixture having demolished Watford in the FA Cup. They have re-signed George Earthy, giving them more options in midfield and if Oxford push too far forward, they should be able to succesfully counter them.

Preston vs Derby - Derby to edge a tight game at Deepdale

Saturday, 15:00

Preston need a performance on Saturday afternoon. Fans were unhappy with their side's display in the FA Cup last weekend as they crashed out of the competition to their ex-manager Ryan Lowe. It was a below-par performance and Paul Heckingbottom will not want a repeat of that display. Furthermore, the pitch at Deepdale has been cutting up and that makes it difficult to play football on. PNE are unbeaten here since November 21st, although they've won just one of their last five and that came against Sheffield Wednesday.

There have been a few outgoings this week at PNE, but no incomings have been announced. Liam Lindsay has faced the ire of the fans in recent weeks for his semi-regular contributions to the bloopers reel, so if he starts, the liklihood of them keeping a clean sheet decreases.

Derby are in mid-table and appear to be safe from being dragged into any trouble. John Eustace's side aren't easy to play against and their ability to capitalise from set-pieces may cause issues for the hosts here. They will battle their way through the 90 minutes and having avoided defeat in two of their last seven, there is every chance that they take a point back to Pride Park.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth - Pompey to edge past the battle-hardened hosts

Saturday, 15:00

Sheffield Wednesday continue to battle away against the odds. They are unable to make many signings, resorting to free agents, and their sole loan signing Harry Amass has been recalled by Manchester United and may be sent elsewhere in the Championship. With injuries affecting their defence and Barry Bannan seemingly playing through the pain barrier, they are simply playing for pride. They have managed to draw their last two home matches, holding Blackburn to a goalless draw and conjuring up enough spirit to draw 2-2 with Hull.

Unfortunately, their squad is looking stretched and even though they should give a good account of themselves in this one, they may just fall short.

Pompey put on a decent show against Arsenal in the FA Cup, taking the lead against the Gunners and landing five shots on target. That is the kind of attacking adventure that will keep their heads above water this season and John Mousinho can take plenty of positives from that display. It helped to cleanse the pallet following their 5-0 hammering at Ashton Gate. They do have injuries, but if Colby Bishop starts this game, they will have a focal point and he could make the difference in a fairly tight, low-margin affair.

Southampton vs Hull - Saints to struggle at St. Marys

Saturday, 15:00

Tonda Eckert gained a much-needed victory in the FA Cup last weekend, although the second half display against League One Doncaster was less than convincing. In the Championship, it's six games without a victory for the Saints and more worringly, they've failed to find the net in their last two. They have recruited a new goalkeeper with Daniel Peretz arriving to replace Gavin Bazunu, who had the lowest save percentage in the division. That should help them at the back, however, Eckert's preferred possession-heavy style of play is seemingly at odds with fan feeling.

Given their form and lack of potency, 8/11 is far too short for the hosts. Fans have requested more urgency from their team and the lack physicality in the XI has also caused issues in recent weeks. Nevertheless, Eckert has hinted at an upcoming formation change, which may just spark some life back into this dormant outfit.

Hull have beaten Southampton in three of their last five meetings and they will fancy their chances of collecting three points on Saturday afternoon. Their form on the road has been solid and they are unbeaten in four away trips. Oli McBurnie is back in the XI and he will look to bully the Saints defence, which has struggled to contain the more physical sides in the division.

The Tigers recently delivered a textbook away win at the Riverside Stadium and although this is a far longer trip, they may still take at least a point back to Humberside.

Stoke vs QPR - Potters to clinch three consecutive Championship victories

Saturday, 15:00

Stoke's fortunes have turned around this month with the Potters clinching back-to-back away victories at Hull and Norwich. They also beat Coventry in the FA Cup last weekend and have kept clean sheets in all three of those matches. This is closer to the blueprint that helped them climb the Championship table throughout August and September, although their attacking numbers remain problematic.

They have plenty of width, with Lamine Cisse proving to be a nuisance to the opposition defence, and Sorba Thomas still delivering plenty of balls from the flanks. Unfortunately, they do not possess a prolific striker who can benefit from their industry and they are averaging just 1.23 goals per game.

QPR's home form is solid enough, but their away has taken a downturn. Their performance at Loftus Road against Sheffield Wednesday was less than convincing and with just one win in seven on the road, this is likely to be a tough afternoon. Rumarn Burrell's injury is a blow, but the arrival of Ronnie Edwards will give them more balance and depth at the back.

Wrexham vs Norwich - Welshmen to capitalise on Norwich's uncertainty

Saturday, 15:00

No team has scored more goals across the last six games than Wrexham. Phil Parkinson should be given credit for the turnaround, having deployed George Thomason at LWB and opted for two number tens behind the striker. Even the loss of Kieffer Moore hasn't halted their momentum with Sam Smith stepping up admirably alongside the return of the energetic Ollie Rathbone.

They've enjoyed some time off this week with an eight day break between games and they will fancy their chances of continuing their play-off push. Four consecutive wins has pushed them to within a point of the top six and they are unbeaten here since September 13th.

Philippe Clement has averaged 1.36 points per game since his arrival in East Anglia and although that is a vast improvement on their form under Liam Manning, they remain rooted in the bottom three. Fitness issues have affected their squad and the speculation surrounding Josh Sargent's potential departure to Toronto refuses to go away.

If Sargent isn't able to feature, Jovon Makama is an able deputy and will cause issues for the Wrexham defence, ably assisted by Matej Jurasek.

The Canaries have been better on the road recently and most of their games have been decided by fine margins, yet they may just fall short here.

Swansea vs Birmingham - Swans to edge a tight game

Saturday, 17:30, Live on Sky Sports Football

Swansea are keeping their heads above water under Vitor Matos. They are slowly pulling away from the bottom three and following the briefest flirtation with relegations, fans will be fairly satisfied with a stress-free midtable finish this season. Matos have made them tougher to beat and far more competitive, yet firepower remains a bit of an issue. Zan Vipotnik has been prolific, yet the Slovenian cannot be deployed every single game and there are very few able deputies willing to step up. Erratic displays from wide players is another problem, however, they are occasionally capable of creating moments of magic.

They've won every single home game under the new coach, and have kept clean sheets in three of those victories. They will make this competitive and won't make it easy for the Birmingham outfit, who are undergoing a January refurbishment.

Chris Davies has been criticised by some sections of supporters, yet many acknowledge that the squad lacks quality in key areas. The arrival of Kai Wagner has seemingly solved the left-back issue, and the German has hit the ground running. With Keshi Anderson having had his contract terminated and a handful of players seemingly nearing the exit, new arrivals are expected before the end of the month.

Brum's away form remains suspect and this may be due to tactics as opposed to personnel. The hosts should be able to keep this close and potentially nick all three points.

Recommended bets