With three games played in the English Championship we are starting to get a gauge of which teams look most likely to challenge for promotion; Cardiff City currently sit at the top of the table with three wins from three games and the Welsh side are yet to concede a goal. Big spending Wolves and Ipswich Town are the other two teams with perfect records in the division, but something has to give this weekend as Wolves host Cardiff. In this preview, I’ll be taking a look at this weekends fixtures in the Championship and putting together an accumulator bet for you.
Aston Villa vs Norwich
Many people tipped Aston Villa for promotion this season, but Steve Bruce’s side have started the season extremely poorly, picking up just a solitary point from their first three games. Norwich meanwhile have won, drawn and lost so far and they look like a solid side this season. I’m backing Aston Villa to pick up their first win of the season on Saturday in this one though as their luck has to change soon.
Aston Villa to win 5/4 (Ladbrokes)
Fulham vs Sheffield Wednesday
Fulham were another side tipped for big things this season after their exciting brand of football nearly saw them promoted last time around. They have struggled in front of goal so far this campaign though, drawing all three of their games and scoring just twice. They come up against a Sheffield Wednesday side who have had similar struggles, scoring just twice on their way to two draws and a defeat. I think Fulham will pick up their first victory of the season in this one though.
Fulham to win 17/20 (Ladbrokes)
Nottingham Forest vs Middlesbrough
Big game this one, as 5th placed Nottingham Forest take on 4th placed Middlesbrough. These two sides have identical records so far, having won twice and lost once and I don’t think there’s much to choose between them. Britt Assombalonga has found the net twice so far since making the move from Forest to Boro this summer, and he will be keen to add to that tally against his former club. Middlesbrough have the best squad in the division and I think they’ll just edge this one.
Middlesbrough to win 13/10 (Ladbrokes)
Sunderland vs Leeds
Sunderland have surprised a few people so far after many tipped the North East side to struggle and manager Simon Grayson appears to have his side pretty well drilled. These two sides both have one win and two draws apiece and I can see this one ending in another draw. There’s not much between the two teams and they both look pretty solid in defence, so I’m backing the draw in this one.
Draw 9/4 (Ladbrokes)
4-Fold – 30/1 (Ladbrokes)