There’s almost a full fixture list in the Championship on Tuesday, with some crunch games at the top and bottom end of the table. Two former top-flight clubs go head-to-head at Turf Moor, with Burnley and Nottingham Forest expected to be doing better than they are at present. Here’s our take on how Tuesday’s matches (all 7:45pm kick offs) might pan out…
Burnley v Nottingham Forest
Both these teams have endured a tough start to the season and the pressure has been mounting on Eddie Howe and Steve McClaren. Being at home, the onus will be on the Clarets to take the game to Forest and that may play into the visitors’ hands.
Burnley have won only one league game so far this term, but the biggest worry will be their form at Turf Moor. Howe’s men have collected just three points from a possible 12 at home and were denied a win on Saturday by a late Southampton equaliser.
Forest on the other hand picked up a useful win, if a bit scrappy, at Watford and their away form has been better than that home, where they are yet to win.
Suggested Bet: Draw HT / Forest FT @ 5/1
Derby v Barnsley
The Rams go into Tuesday’s game sitting third in the table after a crushing win over Millwall at the weekend. Nigel Clough has turned Derby from relegation candidates into promotion hopefuls, but they face a stiff test in midweek.
Barnsley have started to turn around their fortunes and Keith Hill’s men are unbeaten in their last five games. Ok, four of those games have been draws but they have made themselves tough to beat.
Suggested Bet: Draw @ 5/2
West Ham v Ipswich
Sam Allardyce is still trying to make Upton Park a fortress, but it is proving harder than he probably thought.
Saturday’s narrow win over Peterborough was their second home success of the season, but the boss will be concerned with a lack of goals in the last couple of games.
Meanwhile, Ipswich continue to sum up the division – unpredictable and inconsistent! Paul Jewell’s team are good enough to beat anyone in the division, but they are also capable of losing to anyone.
Suggested Bet: West Ham to win 1-0 @ 6/1
Doncaster v Hull
Dean Saunders secured the perfect start to his spell in charge at the Keepmoat, with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace – Rovers’ first win of the season. He may find it tougher to build on that though on Tuesday, when he faces the prospect of his first Yorkshire derby.
Hull are unbeaten in their last four games and their away record is impressive, picking up two wins and a draw in four away matches to date. Nigel Pearson has instilled some real steel into the Tigers and they look real promotion contenders.
Suggested Bet: Hull to win @ 8/5
Coventry v Blackpool
Six points already separate these two sides and they are likely to be at opposite end of the table come May. Coventry are in desperate need of striking reinforcements and goals continue to be their problem.
Goals are not normally a problem for the Tangerines, it’s leaking them that gives Ian Holloway cause for concern. Saturday’s late defeat at Portsmouth is likely to inspire them though to respond at the Ricoh Arena.
Suggested Bet: Blackpool to win @ 6/4
Brighton v Crystal Palace
A third home game in seven days for Brighton, with Gus Poyet hoping to make it third time lucky. Carling Cup defeat to Liverpool was followed by a draw with Leeds on Friday, leaking five goals in the process.
The Seagulls bright start to the season may well have been derailed in recent weeks and Palace are a dangerous team to face at this time. The Eagles are sat in mid-table and have already secured a win at Hull on their travels this season.
Suggested Bet: Draw @ 11/4
Bristol City v Reading
Both of these teams have disappointed so far this term, with both the Robins and the Royals sitting in the bottom half.
Bristol City are yet to win at home this season and Reading have the attacking threat to pile on the woes for the Ashton Gate faithful.
Suggested Bet: Simon Church to score at anytime @ 13/8
Portsmouth v Peterborough
Peterborough’s good start has turned sour in recent weeks, with Darren Ferguson’s men losing four of their last five games.
Pompey will have been buoyed by their late win over Blackpool on Saturday and can grind out another three points in midweek.
Suggested Bet: Portsmouth to win @ 11/10
Watford v Millwall
These two teams are struggling badly, with a lack of confidence and a lack of goals in recent weeks.
The Hornets have failed to find the net in four league games this term, while the Lions have not scored in their last five matches – don?t expect many goals here!
Suggested Bet: 0-0 draw @ 5/2
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