Boxing Day is one of the most eagerly anticipated days on the football calendar and it is no exception this year in the Championship. All 24 clubs are in action on a bumper day of football.
Derby v Leeds (13:00)
Simon Grayson’s Leeds travel to Pride Park as they look to continue their excellent away form and should be backed at 11/8 to pick up all three points against Nigel Clough’s side.
Leeds have picked up maximum points in three of their last four away matches and seem to enjoy playing away from Elland Road.
The Yorkshire club did slip up recently at home to Reading but are still just inside the play-off positions and are a good bet to stay there come end of the season.
Derby, on the other hand, are not safe from relegation this season, despite being seven points above the drop zone at this stage. They could so easily be dragged into the fight for survival if they lose two or three games on the spin during the Christmas period.
The Rams have only won one of their last eight fixtures so hardly go into this game in any rich vein of form.
The visitors should have too much class for the home side so take Leeds to beat Derby 2-0 at odds of 10/1.
Barnsley v Blackpool (15:00)
Keith Hill has done a terrific job at Oakwell this season since taking over the reins at Barnsley over the summer from Mark Robins.
The former Rochdale boss was handed one of the smallest budgets in the league when he took over, yet has kept the Yorkshire club clear from the relegation placings.
The 13/8 on the home side looks very good value as Blackpool make the short trip across the Pennines. Craig Davies has proved to be one of the bargain signings of the season in the Championship and is a good bet at 6/1 to score the opening goal in the game.
The former Chesterfield striker has made the leap from League Two with relative ease and has provided regular goals recently, included the one he scored at Elland Road when Hill’s men upset Leeds in their derby clash recently.
Reading v Brighton (15:00)
Brighton made an excellent start to life in the Championship following their promotion from League One last season, but have since struggled for results in the league.
Reading, on the other hand, are just starting to put a decent run together after wins over Leeds and West Ham. The Royals can be relied on to continue that run with another three points at 8/11.
The home side are just two points outside the play-offs and a good run over Christmas could secure a place in the top six by the end of 2011.
Both of these sides have not been troubling the opposition keepers too much in recent matches so it is likely to be tight affair with very few goals.
Take a chance on Reading to come on top with a 1-0 scoreline at 6/1.
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