Southampton have once again proved how important momentum can be at the start of the Championship season, and they will hope to continue their impressive form so far when they cross the border to take on Cardiff City on Wednesday night (Cardiff 13/8, draw 23/10, Southampton 13/8).
Cardiff v Southampton
The Saints are competing at the top of the table following promotion from League One last term – continuing the trend of teams who have recently done well after coming up from the third tier.
Last season, it was the likes of Norwich City, Millwall and Leeds United who were battling near the top end early on, with the Canaries ultimately securing back-to-back promotions.
Southampton will be looking to imitate that success under manager Nigel Adkins, who has worked wonders at St Mary’s since he joined from Scunthorpe United, but his side face a tough test against a highly-respected Cardiff in midweek.
The Saints will be boosted by the return of trio Dan Harding, Radhi Jaidi and Lee Barnard (7/1 first goalscorer) who have all recovered from injuries.
Getting the first goal could be key for Southampton, as the men from the south coast have won all five games where they have taken the lead and a victory against the Bluebirds would make it their best start in the league for 58 years.
Cardiff have been on a great run of form, however, and haven’t tasted defeat in their last seven league and cup outings and will be a tough proposition – especially on their home turf.
With the way the Saints have been playing, they have the ability to get something out of this game, though, and Adkins’ side should come away from Wales with a point.
Middlesbrough v Leicester
In the only other game in the Championship on Wednesday, two title contenders – Middlesbrough and Leicester City – go head-to-head at the Riverside (Middlesbrough 5/4, draw 12/5, Leicester 21/10).
Both games between these two sides ended in draws last season with six goals being scored in the last game at the Riverside.
You can expect goals in this upcoming clash, too, with attacking threats all over the park for both clubs.
The Foxes (7/1 Championship outright) welcome back David Nugent, who has managed to recover from a hamstring injury which has ruled him out of action in the Championship for the last month.
Boro have looked strong in defence this term but, with the likes of Nugent, Darius Vassell and Jermaine Beckford in their ranks, Leicester will fancy their chances of getting on the scoresheet.
It is tough to call a winner in this one between two fairly evenly-matched sides but, based on current form, Middlesbrough should just edge it to keep the pressure on the Saints at the top of the table.
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Manchester United will aim to continue their superb unbeaten run in the Premier League when they take on Ian Holloway’s impressive Blackpool side on Tuesday evening (Man Utd to beat Blackpool – 4/11).
Arsenal have been at their scintillating best so far in the Champions League but expect them to come unstuck when they travel to Ukraine to take on in-form Shakhtar Donetsk (19/10 match betting) on Wednesday.