Free betting tips: Preview for the Sky Bet Championship fixtures on February 26
There's a few games in the Sky Bet Championship on Tuesday evening. Tom Carnduff picks out two best bets.
Recommended bets
1pt Pablo Hernandez to score anytime in QPR v Leeds at 3/1
1pt Under 9.5 corners in Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford at 11/8
For advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
QPR v Leeds (Sky Sports Red Button)
Leeds can return to the top of the Sky Bet Championship table if they can secure victory against a QPR side with a single point to their name in 2019.
Steve McClaren's men witnessed a revival of sorts during the months of November and December - although now they find themselves in the mix for a potential relegation battle.
That would only be the case though if this poor run of results continues. There is a case to be made that they will have to start picking up points again eventually, although Leeds will see this as a must-win.
One player who continues to shine for Leeds is Pablo Hernandez. The wide midfielder is the main creative element of the attack in Marcelo Bielsa's team and has been a stand-out player throughout the campaign.
Even at 33, he has shown little issue with playing in an intense Bielsa side. He's in his third season as the Elland Road club, and while he has been a top talent throughout his time, this campaign has probably been the most eye-catching.
His impact is highlighted by the number of goals he plays a part in. Hernandez has had direct involvement in 18 goals this season (goals and assists) - which is the most of any Leeds player.
He managed to grab an assist in the win over QPR back in December, but the value is there in backing a goal anytime at a general price of 3/1.
It should be a tough afternoon for Jake Bidwell with the left-back having the primary task of trying to keep Hernandez quiet. While the Spaniard doesn't possess a great amount of pace, he makes up for it in skill and that's the strength for him.
Best bet: Pablo Hernandez to score anytime at 3/1
Opta facts
- QPR have won three of their last four home matches against Leeds in all competitions (L1), including a 2-1 win in the FA Cup this season.
- Leeds haven’t won consecutive away league visits to QPR since winning there in 1968-69 and 1973-74; seasons when the Whites won the top-flight title.
- Queens Park Rangers have lost each of their last seven league games; of the 72 EFL clubs, only AFC Wimbledon have been on a longer losing streak in the Football League this season (8).
- Leeds striker Kemar Roofe has scored six of Leeds’ seven league goals against QPR since the start of last season; he is injured and will miss this match.
- QPR have conceded 11 goals in their last three league games at Loftus Road; the Hoops had only conceded 13 goals in their opening 13 home league games of the season before this run.
- Leeds have won one of their last 13 away Championship games in London (D5 L7) – however, that win came at Loftus Road against QPR in December 2017.
Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford
It's been a bit of a weird season for Brentford. They've gone from promotion contenders, to relegation candidates, to once again playing like a promotion-worthy side.
The Bees have hit at least three goals in four of their last six Sky Bet Championship games, although there were defeats to Nottingham Forest and Swansea in the midst of those results.
Recent form has now put them a point behind Sheffield Wednesday with both sides sitting in lower mid-table. While play-offs are still mathematically possible, they'll have to find a ten-point swing at some point across the final 12 games.
The draw is probably the best avenue to explore in terms of outright result here, but there is value in the 11/8 general price of the corner count failing to hit double figures.
Wednesday's victory over Swansea in their last home game saw a total of five in 90 minutes, while recent games against Reading and Wigan just hit the ten mark. While the latter two would see the bet lose, it shows how close it is.
Meanwhile, four of Brentford's last six away have brought a total of nine or less corners. It's worth mentioning that one of the two games where the tally went over was against National League side Barnet in the FA Cup - and that game only had ten.
Best bet: Under 9.5 corners at 11/8
Opta facts
- Sheffield Wednesday have lost their last two Championship matches against Brentford, both 0-2 – however, both were at Griffin Park.
- Brentford have lost three of their last four league visits to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday (W1).
- Sheffield Wednesday have only lost one of their last 11 Championship matches (W5 D5), keeping clean sheets in six of those contests.
- Brentford have won five of their last six league games (L1), including a win away against Rotherham, their only away victory this season.
- Since the start of last season, this is Sheffield Wednesday’s fourth Championship match against Brentford, with a different manager in charge each time (Carvalhal, Bullen, Luhukay, Bruce).
- Brentford’s Neal Maupay has scored in four of his last five league games, with the Bees winning in each of the games that he scored in during this run.
Odds correct as of 1745 GMT on 25/02/19