Free football betting tips and odds: Sky Bet Championship preview

Football

Sun November 05, 2017 · 7y ago

Our Nick Hext expects Middlesbrough to claim a narrow win at home to Sunderland in Sunday's Sky Bet Championship match.

Sunday's TV game

Middlesbrough to beat Sunderland by one goal (Sunday, 1215 GMT, Sky Sports Football)

The decision to sack manager Simon Grayson a matter of minutes after Tuesday night's 3-3 draw at home to bottom-of-the-table Bolton reflects just how worried Sunderland are by their position in the relegation zone. The Black Cats have lost eight and drawn five of their matches since picking up their last win in the Sky Bet Championship when beating Norwich 3-1 way back on August 13. Sunday's Tees-Wear derby at Middlesbrough offers Sunderland the chance to get back on track in style but it will be tough for them. Boro are looking to claim their third victory in a row and I expect the hosts to get the job done - albeit it could be close. Back them to win by one.

Wait for it...

Most goals in the second half of Millwall v Burton (Saturday, 1500 GMT)

There are eight Sky Bet Championship matches on the coupon at 1500 GMT on Saturday afternoon. My best bet from those games comes as Millwall host Burton with a tight contest expected at the Den. The most goals have been scored in the second half of six of Millwall's last nine outings and I expect the majority of action in this contest to happen after the break. This bet has been a winner in all of the Lions' previous four home games and two of Burton's last three matches and everything is set up for a tense opening 45 minutes.

Saturday's TV game

Leeds to beat Brentford (Saturday, 1730 GMT, Sky Sports Football)

I like the look of Leeds at bigger than 3/1 to win at Brentford in Saturday evening's live game on Sky Sports. Thomas Christiansen's side are on a worrying run of form with six defeats in their last seven matches but I think they will get it right. Leeds remain right in the play-off mix and picked up an impressive 3-0 win at in-form Bristol City in their previous away game; Brentford's form has picked up after a slow start to the season but I make the visitors the call at the big prices available.