football | Friday, December 30, 2022 12:30 PM (Revised at: Friday, December 30, 2022 1:01 PM)

Championship Best Bets: Scott Thornton Backs Results On New Years Day

Scott Thornton

Championship Best Bets: Sunday, January 1st

New Year’s Day sees a heap of action from the Championship. The league is as competitive as ever. Fewer than 15 points separate the relegation zone from the playoffs.

The games are coming thick and fast. These busy periods can shape a team’s fortunes as we get deeper into the second half of the season. It’s a fiercely competitive league, but there is clearly some value for Sunday’s matches

In this article:

Blackburn vs Cardiff Preview & Best Bet
Blackpool vs Sunderland Preview & Best Bet
Millwall vs Rotherham Preview & Best Bet

Blackburn vs Cardiff Preview

Sunday, January 1st, 15:00 (UK)

Things are looking ominous for Cardiff. They are just three points clear of relegation and are without a win in six. Moreover, they have drawn their last four matches. The Bluebirds have also failed to beat Blackburn in their last six meetings at Ewood Park.

Blackburn have been narrowly beaten 2-1 in their last two league matches. They are without a win in three in all competitions and are currently third in the table. An 11-point gap has opened up between themselves and the automatic promotion spots. Many are already questioning whether Burnley and Sheffield United can be caught.

Blackburn vs Cardiff Best Bet

Blackburn haven’t failed to score in any of their last nine home matches, averaging 1.67 goals per game in that period. Interestingly, there hasn’t been a single draw at Ewood Park in the league this season, with Blackburn winning eight matches and losing four in front of their own fans. They beat Cardiff 5-1 here last season.

Confidence is low in the Cardiff camp after two wins in their last ten league matches. Blackburn took the lead against Middlesbrough and Sunderland (their previous two matches) before succumbing to defeat. However, both have been in good form in recent months. Tomasson’s side should have enough to earn all three points this weekend.

Selection: Blackburn To Win
Best Odds: 2.40 (Unibet)
Stakes: 6/10

More Blackburn vs Cardiff Tips

Blackpool vs Sunderland Preview

Sunday, January 1st, 15:00 (UK)

Blackpool are enduring a rotten run of form that has seen them slump into the relegation zone. They are without a win in their last eight league matches and have picked up just three points over that period.

On the other hand, Sunderland are enjoying a triumphant return to the Championship. They have beaten Wigan and Blackburn in their last two matches and climbed into the playoff places. Returning to the Premier League after years in the wilderness would be a monumental success this season. The trials and tribulations have been well documented, but it seems they are going in the right direction under Tony Mowbray.

Blackpool vs Sunderland Best Bet

Blackpool have won just three of their 11 matches at Bloomfield Road this season. They have scored just once in their last four matches at home. Their last win came at the end of October so it’s safe to say they are low on confidence.

Sunderland haven’t lost in their last five away matches. Over that period, they are averaging two goals per game and conceding just 0.8. The only team to beat the Black Cats in their last six league matches were a resurgent West Brom side. So the price for a Sunderland win here looks a little generous.

Selection: Sunderland To Win
Best Odds: 2.45 (Unibet)
Stakes: 7/10

More Blackpool vs Sunderland Tips

Millwall vs Rotherham Preview

Sunday, January 1st, 15:00 (UK)

Millwall are currently on 36 points, and a win could see them move into the playoff places. They have lost just two of their last eight league matches but have only won two in that time. Their recent matches have been low scoring, but they come into this match as the clear favourite.

Rotherham’s only win in their last 11 league matches came against Sheffield United. The Millers are two points clear of the drop zone. As a result, significant improvements are required to navigate the prospect of League One football next term.

Millwall vs Rotherham Best Bet

Millwall have lost just twice at The Den in the league this season. Their opponents are averaging 0.67 goals per game, with the home side keeping a clean sheet in six of their 12 home matches. Just one of their home matches has four goals or more.

The Millers have won just two away games this season. Their matches on the road are averaging 2.08 goals per game. Just two of those 13 matches have seen four goals or more.

Millwall to win and under four goals in the match looks like a good bet here.

Selection: Millwall To Win & Under 4 Goal In The Match
Best Odds: 2.15 (Bet365)
Stakes: 7/10

Odds via various bookmakers as at 11:30 December 30th 2022. Odds may now differ.

More Millwall vs Rotherham Tips

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