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Mixed martial arts Championship Best Bets: April 15th - Three Value Picks from England's Second Tier this Saturday
Championship Best Bets: Saturday, April 15th
We are back with more Championship best bets ahead of this weekend’s action. We are at the stage of the campaign where dreams are either realised or fade and die for another season.
It is now just a matter of time until Burnley are officially announced champions and Sheffield United secure the spot to join them in the Premier League next season.
No team seems to want to cement a place in the play-offs – so expect that battle to rumble on until the final matchday.
Blackpool host Wigan this weekend with the loser all but confirmed to be playing League One football next season. Although it is likely both will meet again in the third tier next term. One of five clubs will join them.
Three of Saturday’s games go under the microscope, with a best bet in each.
In this article:
- Millwall vs Preston Preview & Best Bet
- Stoke vs West Brom Preview & Best Bet
- Blackburn vs Hull Preview & Best Bet
Millwall vs Preston Preview
Saturday, April 15th, 15:00 (UK)
Millwall’s end-of-season wobble continued on Monday. A 1-0 defeat at Hull extended their winless run to four games. Although still in 5th place the Lions are holding onto their play-off spot by their fingernails. Or goal difference to be more precise. Gary Rowett’s men could be as low as 9th should results go against them this weekend. Concerning times, especially with just one win from the last five home games. The Den has not quite been the fortress of late that we have become accustomed to it being.
Play-off dark horses Preston continued their late charge with a 2-1 defeat of Reading on Monday. Aptly securing the three points with a winning goal in injury time. A maximum return from the Easter weekend double header means Ryan Lowe’s side are now level on points with their hosts here. Most successful teams need a goalscorer and the Lillywhites may just have one. Everton loanee Tom Cannon opened the scoring against the Royals. The third successive game he has hit the back of the net and his 6th goal in as many appearances.
Millwall vs Preston Best Bet
Not only have Millwall failed to win any of their last four games they have also failed to score in any of them too. This represents a tough task to turn that form around. Only three Championship clubs have claimed more points on the road than Preston this term. With only champions elect Burnley and 3rd placed Luton having lost fewer than North End’s five away games.
- Selection: Preston +0.5 Asian Handicap
- Best Odds: 2.00 (bet365)
- Stakes: 7/10
Stoke vs West Brom Preview
Saturday, April 15th, 15:00 (UK)
It looks like Stoke’s promotion dreams are over for another season at least. An 11-point haul from five games re-ignited hopes of a late charge to the play-offs. But a loss at home to Bristol City and a goalless stalemate at Birmingham over Easter has left the Potters ten points adrift of the top six with just five games remaining. As a result, Alex Neil was another manager bemoaning a lack of cutting edge following his side’s inability to get on the scoresheet. Although he did also throw in complaints about the wind, rain and pitch at St Andrews. Here’s hoping a return to the paradise that is the Potteries brings out the best in his team.
Having taken a 2-0 lead inside the opening 13 minutes at home to a horrendously out-of-form QPR, Carlos Corberan saw his side toss away what could be a crucial two points. With many rivals directly above them also failing to win The Baggies are still in touch. Five points outside the play-off places with a game in hand on all bar Blackburn. They will, however, need to end a run of four games without a win and dramatically improve their away form which has seen them pick up just one point from their last six road trips.
Stoke vs West Brom Best Bet
I have no interest in attempting to call a winner here between two of the most consistently inconsistent sides the Championship has to offer. Instead, I am focussing on an area where both teams have delivered throughout the season. Stoke and West Brom have been two of my “go-to” outfits for corners all campaign. The Baggies have taken more flag kicks than any other side in the second tier. A total of 270 equating to 6.75 per game. The Potters were not far back in 7th with an average of 5.71. An average that rises to 6.45 when playing at home, the fifth highest in the league. West Brom have the overall highest average match corners total (11.20) with Stoke seeing the fourth most. Each of these side’s last three games have seen at least 11 flag kicks taken with the reverse fixture producing 14.
- Selection: 11+ corners taken (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.00 (SkyBet)
- Stakes: 6/10
Blackburn vs Hull Preview
Saturday, April 15th, 19:45 (UK)
Ryan Hedges scored a late equaliser at Huddersfield on Monday to rescue a point for his side. Having fallen 2-0 down to Huddersfield inside the opening 22 minutes Blackburn were staring down the barrel of a third straight league defeat. The point keeps Rovers in the final play-off spot on goal difference. Jon Dahl Tomasson will be pleased for a return to Ewood Park. Only champions elect Burnley have collected more than his side’s 40 points on home soil. With four of their remaining six games at home a continuation of that form would likely see Blackburn extend their season.
A furious Liam Rosenior made a triple substitution at half time in Monday’s 1-0 win over Millwall. Having seen his side outplayed for the opening 45 minutes the Hull boss inspired a much-improved performance and secured a first win since March 3rd. The Tigers are now 11 points clear of the drop zone and all but assured of another season of Championship football.
Blackburn vs Hull Best Bet
In a previous preview I mentioned Blackburn’s very strong first-half record this season. It is something I have stayed close to and this looks a fantastic opportunity to use that angle again. No side has been leading at halftime more often than Rovers this campaign. Going into the interval ahead on 18 occasions so far this term. There has been at least one goal in nine of the last 10 games involving Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men, with four producing two or more.
Given Liam Rosenior’s statement after the Millwall win that “what I saw in that first half I never ever want to see again” we should see a reaction from his side here and an attempt to make a fast start. Especially given the Tigers shared four first-half goals with Sunderland on their last road trip. Therefore the first-half goal line market appeals.
- Selection: Over 1 first-half goal line (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.125 (bet365)
- Stakes: 6/10
Best odds available as at 01:10 on April 15th 2023. Odds may now differ.
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