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Mixed martial arts Championship Best Bets: Three Value Picks this Saturday, April 1st
Championship Best Bets: Saturday, April 1st
It’s no joke, we are back with more Championship best bets ahead of this weekend’s action. Following a two-week hiatus for the international break, we enter the final stretch of the season. Burnley are all but up with Sheffield United holding a three-point advantage over Middlesbrough in the battle to join them. Just six points separate Blackburn in 5th down to Watford in 10th in what promises to be an epic tussle to claim a place in the play-offs.
Recent wins for Blackpool and Huddersfield have given both clubs hope of survival. Wigan look destined for the drop after their points deduction. But it could be any two from six to join them.
Three of Saturday’s games go under the microscope, with a best bet in each.
In this article:
- Luton vs Watford Preview & Best Bet
- Cardiff vs Swansea Preview & Best Bet
- Huddersfield vs Middlesbrough Preview & Best Bet
Luton vs Watford Preview
Saturday, April 1st, 12:30 (UK)
Luton have had two weeks to stew over Amari’i Bell’s penalty concession four minutes from time at Sunderland. Had the Hatters been able to hold on to the 1-0 scoreline they would have been just four points adrift of Sheffield United in 2nd. But having won four and drawn two of their last six league games Rob Edwards’ men are still in the hunt for automatic promotion. The 40-year old has extra incentive to extend that run with a derby day three points. Having been axed as Watford manager after just 11 games in charge at the start of the season.
Pre-season expectations were for the Hornets to be in a similar position to the one their hosts find themselves in. However, they are in danger of missing out on even a play-off berth following a run of two wins from their last 11 league games. Edwards’ replacement Slaven Bilić has already been dispensed with. Leaving Gino Pozzi to hope Chris Wilder is third manager lucky this term. The visitors will need to end a run of five away games without a win to ensure closing a gap to the top six which currently stands at five points.
Luton vs Watford Best Bet
This local rivalry is usually plenty fierce enough without the spicy subplots of ex-managers and play-off battles. Revenge is also very much on the menu. The reverse fixture saw Watford run out dominant winners with a 4-0 drubbing of their rivals. The game saw seven yellow cards with over 20 minutes still left on the clock. Enough time for Gabriel Osho to be shown a straight red card for an ugly lunge on Ken Sema. With two uninterrupted weeks on the training pitch with the abrasive Wilder, expect another fiery encounter at the tight confines of Kenilworth Road.
- Selection: Over 19.5 booking points each team (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.85 (William Hill)
- Stakes: 7/10
Cardiff vs Swansea Preview
Saturday, April 1st, 15:00 (UK)
Cardiff suffered a blow this week in their battle against relegation without so much as kicking a ball. The Bluebirds were on course for a vital three points prior to the international break against rivals for the drop Rotherham. Jaden Philogene had given his side the lead after just five minutes. Only for the game to be abandoned in the 47th minute because of an unplayable pitch following heavy rain. Sabri Lamouchi had hoped his side would be awarded the three points, or at worst retain their 1-0 lead and restart the game at 49 minutes. Instead, they must play the clash at the New York Stadium in full. As a result, they go into this weekend holding only a three-point buffer to the drop zone.
Russell Martin would have been a relieved man to see his side end a run of six games without a win by defeating Bristol City ahead of the break. Equally pleased to have kept a clean sheet having failed to do so in any of the prior 14 matches. A much-needed confidence boost ahead of this battle at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Cardiff vs Swansea Best Bet
Another local derby that guarantees plenty of fire and passion. Added to the usual mix we have Cardiff’s desperate pursuit of points to scramble away from the drop zone. But the Swans can’t quite reach for the Speedos and flip-flops just yet.
Who better to be in charge than Keith Stroud? Brandisher of a league-high 135 yellow cards. He has officiated two Cardiff home games this season. Cautioning two Bluebirds players on both occasions. Whilst showing opponents Watford two yellows and QPR three. In his only Swansea road game the 53-year-old booked four of their players. All after dismissing Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien after just 18 minutes. One of four red cards he has issued in the second tier this term.
- Selection: 20+ booking points each team & 2+ corners each team (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.83 (SkyBet)
- Stakes: 8/10
Huddersfield vs Middlesbrough Preview
Saturday, April 1st, 15:00 (UK)
It’s been a memorable fortnight for Terriers fans. Off the field, Sacramento Republic FC owner Kevin Nagle announced he is buying a full stake in the club. On it, Neil Warnock masterminded a stunning victory at promotion-chasing Millwall. The Yorkshire outfit are now just three points from safety ahead of taking on one of the toughest challenges the Championship has to offer.
Prior to the break, Middlesbrough recorded an eighth win in 10 league games by sweeping Preston aside 4-0. The fact that the Lilywhites were unbeaten in seven games before heading to Teeside illustrates perfectly the level that Michael Carrick’s side are currently operating. A win at the John Smith’s Stadium and defeat for Sheffield United at Norwich will see Boro back into the top two. Having won both visits to the other two sides in the drop zone by an aggregate of 7-1 they will be confident of upholding their side of the bargain.
Huddersfield vs Middlesbrough Best Bet
I feel I am running out of superlatives for Middlesbrough and their exciting brand of front foot football under Michael Carrick. Boro have won 16 of the 22 league games with the 41-year-old at the helm. Scoring 50 goals in collecting a total of 50 points. They will have too much firepower for this battling Huddersfield outfit. Especially with Chuba Akpom showing no signs of a dip in his prolific form. The Championship top scorer has plundered 21 of his goals this term since Carrick’s arrival. Registering at least one shot on target in 13 of the 14 games he has featured in since the turn of the year.
- Selection: Match result will be Middlesbrough & Chuba Akpom to have over 0.5 shots on target. (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.00 (bet365)
- Stakes: 10/10
Best odds available as at 23:45 March 30th 2023. Odds may now differ.
More Huddersfield vs Middlesbrough Tips
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Our best bets are posted by some of the best tipsters around. These are our tipsters best value bets. A best bet can be placed on any number of different markets. The most common of which are 1X2, the Asian handicap, BTTS, and the goals markets. Value can be found in matches from leagues across the world. Be sure to follow bettingexpert for the latest best bets.
