football | Sunday, January 1, 2023 10:08 AM (Revised at: Monday, January 2, 2023 3:03 PM)

Championship Best Bets: Three Bet Builders to Consider in the Second Tier

Sam Ingram

Championship Best Bets: Monday, January 2nd

It’s another jaunt into the Championship amidst a swirl of new year’s resolutions and stray chocolate wrappers dotted around the house. This time, there’s three low-priced bet builders to potentially make a profitable start to 2023.

In this article:

Swansea vs Burnley Preview & Best Bet
West Brom vs Reading Preview & Best Bet
Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Preview & Best Bet

Swansea vs Burnley Preview

England, Championship, Monday, December 2nd,15:00 (UK)

In truth, it’s probably not the right time to be backing against a Swansea side teeming from turning over Watford to the tune of 4-0. Yet, equally, the manner in which Burnley are putting Championship teams to the sword ensures a level of security when placing your hard-earned with the Clarets week in, week out.

The hosts’ thumping of Watford was their first victory in nine games. Of course, that much-needed victory will be the shot of adrenaline many a Championship outfit craves when in such a slump, but it’s by no means a result to equip the Swans with the readies to overcome the division’s leading side.

Vincent Kompany’s men sit 13 points ahead of the Premier League-chasing automatic qualifying spots and three adrift of Sheffield United in second. Nine wins in ten and one loss to the aforementioned Blades make up the Clarets’ imposing ten-game form.

Swansea vs Burnley Best Bet

Burnley have mustered two or more goals in eight of their previous ten matches – a nod towards the second half of the proposed bet builder. At home, Swansea scored 2+ goals in 58% of matches, ranking them third-most lethal in the league. Interestingly, whilst on home turf, the 5/12 games where Russel Martin’s men have conceded two or more goals stands as the second-highest tally this season.

In short, there should be goalmouth action ahead. And you’d be brave to back against Burnley coming up trumps in some capacity.

Selection: Burnley Win or Draw (Double Chance) and Over 1.5 Goals
Best Odds: 1.83 (bet365)
Stakes: 10/10

More Swansea vs Burnley Tips

West Brom vs Reading Preview

England, Championship, Monday, December 2nd,15:00 (UK)

Carlos Corberan has won every home fixture (x4) bar his opening match under the veil of West Bromwich Albion’s head honcho. That’s the exact response the hierarchy at the Hawthorns would’ve dreamed of when searching for Steve Bruce’s successor earlier in the season.

Paul Ince’s Reading is first on the agenda in 2023 in front of home support, with the Spaniard in the opposing dugout likely fancying his chances of another three points on familiar turf. At 1.66 for the win, the bookmakers are in agreement.

It’s a price likely too short for most, though it could prove value with another convincing home showing. Doubling the pick with Under 4.5 goals gets us to a more-than-backable 1.95, something that has landed in each fixture under new management in the Midlands.

For Reading, the 0-2 pre-Corberan WBA victory at the Madejski may still linger like a foul smell within the camp. However, the one loss in their last five Champions fixture over the festive season could equip them with the confidence and belief to go to West Brom and dig out a positive result.

West Brom vs Reading Best Bet

Nevertheless, the Royals’ away form isn’t pretty. Only Huddersfield (eight points) have performed worse than Reading’s 11-point haul, losing eight from 13 matches. Their 2022 tone on the road is one to leave behind, averaging 2.09 conceded on each away haunt.

Couple West Brom’s knack for winning games at home with Reading’s lack of a cutting edge when travelling, and we may see a straightforward winner in a league where straightforwardness is glaringly destitute.

Selection: West Brom Win and Under 5 Goals
Best Odds: 1.95 (bet365)
Stakes: 10/10

Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Preview

England, Championship, Monday, December 2nd,15:00 (UK)

After an early hiccup against Preston (2-1) near the start of Michael Carrick’s reign, it has been a commanding showing from this Middlesbrough side. Only Burnley have managed to topple Boro in their last eight matches, with six wins and a draw painting a dominant picture of the remaining outings.

Birmingham won’t be pushovers at home, though the Brummies have only won four of thirteen fixtures this season under John Eustace. That’s not exactly trailblazing, but their current position in 16th and a number of performances to date is a world away from the preseason basement predictions hung around their neck before a ball was kicked.

Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Best Bet

If we were to take a snapshot of Carrick as Middlesbrough boss and form a bet builder that encapsulates his brief stint, it would look a little like the suggested bet.

Over 1.5 goals has banked in 9/10, Akpom to have a pop more than once is just as frequent with 9/10 paying out, and Boro Double Chance has romped home in 8/10.

Selection: Boro Win or Draw (Double Chance), Over 1.5 Goals, and Chuba Akpom Over 1.5 Shots
Best Odds: 2.37 (bet365)
Stakes: 5/10

Odds via bet365 as at 08:00 December 31st 2021. Odds may now differ.

More Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Tips

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