Derby woes to continue with visit of Leicester

15Mar 2013

England - The Championship

Leicester have struggled to get results recently, but their performances have deserved more and Jamie Dickenson is backing the Foxes to down struggling Derby as one of the three away winners in his early look at the Championship betting...

Derby v Leicester

Saturday, 17:20 (Live on Sky Sports 2)

Leicester City have been left rueing their bad luck recently, but that could change when they make the trip to Pride Park to face suffering Derby County in front of the live TV cameras.

The Foxes look like being forced to settle for the play-offs this season, after a poor run of form has left Nigel Pearson's side nine points of Hull City in second spot with as many games remaining. Leicester were denied all three points at Cardiff in mid-week when they conceded a late equaliser, but that performance against the league leaders proved they are a strong side.

Pearson believes his team could be struggling from a lack of confidence with just one win in eight Championship outings, although they won't get many better chances to turn their fortunes around than against the Rams.

Derby have dropped to 15th in the table after taking just four points from their last eight games, and could be left empty-handed yet again if Leicester rediscover their verve on Saturday. Nigel Clough's team felt the Foxes' wrath in December when they were beaten 4-1 at the King Power Stadium, and with just one goal scored in their three most recent home fixtures playing in front of their own supporters may not even help this time around.

With Leicester's form somewhat ropey it may be worth playing it safe and backing the Foxes in the Draw No Bet market at 1.61, even if Derby's slide down the table shows they are unlikely to earn a point in this game.

Ipswich v Bolton

Saturday, 15:00

Bolton Wanderers are the form team in the Championship, set to take on Ipswich Town after winning their last five successive matches.

Dougie Freedman's impact at the Lancashire club is now reaping rewards, with the former Crystal Palace boss guiding the Trotters on an eight-game unbeaten spell and giving them a strong chance of making the play-offs. A season of continued disappointment promises to improve if Bolton can muscle in on the top six, which is currently just three points away. Another victory from their trip to East Anglia would help make that aim even more realistic, as the visitors look to continue their good form.

Ipswich are beginning to slow after a spell of resurgence under Mick McCarthy, although they remain four points from the relegation zone which was where they were dwindling when the ex-Wolves boss took over. Just one win in their last five has blocked the Tractor Boys from securing safety, with only one goal scored during that run of games. Ipswich are strong at home - having won three of their last four at Portman Road - but they could be undone by a high-flying Bolton side.

Despite Ipswich's solid home form, they are struggling to score goals while Bolton are enjoying a purple patch in the league with three of their last four games being won without conceding. Therefore backing the away side to Win To Nil again is certainly worth considering at 4.2.

Brighton v Crystal Palace

Sunday, 12:00

Fierce rivals Brighton and Crystal Palace meet at the Amex Stadium on Sunday for a midday kick-off, as both clubs look to maintain their respective pushes for promotion.

Crystal Palace's run of just one defeat in eight league games has helped them return to automatic promotion contention after an extended Christmas blip. Ian Holloway's side are just three points off second place, although their 2-2 draw with Leeds last weekend was a missed opportunity to cut that gap further. That game saw Holloway punished for misconduct towards match officials while Wilfried Zaha could be banned for showing his middle finger to the away fans. Zaha should be available for the visit to Brighton though, where his team-mate Glenn Murray will try to add to his top scorer haul of 30 Championship goals.

Brighton haven't won in three attempts, scoring just one goal in the process and manager Gus Poyet is worried the Seagulls season is starting to get away from them. Having fought into a play-off position, Brighton are now in seventh and will be desperate to get one over rivals Palace and return to the top six. Striker Ashley Barnes has been banned by the FA for tripping up a referee during the defeat to Bolton, and with Craig Mackail-Smith out injured that could leave just January signing Leonardo Ulloa in attack. Ulloa has five goals in his last six, but may be powerless to stop another defeat when Palace may the trip down to the south coast.

Barring in mind their rivalry, this could be a scrappy encounter as both teams have had run-ins with the officials recently. A tight game with Under 2.5 Goals looks a decent bet at 1.72, and came in during Palace's last two away days and three of Brighton's last four home fixtures.

Recommended Bets

Back Leicester at 2.25

Back Leicester in the Draw No Bet Market at 1.61

Back Bolton at 2.50

Back Bolton to Win To Nil at 4.2

Back Crystal Palace at 2.80

Back Under 2.5 Goals in Brighton v Crystal Palace at 1.72

Prices are based on our Fixed Odds product, so any winnings are exempt from commission.