Eagles to continue soaring in promotion push

19Feb 2013

England - The Championship

Crystal Palace will want to continue their strong home form during the midweek visit of struggling Bristol City, and Jamie Dickenson is supporting the Eagles to win again at Selhurst Park in his early look at the Championship betting...

Crystal Palace v Bristol City

Tuesday, 8pm

Crystal Palace are in great form at home having gone 15 games unbeaten at Selhurst Park, and look a sure bet against relegation candidates Bristol City.

Palace are without defeat in their last three league games, having come out the other side of a spell that saw the Eagles record just one win in nine. The hosts recent 4-1 victory over Middlesbrough was their 10th home win of the season, as top-scorer Glenn Murray scored his eighth double of the campaign. Murray took his tally to 26 in the division so far, while defender Peter Ramage and veteran striker Kevin Phillips were also on target. Ian Holloway's side seem to be returning to their best at a crucial stage of the season and will be firmly eyeing up promotion to the Premier League.

These last time these two teams met was the first round of midweek Championship games this season back in August, in which Bristol City triumphed 4-1 at Ashton Gate. The Robins are unlikely to see a repeat performance on their travels though, having failed to win away from home in their last five attempts. City are four points away from safety in the league and don't look like finding any salvation from their visit to South London.

Palace may have lost this fixture last time out, but they are in good form and won their home meeting with Bristol City 1-0 last season. A repeat Win To Nil scoreline could be on the cards here again at a generous 2.62.

Ipswich v Watford

Tuesday, 7:45pm

Free-scoring at home Ipswich meet the league's highest scorers in Watford for their midweek Championship clash at Portman Road.

Ipswich have score five goals in their last two fixtures as hosts, with four different strikers finding the net. Tommy Smith has scored twice, and a goal apiece for Michael Chopra, David McGoldrick and Aaron McLean. Mick McCarthy has led the Tractor Boys out of the relegation zone and into 18th since taking over in November. Finding the back of the net has not proved a problem, especially on home soil with Ipswich scoring in eight of their last nine games in East Anglia.

Watford's 64 league goals is the best in the division, and enjoy playing away from home having also won the most games on the road in the Championship. Last time out the Hornets flattened Birmingham 4-0 at St Andrews, with forward Troy Deeney gaining the plaudits for bagging two goals. His Czech Republic partner Matej Vydra also likes to score in pairs, having done so on six occasions this season. Watford have struck at least twice in nine of their last 10 league games, with just one blank in a run of 17 matches.

Both Teams To Score is a solid option in this game, while greater value can be found in backing Over 3.5 Goals to fly in at 3.0.

Leeds v Blackpool

Wednesday, 7:45pm

Leeds are suffering a bad spell at the moment, with the speculation surrounding manager Neil Warnock ahead of Blackpool's visit.

United have not won in four games since stunning Tottenham at home in the FA Cup, and look short up front without striker Luciano Becchio who left for Norwich in January. While three of their recent win-less four games came on the road, Leeds were crushed 5-0 in this fixture at Elland Road last season. Leeds have lost their last three meetings with Blackpool, scoring just one goal and conceding eight.

Blackpool have confirmed that Paul Ince will take over as the club's manager following the departure of Michael Appleton to Blackburn, and he will team up with his son Tom at Bloomfield Road. The England under-21 regular has scored four goals in as many games for the Tangerines, and will hope to continue his burgeoning development under the guidance of his father. Blackpool have reason to lay claim to being the unluckiest side in the league, with their total of 15 attempts hitting the woodwork a Championship-high figure.

Blackpool are good value for outright victory at 2.7 given the different current situations of the two clubs, but punters may feel safer siding with the visitors in the Draw No Bet market at 1.9.

Recommended Bets

Back Crystal Palace to win at 1.57

Back Crystal Palace to Win To Nil at 2.62

Back Both Teams To Score in Ipswich v Watford at 1.57

Back Over 3.5 Goals in Ipswich v Watford at 3.0

Back Blackpool to win at 2.70

Back Blackpool in the Draw No Bet Market at 1.90

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