Elland Road form to give Leeds a victory

 

Mike Norman previews this Saturday's Championship action and picks out his best bets, including anticipated wins for Leeds and Brighton on home soil...

 

Leeds 2.14 v Millwall 3.8; The Draw 3.6

 

I thought Millwall were pretty unimpressive in winning at promotion-chasing Middlesbrough last week (which highlights how poor Boro are at the moment). The Lions conceded far too much possession and gave the Teessiders acres of space to play. It was evident that Kenny Jackett's men were devoid of confidence after losing five league games on the spin.

 

It could be that the 2-1 win at the Riverside reinvigorates the Londoners but it's hard to take one win as a sign that any club has turned the corner. And besides, Leeds' recent form at Elland Road fully entitles them to be strong favourites for this game.

 

Neil Warnock's men have won seven of their last eight league games on home soil, the last three of those without conceding. In fact, United's only home loss since the beginning of November last year was a narrow reversal to runaway league leaders Cardiff, and in that time they've recorded a FA Cup win over Premier League high-flyers Tottenham.

 

On current form and what I saw last week Leeds look a solid bet to me, and therefore they are this weekend's nap selection.

 

Recommended Bet: Back Leeds to win @ 2.14 (best bet)

 

 

Blackpool 1.8 v Bristol City 5.1; The Draw 4.0

 

Blackpool haven't scored in any of their last three league outings, and at Bloomfield Road they have won an incredibly low two games from their last 15 fixtures, and those victories came against out-of-form (at the time) Blackburn and Millwall.

 

With home form like that the Tangerines have to be classed as an extremely risky proposition at just 1.8 to back, especially against a much improved team of late and one that scored five last week against one of the country's most in-form clubs.

 

Bristol City's 5-3 win over Barnsley last Saturday wasn't a complete shock however as Sean O'Driscoll's men had won three of their previous six league games.

 

On the face of it The Robins' away form is a worry, but single goal defeats to Cardiff, Crystal Palace and Leeds recently don't read too bad, and now they face a side who are obviously lacking confidence in front of their own fans. True, with Paul Ince at the helm Blackpool might suddenly find a spring in their step, but at the odds the away side have to be the value.

 

Recommended Bet: Back Bristol City to win @ 5.1

 

 

Brighton 1.68 v Barnsley 6.2; The Draw 4.1

 

Brighton are hitting form at precisely the right time. It's just one defeat in nine league games now for Gus Poyet's men including five wins, and back-to-back victories over Cardiff and Burnley without conceding.

 

I spoke last week about The Seagulls' Spanish contingent having a major impact on their performances and the word is they were on form again against Burnley, with one of those Spanish stars - David Lopez - getting the match winner. Brighton play with flair and are really pleasing to watch, and I'm of the opinion that they might beat Huddersfield with ease on Saturday.

 

The Terriers also recorded a victory over Burnley last time out but their previous four away games were nothing short of a disaster, losing all four and conceding an alarming 19 goals in the process.

 

Huddersfield clearly struggle against top half sides also as they've won just two of 18 all season, and none away from home. Against an in-form Brighton side who love to attack I can see only one outcome here, so fingers crossed the home side can get a goal or two before the interval.

 

Recommended Bet: Back Brighton HT/FT @ 2.64

 

Bet HERE

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