Nothing Stale about Deanos Wolves

10Jan 2013

England - The Championship

New manager Dean Saunders can help inspire Wolves revival against Blackburn, says James Dickenson in his early look at the Championship odds

Wolves v Blackburn

New Wolves manager Dean Saunders faces Blackburn Rovers in his first game since taking over from Stale Solbakken at Molineux.

Solbakken paid the ultimate price for a run of four straight defeats at the West Midlands club, who plummeted to 18th in the Championship under the Norwegian and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Conference side Luton Town. Saunders left League One high-flyers Doncaster Rovers to take charge of Wolves, and stamped his mark on the club instantly by telling his inherited squad in no uncertain terms that they must win games to stay in the starting line-up. Often when a new manager comes into a club it gives the players a much-needed lift, and the Welshman's hard line approach could be just what Wolves need to record their first victory since before Christmas.

Visitors Blackburn have earned just four more points than Wolves as they travel to face a team they played in the Premier League last season. Three wins on the bounce in all competitions has done no harm to caretaker Gary Bowyer's chances of permanently replacing Henning Berg however, and Rovers do appear to be improving. But their most recent away win against bottom-club Barnsley was only their third on the road in the league all season, and a rejuvenated Wolves side could put them to the sword on home soil.

Given the generous odds for a Wolves win, and Blackburn's tendency to draw away from home - their seven stalemates on the road is the most in the division - it may prove wise backing the hosts in the Draw No Bet market at 1.7.

Bristol City v Leicester

Nigel Pearson's Leicester travel to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City knowing they need to keep pace with their promotion rivals with a win over the Robins.

Automatic promotion favouritespre-season, the Foxes have spent big this season under their Thai owners in an attempt to return to the Premier League - but are currently sitting in fifth trailing leaders Cardiff by 12 points. Therefore a trip to relegation-threatened Bristol, who have half as many league points as Leicester, looks like a great opportunity to make up some ground with a victory. Signing £2m striker Chris Wood from West Brom appears a bargain with the Kiwi in inspired form, having bagged three goals in just two games for his new club. Wood can get on the scoresheet again after hitting 12 goals in just 19 appearances for Millwall in the division earlier this season.

Bristol City lost comprehensively at the King Power Stadium in October by two goals to nil, and with just three wins from 20 matches in all competitions the Robins will be damagingly short of confidence. Manager Derek McInnes has had a frustrating campaign in the West Country, criticising his players' performances on a number of occasions. His side's recent 4-2 home win over fellow strugglers Peterborough broke a winless streak of nine games as hosts, but they look set to return to type against a determined Leicester.

Bristol City's tally of 50 league goals conceded is the most in the division, while Leicester have kept 10 clean sheets in the Championship so far, so backing the away side to Win To Nil could prove good value at 3.2.

Cardiff v Ipswich

You rarely get a home banker as assured as Cardiff City have proved this season in the Championship.

Twelve league wins out of the 13 at the Cardiff City Stadium in the division this season has seen the Bluebirds earn recognition as one of the best teams on home soil across Europe. Their solitary home loss was an unexpected 4-2 defeat to lowly Peterborough, a freak result of sorts. Malky Mackay's side will want to maintain their dominance as hosts in 2013, and despite going out of the FA Cup to Blue Square Premier minnows Macclesfield Town, remain heavy favourites to win English football's second tier. Craig Bellamy returning to fitness is a big boost for Cardiff, who are solely focused on joining the Premier League next season.

Since taking over at the beginning of November, Mick McCarthy has guided Ipswich out of the relegation zone with a 50% win record from the 14 games in all competitions under his stewardship. However, the new year has not started well for the Tractor Boys with back-to-back defeats suffered and visiting Cardiff doesn't look like offering any respite.

This fixture at Portman Road earlier in the season produced a 2-1 win for Cardiff, and a repeat victory for the Welsh side looks a good punt again at 7.5.

Recommended Bets

Back Wolves to win at 2.37

Back Wolves to win in the Draw No Bet market at 1.7

Back Leicester to win at 1.72

Back Leicester to Win To Nil at 3.2

Back Cardiff to win at 1.55

Back Cardiff to win 2-1 at 7.5

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