The Championship is well underway and it is going to be a tough division this year. Brighton and Norwich have looked really good, living up to their pre-season billing. Meanwhile Fulham, Bristol City and Huddersfield have had a quick start, which has surprised many. This weekend is going to show us a lot more about the division and here is Jake Jackman’s three tips:
BIRMINGHAM CITY v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Saturday 20th August – 15:00 BST
The home side have slipped under the radar this season, but they have looked good and Gary Rowett is one of the best young English coaches in the game. They have yet to lose this season and it will be a fierce test this weekend against fellow Midlands side Wolves. Although Wolves are also unbeaten, they haven’t had a tough start to the season and failed to beat Rotherham away. I think they are going to be much better at home under Walter Zenga than away, and as such I fancy Birmingham to win this one.
TIP: Birmingham City to win (2PTS placed on 2.60 at Bet365)
BRISTOL CITY v NEWCASTLE UNITED
Saturday 20th August – 15:00 BST
This match is too tough to call a result, as Bristol City have looked very good over the opening weeks, but Newcastle managed to get their first win on Wednesday and could go from strength-to-strength. Neither side have kept a clean sheet this season, which is why I’m tipping both teams to score in this match. I’d expect Newcastle to get much better at the back under Rafa Benitez, but that will take time. Bristol City are going to be one of the surprise packages this season and I expect them to put a good performance in against Newcastle.
TIP: Both Teams to Score (2PTS placed on 1.72 at Bet365)
ROTHERHAM UNITED v BRENTFORD
Saturday 20th August – 15:00 BST
I tipped Rotherham for relegation in my pre-season preview and have yet to see anything from them to suggest they won’t be in the fight at the bottom end of the league. They have already conceded eight goals, with only Blackburn conceding more in the opening three matches. As for Brentford, they followed up a disappointing opening day defeat with back-to-back home victories, and will be full of confidence ahead of this match. They kept clean sheets in both and could be a contender for a play-off spot this season. I’m tipping an away win for this one.
TIP: Brentford to win (2PTS placed on 2.50 at Bet365)
If you would like to combine all three of these in a treble you will get odds of just over 10/1 with Bet365.
TIP: Treble (1PT placed on 11.22 at Bet365)
