Free betting tips and predictions |
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Tip: Double chance X2 (Sheffield United not to lose)
Two struggling teams desperate for points meet at Ewood Park. Blackburn have gone four games without a win and slipped into the relegation zone, with poor attacking output – just seven goals scored, the second-worst record in the league. They are also hampered by injuries to key players, including captain Cantwell and defender Miller. Sheffield have also endured a tough spell since Wilder's return, but a recent victory over Watford boosted their confidence and lifted them off the bottom. Despite missing key playmaker Hamer, the visitors look more organised and defensively stable than their hosts. Both sides have similar weaknesses, but Sheffield appear mentally stronger and more composed. Blackburn will try to use their home advantage, but with so many absences it will be hard to secure three points. Given the form and psychological edge, the visitors should be able to take at least a draw.
Tip: Double chance X2 (Norwich City not to lose)
Pride Park hosts a clash between two sides in crisis. Derby have won just once all season and their performance against Oxford showed no signs of improvement, with their attack remaining ineffective. Norwich sit just one point above the relegation zone and three straight defeats have put pressure on coach Manning, who faces growing fan criticism. Both teams are plagued by injuries and neither has been able to score consistently, with the visitors relying mainly on Sargent’s individual quality. Derby have lost the support of their fans and even home advantage hasn’t helped them this season. Norwich could exploit their more experienced attack and Derby’s shaky defence. The game will likely feature few chances and could be decided by a single moment. Given the balance of power, it’s most likely the visitors will take at least a point.
Tip: Double chance X2 (Leicester City not to lose)
Hull have improved under new coach Jakirović and, with 17 goals scored, are among the most dangerous attacking teams in the league. However, their defence is the second worst, and Leicester could take advantage of that weakness. The Foxes have been collecting points mainly through draws, but the squad’s quality and Premier League experience remain clear. Leicester are tough to beat – they have lost only once – and even with several attacking absences they can control the midfield and dictate the tempo. Hull’s current form is good, but their defensive fragility gives the visitors opportunities. This match promises attacking football and chances for both sides. Considering their experience and quality in decisive moments, Leicester have the edge.
Tip: Ipswich Town to win
Ipswich are showing all the hallmarks of a promotion contender at home. They are unbeaten in five games at Portman Road, with a versatile attack and some of the league’s best xG and xPTS statistics. The absence of Matusiwa weakens the midfield, but coach McKenna has quality replacements. Charlton are unbeaten in four but remain weak away from home – just three goals scored in five away matches highlight their offensive problems. Ipswich dominate opponents at home both tactically and technically. Charlton may try to sit deep and counter, but their chances of success are limited. If Ipswich repeat their recent home performances, they should win this comfortably.
Tip: Double chance 1X (Millwall not to lose)
Millwall’s strong form has propelled them into the top six. Their victory over QPR showed high intensity and physical readiness. Stoke, under Mark Robins, are compact and collect points regularly away from home, even though their attack remains below average. History is against them – they haven’t beaten Millwall in six straight matches. Millwall are mentally strong and very confident on home turf, while Stoke will likely focus on defence and counterattacks. It will be a tight match decided by fine margins. Millwall’s confidence and momentum make them slight favourites.
Tip: Coventry City to win
Portsmouth have failed to reach their full potential, winning just once in their last six matches and missing key striker Lang. Coventry, on the other hand, are in outstanding form – the only unbeaten team in the league with the best attack and strongest defence. Five consecutive clean sheets and 29 goals scored underline Lampard’s team’s strength. Portsmouth traditionally trouble Coventry at home, but current form is incomparable. The visitors score plenty of goals away and can break down any defence. Even if Portsmouth compete well, the gap in quality is too wide. Coventry should confirm their status as favourites.
Tip: Preston North End to win
Preston have been excellent at home, losing just once in six matches. Their attack isn’t spectacular but they play organised football and often win through efficient finishing. Birmingham are in poor form, winless in four games, and have struggled away from home – three defeats and no goals in their last four away matches. Preston can control possession, create chances and use their home advantage. Birmingham lack physicality and often fail in key moments. The hosts have all the conditions needed for a victory.
Tip: Double chance X2 (Southampton not to lose)
Bristol City aim to return to the top six after beating Norwich, though their home form remains inconsistent. Southampton, under Will Still, are well organised and dangerous away from home – they’ve scored in every away match. They have also lost just once on the road, making them a difficult opponent. The hosts are dealing with multiple injuries, particularly in midfield, which could disrupt their rhythm. Southampton struggle to turn draws into wins but are defensively solid and capable of taking points from strong sides. The match will likely be balanced with few goals. A draw or away result seems most probable.
Tip: Double chance X2 (QPR not to lose)
Swansea are struggling to win at home, going four games without a victory. Their defence has improved, as shown by a draw at Southampton. QPR maintained good form until a loss to Millwall but remain dangerous in attack, scoring in 10 of their last 11 matches. The visitors regularly pick up points away from home and their attack can decide tight matches. Swansea are improving but still lack efficiency in front of goal. QPR look more compact and experienced, which could be decisive in a close game.
Tip: Double chance X2 (West Brom not to lose)
Watford are in transition under returning coach Gracia, and despite some better home results they still struggle defensively. West Brom are one of the season’s surprises, sitting in the top six and boasting the fourth-best away record. The visitors have a dangerous attack led by Price, one of the league’s most effective midfielders. Watford often concede first, which severely reduces their chances against stronger opponents. West Brom play with greater confidence and can adapt well away from home. The hosts are not without hope, but the visitors’ quality gives them the advantage.
Tip: Double chance X2 (Oxford United not to lose)
Wrexham are still searching for their first home win, with poor defending being the main reason for their struggles. Oxford’s season has also been inconsistent, but a win over Derby has boosted their confidence. History is on the visitors’ side – they haven’t lost to Wrexham in the Football League since 1983. Wrexham have problems both in defence and finishing, as seen in their defeat at Stoke. Oxford aren’t reliable away from home either and often lack consistency. This could be an open game decided by a single moment. A draw is the most likely result, but the visitors hold a slight edge.
Tip: Middlesbrough to win
Sheffield Wednesday are in crisis – bottom of the table, worst defence and poorest form in the league. They are also missing several players, including goalkeeper Horvath, and must improvise in defence. Middlesbrough, by contrast, are one of the most stable sides, sitting second and recently beating strong Ipswich. Edwards’ side play organised football, have multiple attacking options and can control the tempo. Wednesday are struggling on and off the pitch, which affects their mentality. The visitors are determined to keep pace with leaders Coventry and need three points. The gap in quality is huge and an upset would be a shock.
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