WE might as well start as we aim to continue with a tough opening weekend in the English Championship.
The Premier League kicks off next weekend so England's second tier takes centre stage with Reading v Derby getting us under way on Friday night and all eyes will be on new Rams boss Frank Lampard.
This division is notoriously tough to pick winners but it's good for goals and can be profitable for backers of draws.
Just looking at the opening fixtures and only two sides are odds on – Brentford at home to Rotherham and West Brom at home to Bolton – and that tells its own story.
I've even held off picking any team to lift the title on the anteposts as it's so tough and it's better leaving for it a few weeks to see how form pans even if that means taking a shorter price.
Derby could be up there and others I'll be watching out for include relegated pair Stoke and West Brom as well as Nottingham Forest.
Stoke look set to be the best of the promoted teams and Swansea could struggle after loads of changes.
Reading struggled last season and Paul Clement hasn't added too much quality although his latest signing from Brighton, Sam Baldock, should score goals in this division but might not feature in the opener.
Derby have four of their five pre-season friendlies and Lampard has been busy in the transfer market signing the likes of George Evans, Mason Mount, Harry Wilson, Florian Jozefzoon and Peterborough's top scorer Jack Marriott.
Interestingly Derby haven't lost an opener since 2008-09 and I'm willing to take a smalle gamble on them to win at 11-8 with Betfred.
They are also unbeaten in six visits to Reading although four of those ended draws including a 3-3 last season.
Recommended Bets
- Derby ew (14-1, McBookie)
- Nottm Forest top six (11-8, McBookie)
- Bolton relegated (5-4, BetBright)
- Derby to bt Reading (11-8, Betfred)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
I like the look of Stoke and Boro Mr F but like you said its a tough one to call that league.
Agree about keeping an eye on Forest, they’ve signed well with a decent manager too
I’m not entirely convinced that Derby are going to be going to having it as easy as some reckon this evening, but BetVictor are giving a £10 free bet if you take a punt on that game so I’m throwing my hat in to the ring anyway.
Mrf what does “derby ew” mean??? Please
Each way means you’re backing Derby to win the league and for a place. Generally one quarter the odds for a top-3 finish.