We’re back for yet more Championship action this weekend and Benjamin Bloom has all of his predictions ahead of the games, with odds from Betfair throughout. Make sure to get involved and submit your predictions in the F365 Championship Predictor Game.
Bournemouth v Peterborough
League leaders Bournemouth start the new year with the potential to open a seven-point gap up at the top of the table if results go their way. Bournemouth have recorded back-to-back wins and the return of Jordan Zemura at left-back seems to have balanced them back up. Peterborough’s away record continues to be awful so it’s very hard to look past a home win.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 Peterborough 11/2 (Betfair)
Blackburn v Huddersfield
Probably the two biggest overachievers in the division meet at Ewood Park knowing if the season stopped now they’d meet in an unlikely play-off semi-final. Huddersfield survived plenty of danger to win at Forest, while Rovers picked up a sixth straight win over Barnsley. Both sides are in the top six for goals scored so let’s go for a high scoring home win.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Blackburn 3-1 Huddersfield 13/1 (Betfair)
West Brom v Cardiff
It’s been a tricky few days for Cardiff, who lost 3-0 at Bournemouth and saw Leandro Bacuna red-carded in the process. The Bluebirds now have to go to West Brom, who despite being a little goal shy of late have the best defensive record in the league and second-best home record.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: West Brom 2-1 Cardiff 13/2 (Betfair)
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
At the time of writing this game is still going ahead, but the narrative is less about Wilder’s emotional return to Bramall Lane and more about how depleted the Boro team that goes there will be. With omicron the biggest factor I’ll assume if the game goes ahead, it’ll be won by Sheffield United.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Sheffield United 3-0 Middlesbrough 11/1 (Betfair)
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Birmingham v QPR
We think QPR will still have their AFCON players for this game, but it’s been a busy few days travelling for Rangers who scraped past ten-man Bristol City with a very late winner. Birmingham had their previous two games postponed but will hope that gives them some extra freshness.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Birmingham 1-1 QPR 5/1 (Betfair)
Stoke v Preston
Preston, fingers crossed, will return to action for only the second time under Ryan Lowe despite him having been there a few weeks as manager by now. Stoke were beaten at home by Derby in their last game and don’t appear to be in the greatest of form lately, so this may be a good time to get my nil-nil card out.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Stoke 0-0 Preston 13/2 (Betfair)
Nottingham Forest v Barnsley
It was a frustrating last home game for Forest against Huddersfield, with Steve Cooper’s side recording over 20 shots but not scoring any goals. They’ll hope to regain their scoring touch against struggling Barnsley and unless we get some perverse Championship logic, I suspect they’ll do just that.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Forest 2-0 Barnsley 13/2 (Betfair)
Forest v Barnsley tactical preview: Faltering Forest to compound Tykes misery
Bristol City v Millwall
I have no clue what to make of Bristol City at the moment, whichever direction I see them going in they end up heading the other way. Millwall battled through their Covid outbreak to gain an unlikely win at Coventry, but I suspect a good old Rowett draw may be on the cards here.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Bristol City 1-1 Millwall 5/1 (Betfair)
Blackpool v Hull
Blackpool thought they’d secured a point against Middlesbrough last time out but were sucker punched with a stoppage-time winner. The poor run for the Pool now stretches out to one win in ten games. Hull are back after losing two games to Covid and for no other reason than I have an odd hunch I’m going to play my joker and back the Tigers for an unlikely away win.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Blackpool 1-2 Hull 11/1 (Betfair)
Reading v Derby
This has all of a sudden turned into a massive game after Derby won their last three on the trot. A Rams win would really put the cat amongst the pigeons at the bottom of the table, but I think improving Derby may have to settle for an unhelpful draw.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Reading 1-1 Derby (Betfair)
Odds correct at the time of publication. 18+ Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit begambleaware.org