It’s looking like a potentially postponement-filled last round before Christmas, but Benjamin Bloom is back to preview all the action, with odds from Betfair throughout.
Fulham v Sheffield United
Let’s jump straight in and play the joker immediately in game number one this round. Fulham have had four straight draws. Sheffield United, despite being much lower in the form table, are closer in the league. I’ll go for a scoring draw.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Fulham 2-2 Sheffield United 12/1 (Betfair)
Middlesbrough v Bournemouth
Tricky one to call at the Riverside – in their last three games Boro have seven points and Bournemouth just two. The Wilder factor could make a difference here, but Bournemouth will want to get back to winning ways with West Brom gaining fast behind them.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Middlesbrough 0-1 15/2 Bournemouth (Betfair)
Barnsley v West Brom
It’s the return of Big Val to Oakwell on Friday night and unfortunately his old team aren’t exactly close to the brilliant fifth-placed finish he provided last season. Every metric and logical conclusion has the Baggies winning this one so I’ll follow suit.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Barnsley 0-2 West Brom 13/2 (Betfair)
Blackburn v Birmingham
If in-form Blackburn win this one it’ll be a fifth victory on the bounce and eight from ten. Birmingham can be stubborn foes, but I’ll go with the momentum and Rovers to keep on rolling as the division’s form team.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Blackburn 3-1 Birmingham 14/1 (Betfair)
Coventry City v Stoke City
It’s sixth vs seventh at the CBS with the play-off race very much on the agenda. Coventry have only won one in their last seven while Stoke have bounced back from two straight defeats with four points and two clean sheets in their last two. Think I’ll play my shut out on this fixture.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Coventry 0-0 Stoke 13/2 (Betfair)
Nottingham Forest v Hull City
Forest and Hull are flying high in third and fourth respectively in the eight-game Championship form table. Forest are working on their home form, which started so badly but is improving now, while Hull are on a brilliant run of 14 points in their last six. When I look at Hull’s recent run, this one looks a tougher task than they’ve faced lately, so I’ll go with Forest.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Forest 2-0 Hull 15/2 (Betfair)
Bristol City v Huddersfield Town
As if by magic, Bristol City’s form at home has taken a turn for the better after they spent most of the year not being able to win at Ashton Gate. Huddersfield slipped down to tenth on the back of a run of two points in their last four and surrendered the lead in stoppage time against Coventry last time out. At the moment, it looks like a home win!
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Bristol City 2-1 17/2 Huddersfield (Betfair)
Blackpool v Peterborough
Here’s a tricky one to call with both of these sides in the bottom three of the eight-game form table. Peterborough got themselves a win at home to Millwall and Jonson Clarke-Harris looks like he’s finally acclimatising to the division. Blackpool haven’t won in seven. Peterborough are the worst away team in the division. An unhelpful draw.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Blackpool 1-1 Peterborough 5/1 (Betfair)
Cardiff v Derby
I played my joker on Derby last round and won. This, however, is a much closer matchup and without their huge points deduction Derby would actually be above Cardiff. The Bluebirds are quite up and down under Steve Morison so anything feels possible here. I’ll back Cardiff to just nick it.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Cardiff 1-0 Derby 11/2 (Betfair)
Odds correct at the time of publication. 18+ Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit begambleaware.org
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