The FA Cup fourth round takes centre stage this weekend, but we also have four intriguing EFL Championship fixtures to look forward to. The second-tier action kicks off on Friday night when Birmingham City host Sheffield United.
On Saturday, Blackpool entertain Bristol City, Preston North End travel to Hull City, and Swansea City and Blackburn Rovers square off in South Wales. Check out the latest Championship betting odds and tips.
EFL Championship: Best Betting Football Tips
Birmingham City vs. Sheffield United: EFL Betting Tip
Birmingham and Sheffield United meet at St Andrew’s on Friday night. The Blues have won just once since November but are unbeaten in three. As for the Blades, they have shown a huge improvement since Paul Heckingbottom took over.
Birmingham have been involved in some eventful games lately. They scored two late goals to draw 2-2 with Peterborough United in their last home match. They were then 2-0 up at Derby County and shipped twice at the death to draw 2-2. Since a 1-0 win over Blackpool in November, Lee Bowyer’s men have only beaten bottom side Barnsley.
Sheffield United have finally found some form after a difficult first season back in the Championship. The Blades head into this one having won six of their previous eight in the league to fire themselves into the promotion picture. Under Heckingbottom, United have claimed five victories from seven.
Sheffield United have won their last two without conceding, and we fancy the in-form Blades in this one. You can get the superb price of 23/10 for the away team to win to nil on Friday night.
Birmingham City 27/10
Draw 47/20
Sheffield United 27/25
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 23/10 odds taken 2015 GMT, Thursday 3 February
Blackpool vs. Bristol City: Best Football League Betting Predictions
Blackpool and Bristol City lock horns at Bloomfield Road in Championship action this Saturday. The pair are currently 15th and 16th in the table, with the Tangerines three points ahead of the Robins. This one could go either way.
Neil Critchley’s Blackpool have had a decent first season back in the Championship after winning the EFL League One play-offs last term. They recently lost four of five and picked up just one win from ten, but the Seasiders have taken seven points from the last nine on offer. Last time out, they held high-flying Fulham to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.
Bristol City are one of the most unpredictable teams in the Championship. Since losing 6-2 at Fulham in mid-January, the Robins have gone on to win one, draw one and lose one of three. Last weekend, they conceded right at the end to draw 2-2 with Preston North End at Deepdale.
Blackpool have certainly improved in recent weeks, and we fancy Critchley’s boys to extend their unbeaten run to four with victory over Bristol City at the weekend. The bookies are offering 5/4 for a home win.
Blackpool 5/4
Draw 9/4
Bristol City 9/4
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 5/4 odds taken 2022 GMT, Thursday 3 February
Hull City vs. Preston North End: EFL Betting Odds & Predictions
Hull and Preston square off at the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers have moved away from the bottom three after an upswing in fortunes over the past couple of months or so. Can they make it four wins in a row at the weekend?
Hull have well and truly got back on track after a run of no wins in six league and cup games, as they have won three in a row to move 12 points clear of 22nd place. After wins over Blackburn and Bournemouth, City eased to a 2-0 victory over Swansea last weekend.
Ryan Lowe has made a steady start to life at Deepdale, losing just one of his opening eight Championship games. During that run, the Lilywhites have beaten Barnsley, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion. North End head to Hull having drawn their last two.
Hull have improved drastically of late, but this will be a tricky game against a revitalised Preston outfit. With that in mind, put some money on the draw and both teams to score at 7/2.
Hull City 6/4
Draw 9/4
Preston North End 37/20
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 7/2 odds taken 2023 GMT, Thursday 3 February
Swansea City vs. Blackburn Rovers: Best EFL Championship Betting Tips
The final Championship game of the weekend promises be an entertaining affair, as struggling Swansea entertain in-form Blackburn at the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday evening. Despite being 21 points behind in the table, the Swans are the bookies’ favourites.
Russell Martin’s Swansea have been in poor form of late, winning just one of their last nine in all competitions. In midweek, the Welsh side suffered a disappointing 1-0 home reverse to Luton Town. After beating Preston last month, City have taken just one point from a possible seven.
Blackburn start the weekend only five points behind leaders Fulham in second place. Tony Mowbray’s men have been on a remarkable run, winning nine of their past 13 Championship games. With Fulham on FA Cup duty this weekend, a win would take Rovers to within two points of the Cottagers.
Swansea will be desperate for all three points on home soil, but we fancy Blackburn to leave Wales with a vital victory. The away win is nicely priced at 39/20
Swansea City 31/20
Draw 21/10
Blackburn Rovers 39/20
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 39/20 odds taken 2025 GMT, Thursday 3 February
