The weekend’s EFL Championship action gets up and running on Friday night when Watford and Derby County lock horns at Vicarage Road. There are several huge games taking place this weekend as we enter the business end of the season in England’s second tier.
We are previewing the top four matches, including the Coventry City vs Brentford game, and the intriguing fixture at the Cardiff City Stadium between Cardiff City and Preston North End. Keep reading for the best betting odds and tips.
EFL Championship Matchday 31: Best Betting Football Tips
Coventry City vs. Brentford: EFL Betting Tip
After suffering two shock defeats over the past week, Thomas Frank’s Brentford will be desperate to return to winning ways this weekend. On Saturday afternoon, the Bees travel to St Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium to face Mark Robins’ Coventry.
The Sky Blues, who won EFL League One last term, have had a tough season in the Championship. Coventry have been in poor form of late, losing three and drawing two of their last five. City have slipped down to 20th, just three points above the bottom three.
Brentford were unbeaten in 21 Championship matches before last Sunday’s surprise 2-0 home loss to Barnsley. To make matters worse for the Bees, they were then beaten by west London rivals Queens Park Rangers in midweek, losing 2-1 at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
Nevertheless, we are backing Brentford to get back to winning ways in style this weekend. Take a punt on the London side to win both halves at 9/2.
Coventry City 7/2
Draw 13/5
Brentford 17/20
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 9/2 odds taken 1605 GMT, Friday 19 February
Cardiff City vs. Preston North End: Best Football League Betting Predictions
Mick McCarthy’s in-form Cardiff entertain Alex Neil’s inconsistent Preston at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday. Three points for the Bluebirds this weekend will be their fifth Championship win on the bounce.
Since McCarthy took over from the sacked Neil Harris, Cardiff are unbeaten in six. The former Republic of Ireland manager started with two draws, with City going on to secure successive wins over Bristol City, Rotherham United, Coventry and Luton Town.
Preston head to South Wales having lost five of their last eight in the Championship. The Lilywhites have struggled for consistency all season, although they have won two of their last three away games. Can North End cause an upset in the Welsh capital?
Preston are one of the most unpredictable clubs in the Championship, but we fancy Cardiff to keep up their stunning winning run with another three points on home soil this Saturday. You can get the hosts to win and both teams to score at 7/2.
Cardiff City Evens
Draw 47/20
Preston North End 16/5
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 7/2 odds taken 1612 GMT, Friday 19 February
Huddersfield Town vs. Swansea City: EFL Betting Odds & Predictions
Carlos Corberan’s Huddersfield Town welcome Steve Cooper’s Swansea City to the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday. The in-form Swans head to Yorkshire as the clear favourites, with the bookies pricing the visitors at just 11/10.
Huddersfield have yet to win a game in 2021, losing seven and drawing two of their last nine in all competitions. The Terriers’ last victory was a 2-1 home league triumph over Blackburn Rovers way back on 29th December.
Swansea are a team in stunning form at present. Since a 2-0 loss to Derby County in mid-December, the Swans have won seven and drawn two of their following nine in the Championship, taking 23 points from a possible 27. City have won three in a row since drawing with promotion rivals Brentford.
Swansea are in scintillating form, and the Welsh side should be too strong for struggling Huddersfield on Saturday. We are backing the visitors to be winning at half time and full time at 5/2.
Huddersfield Town 14/5
Draw 9/4
Swansea City 23/20
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 5/2 odds taken 1614 GMT, Friday 19 February
Norwich City vs. Rotherham United: Best EFL Championship Betting Tips on Matchday 31
Daniel Farke’s Norwich City lead the way in the Championship after 30 games played. The Canaries will be hoping to take another leap towards the Premier League with three points this weekend. Paul Warne’s Rotherham are the visitors to Carrow Road.
After taking two points from three games, Norwich gave up top spot to Brentford. However, the Bees have lost their last two, while Norwich have claimed back-to-back wins, so Farke’s boys are now four points clear at the summit.
Rotherham have been very competitive of late, but the Millers hover just one point and one place above the drop zone at present. Nevertheless, Rotherham have won three of their last four away matches in the Championship.
Warne’s Rotherham are more than capable of giving the leaders a good game at Carrow Road. However, we fancy City to put another big three points on the board. Check out the solid odds of 11/5 for the home win and both teams to score.
Norwich City 11/20
Draw 3/1
Rotherham United 11/2
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 11/5 odds taken 1622 GMT, Friday 19 February
