With just a handful of games to go in this season’s EFL Championship, things are reaching fever pitch. Fulham are up, while the current bottom three look certain for the drop, but the battle for the play-offs is set to go to the wire.
Check out our Championship matchday 44 predictions as we preview the four biggest games of the weekend’s action.
EFL Championship Matchday 44: Best Betting Football Tips
Huddersfield Town vs. Barnsley: EFL Betting Tip
Things get going on Friday night when Huddersfield Town and Barnsley do battle at the John Smith’s Stadium. The Terriers are practically in the play-offs, while the Tykes are all but down. Everything is pointing towards a comfortable home win in this one.
Huddersfield have enjoyed a superb season under Carlos Corberan. Not many would have had them down for a play-off push before the season began, but the Terriers sit pretty in third with 73 points to their name. Victory on Saturday would make sure of a top-six position.
Barnsley made the play-offs last term but have had a miserable season in the second tier this time around. The Tykes are all but down after taking a mere 30 points from 42 league games. The Yorkshire side are 11 points adrift of safety with just 12 left to play for.
In-form Huddersfield should make sure of a play-off spot this Friday night. We are predicting an easy home win here, so take a punt on the hosts to be winning at half time and full time at 8/5.
Huddersfield Town 4/6
Draw 5/2
Barnsley 24/5
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 8/5 odds taken 1210 GMT, Friday 22 April
Luton Town vs. Blackpool: Best Football League Betting Predictions
There have been a few surprise packages in the Championship this season, but none more so than Luton Town. The Hatters have had a stunning second half to their season and look nailed on to finish in the play-offs. This Saturday afternoon, Luton entertain Blackpool at Kenilworth Road.
Luton have chalked up a staggering 71 points from 43 Championship games, picking up 20 wins to boot. Nathan Jones’ troops have responded expertly well from the recent loss to Huddersfield, bouncing back with two 1-0 wins over Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City.
Blackpool, who won the third-tier play-offs last term, have had a fine first season back in the Championship. Staying up was the priority, and the Tangerines have passed that test with flying colours. Can they end their successful season on a high?
Blackpool picked up a 6-1 win last time out and will be no pushovers for the Hatters, but Luton should get the job done on home soil. Put some money on the home team to win by one goal at 13/5.
Luton Town 23/25
Draw 49/20
Blackpool 3/1
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 13/5 odds taken 1218 GMT, Friday 22 April
Sheffield United vs. Cardiff City: EFL Betting Odds & Predictions
Paul Heckingbottom’s Sheffield United entertain Steve Morison’s Cardiff City at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon. The Blades are clinging on to the final play-off spot at present, and three points for the hosts this weekend would be priceless.
Heckingbottom has done a stunning job at Sheffield United since taking over, turning the club into genuine promotion contenders. Several clubs are ready to pounce on any mistakes, but the Blades’ play-off hopes are in their own hands.
Cardiff have recovered well after a dreadful first few months of the season, with Morison having an instant impact at the Cardiff City Stadium. They are an unpredictable outfit these days, winning four, losing three and drawing one of the last eight. After back-to-back defeats to Hull City and Luton, the Bluebirds will be looking to respond here.
Sheffield United have been outstanding over the past few months, and the Steel City club certainly deserve a spot in the top six. We can see them edging closer to securing a play-off place with a win over Cardiff on Saturday (11/20).
Sheffield United 11/20
Draw 29/10
Cardiff City 21/4
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 15/2 odds taken 1222 GMT, Friday 22 April
Swansea City vs. Middlesbrough: Best EFL Championship Betting Tips on Matchday 44
Swansea City take on Middlesbrough at the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Swans have finally found form, unbeaten in seven. As for Boro, they have taken just one point from a possible 12. Who will come out on top in this one?
Russell Martin has had a tough first year in South Wales, but the Swans are having a strong finish to their campaign. Since back-to-back losses to Fulham and Blackpool, City have picked up four wins and three draws from seven. Last time out, though, Swansea let a 4-1 lead slip to draw 4-4 at Reading.
Middlesbrough have flown up the table since Chris Wilder took over. However, Boro have hit a bad patch of form at just the wrong time. They have taken just one point from their last four matches and have slipped down to ninth, three points away from sixth.
Middlesbrough will be desperate for the points, but the Swansea.com Stadium is not an easy place to go right now. With that in mind, take a punt on the draw and both teams to score at 10/3.
Swansea City 23/10
Draw 23/10
Middlesbrough 6/5
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 10/3 odds taken 1227 GMT, Friday 22 April
