After the hectic action in midweek, the EFL Championship is back with a bang this weekend. On Friday night, rivals Nottingham Forest and Derby County lock horns at the City Ground. After that, 11 matches will take place on Saturday, including the early kick off at Vicarage Road between Premier League old boys Watford and Bournemouth. Take a look at our matchday seven preview in the Championship.
EFL Championship Matchday 7: Best Betting Football Tips
Nottingham Forest vs. Derby County: EFL Betting Tip
Both Nottingham Forest and Derby have struggled for points so far. Between them, Forest and the Rams have just seven points to their name. Nevertheless, this derby game rarely disappoints, and we should be in for a cracker at the City Ground on Friday night.
Nottingham Forest kicked off their season with four straight Championship losses under Sabri Lamouchi. However, since Lamouchi was sacked and replaced by the experienced Chris Hughton, the Reds have taken four points from two games.
Phillip Cocu’s Derby have made a woeful start to their season. The Rams have lost five of six, taking just three points from a possible 18. If County lose to their rivals on Friday night, Cocu’s days at Pride Park could be numbered.
Nottingham Forest have been far more competitive under Hughton, and the Reds should edge this East Midlands derby. You can get 5/2 for the home team to win by a one-goal margin.
Nottingham Forest Evens
Draw 49/20
Derby County 3/1
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 5/2 odds taken 1804 GMT, Thursday 22 October
Watford vs. Bournemouth: Best Football League Betting Predictions
Vladimir Ivic’s Watford entertain Jason Tindall’s Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon at Vicarage Road. The pair, who were relegated together from last season’s Premier League, have made strong starts to their respective seasons, but who will prevail in Hertfordshire?
New Hornets boss Ivic has guided Watford to four wins from six Championship matches. The Hertfordshire club are sitting pretty in third on 13 points at present, three points behind early leaders Reading.
Bournemouth are one of two Championship teams yet to be beaten this season. The Cherries have won three and drawn three of six, though each of their last two have ended in stalemates.
This one could go either way, but we fancy Tindall’s men to maintain their unbeaten start by picking up a handy draw at Vicarage Road. Have a punt on the draw and both teams to score at 7/2.
Watford 13/10
Draw 9/4
Bournemouth 47/20
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 15/2 odds taken 1815 GMT, Thursday 22 October
Norwich City vs. Wycombe Wanderers: EFL Betting Odds & Predictions
Gareth Ainsworth’s Wycombe Wanderers have another challenging Championship game to deal with this weekend, as the pointless Chairboys make the trip to Carrow Road to take on Daniel Farke’s Norwich City. Wycombe had found it tough going thus far.
Norwich have won back-to-back Championship matches since suffering two defeats. After winning 2-1 against Rotherham United at the New York Stadium last weekend, a late Mario Vrancic goal gave the Canaries a 1-0 home victory over Birmingham City in midweek.
Since arriving in the Championship, Wycombe have lost all six of their league fixtures. Wanderers have scored just one and shipped a staggering 13 at the other end. However, they did give leaders Reading a good game at the Madejski on Tuesday, falling to a narrow 1-0 loss.
Unfortunately for Wycombe, this should be a walk in the park for the home team. We like the look of City to win both halves at 8/5.
Norwich City 7/25
Draw 19/4
Wycombe Wanderers 11/1
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 8/5 odds taken 1839 GMT, Thursday 22 October
Stoke City vs. Brentford: Best EFL Betting Tips on Matchday 7
Michael O’Neill’s Stoke City go up against Thomas Frank’s Brentford at the bet365 Stadium in a tasty Championship fixture on Saturday afternoon. The Potters are unbeaten in four, while the Bees have won three of their last four league and cup matches.
Stoke have made a steady start, picking up nine points from 16 on offer. City are unbeaten in six in all competitions, winning four and drawing two. However, two of their previous three in the Championship have ended all square.
Since a shock 4-2 home defeat to Preston North End before the international break, Frank’s Bees have hit back with two much-needed victories. Brentford beat Coventry City at the Brentford Community Stadium last weekend, which they followed up with a midweek win at Sheffield Wednesday.
We can make a case for both teams in this one, and it will surely be close on the scoreline. Having said that, Brentford have the slightly better players on paper. Back the Bees to make it three Championship wins on the spin this weekend. The away victory is priced at 7/5.
Stoke City 11/5
Draw 9/4
Brentford 7/5
* Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 7/5 odds taken 1854 GMT, Thursday 22 October
