Two games in the space of four days have given us an idea of who will win automatic promotion to the Premier League. Two massive home wins mean Brighton have thrown down the gauntlet to Newcastle as the two are likely to battle it out for the top spot. In the play-off race; Sheffield Wednesday fight to keep Fulham at bay, but the interesting question is whether a revitalized Aston Villa can keep up their impressive run and put pressure on them? This was unthinkable back in February. At the other end, Wigan looks like they’ll join Rotherham in League One next season, but there are realistic, still five clubs that can join them. These issues will surely go down to the wire.
Birmingham City v Derby County
Birmingham is struggling at the wrong end of the table. With no wins from their last six games, they currently sit just six points above the drop zone. Whilst they probably should do enough to avoid relegation, they’ve won just twice in their last twelve games and will be looking over their shoulder, anxious that results elsewhere go their way.
Derby are rejuvenated under new Manager Gary Rowett, taking seven points from three games. To some extent, we can disregard their poor form since the New Year, as they seem to have regained their spark. With six rounds remaining they’re seven points off the play-off places, so they will treat every game like a cup final. They really have to go for it here and given the contrasting form of the two sides there is value in backing the Derby win at 2.38 with BetVictor. Alternately 0.0 AH at 1.71 with BetVictor provides more safety.
Norwich City v Reading
Whilst the Canaries still harbor play-off ambitions (they are currently seven points off the play-offs), realistically they will do well to make it given the difficult run-in ahead of them. A poor run of results cost Alex Neill his job in March, and he was replaced by Alan Irvine, who has the task of assessing players and rebuilding for next season.
Reading have surpassed all expectation under Manager Jaap Stam this season. They’ve won their last three games against decent opposition (including play-off rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds) and as a result, they’ve stormed into third place. They’ll be looking to cement their place in the play-offs as soon as possible and will be full of confidence heading to Carrow Road. The bookies have often overpriced the Royals this season (we took advantage of high odds for their home win on Tuesday) and there is certainly big value here too. My favourite bet for this match is Reading +0.5 AH (Double Chance) at 1.96 with Bet365.
Sheffield Wednesday v Newcastle United
After four games without a win, as predicted Wednesday bounced back with a comfortable win at Rotherham on Tuesday. Currently, in sixth place, they’re just about managing to hang on to that final play-off place, but they are under a lot of pressure from teams just below them.
Despite their lofty position in the automatic promotion places, the Magpies haven’t had it all their own way this season. With three wins from their last six they are learning not to take anyone for granted at this level. Given the size of the club and the amount of money they’ve spent in the transfer market, they’ll be desperate to return to the Premier League as champions. With Brighton putting them under pressure, I expect them to respond with some big performances in the coming weeks. A Newcastle win looks great value at 2.45 with 10bet. Alternately 0.0 AH at 1.77 with green listed bookmaker Bet365 provides more safety.
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