Lampard learning the hard way at Pride Park
Derby 2.52 v Preston 3.15; The Draw 3.35
If Frank Lampard didn't already know how tough a division the Championship is, he does now. I would imagine someone had already told him anyway.
The talk of the summer was how the 'Lampard effect' was luring players to sign on the dotted line at Pride Park, yet the early home 5-1 battering at the hands of Leeds United and a defeat to Millwall served up more questions than answers about Lampard's management capabilities. The pressure on Lampard was one of high expectations and, perhaps, a far from serene start was a blessing - dreams of world domination were tempered.
The 2-0 win over Ipswich in the week will have rebuilt the faith, while victory over Preston on Saturday would see Derby marching into a play-off berth with those early failings written off as blips.
Preston haven't won since the opening day of the season and haven't beaten Derby in the last 10 fixtures between the two sides. Four points from the last four games will have disappointed manager Alex Neil, whose side would have been eyeing the play-offs after two successive top 10 finishes.
Neil could ring the changes by recalling Ben Davies and Daniel Johnson to the starting line-up as the Lilywhites look to get their season back on track.
An important game for both sides, this screams an unders play. I don't think Derby lose on Saturday but their last five games against Preston have seen under 2.5 match goals. I don't see this weekend breaking the trend.
McLaren's QPR will be dreading Wigan visit
QPR 3.30 v Wigan 2.32; The Draw 3.55
If Lampard is finding his feet at Derby, Steve McLaren is lurching from crisis to fiasco. McLaren has my sympathy, operating with his hands tied behind his back for financial penalties and transfer embargo incurred long before his tenure at QPR began. Unable to operate in the transfer market, the uncertainty that this has brought to the club meant a good start to the campaign was imperative. But four straight league defeats have cast an even larger cloud over the former England manager's thinning head. He dare not reach for an umbrella this time!
They have been ugly losses, too. The defence has shipped 13 goals, of which 10 have been in the last two games, and they have mustered just two goals in reply. It's early days but it feels like the QPR ship is sinking fast and that relegation is inevitable. McLaren's only saving grace is that his bosses must realise a change at the helm doesn't change the cards the manager has been dealt.
McClaren may recall Paul Smyth or Idrissa Sylla in a bid to add zest to the attack after losing at home to Bristol City 3-0 on Tuesday evening.
And some good news for Rangers - Nahki Wells has joined on loan from Burnley until the end of the season, while Tomer Hemed has also joined from Brighton.
Wigan are one of the last sides McLaren wants to welcome to Loftus Road this weekend. Fresh from a 3-0 trouncing of Stoke away on Wednesday, Paul Cook's side have taken seven points from four matches and will be chomping at the bit to add to their tally.
Wigan may have not tasted success against QPR in their last nine matches but the ingredients are different this time. QPR are there for the taking and there have been over 2.5 goals scored in Wigan's last four Championship games, and at least two of them have been scored by Wigan themselves. Over 2.5 goals has landed in each of QPR's last four Championship defeats, but for all the wrong reasons!
It would be a massive surprise if Wigan didn't return home with three points in the bag and an increased goals tally. Will Grigg has scored three in two games and is a great bet to score against McLaren's shell-shocked back line.
That the Latics are 2.32 on the Exchange is probably enough for most of you, but I'm smelling blood and Grigg to score in a Wigan win, using the new Same Game Multi option on Sportsbook is [4.27]. That is the bet of the day.
Bolton's dream start to be tested against Blades
Bolton 4.20 v Sheffield United 2.10; The Draw 3.40
This match promises to be the immoveable objects that are Bolton pitted against a Sheffield United side starting to get into the groove this season.
Bolton have enjoyed a dream start to their campaign based in defensive resilience and more care in possession, which has seen them take 10 points from their opening four matches and under 2.5 goals in seven of their last eight home matches against Sheffield United in all competitions.
After their great escape last season this is nosebleed time for Phil Parkinson's Trotters, but realism suggests that early points are a great start to avoiding relegation again, rather than having higher aspirations.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Sheff Utd's last four games Championship games and, after a disappointing start, the Blades have won two on the bounce and will eye a trip to the Macron Stadium as a chance to take three more points.
Chris Wilder's team are dogged rather than flamboyant and the ever ready Billy Sharp may prove the difference after finding his scoring boots with two in two games.
A draw may be a play on the match outrights at 3.40, but I'm looking for Sharp to add to his tally on Saturday at 13/10 anytime.
RECOMMENDED BETS
Under 2.5 Match Goals in Derby v Preston @ 8/11
Back Will Grigg to score in a Wigan win v QPR @ 4.70 (best bet)
Back Billy Sharp to Score in Bolton v Sheffield United @ 13/10
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