After finishing last week with a profit and 3 out of 5 successful tips, we’re back for another round of fixtures as we get towards the business end of the season! 

There’s still plenty at stake towards the top end of the Championship table and some are starting to feel the pressure.

On the other hand, there are some sides that aren’t in that situation, with many clubs simply for the season to draw to a close.

Either way, we’ve got another fascinating round of games to get our teeth stuck into with telling fixtures for the top end of the table and the relegation picture, as well as a Midlands derby for good luck!

Ryan Dilks from the Second Tier Podcast joins us again look ahead at this weekend’s key fixtures, while sharing his tips for those of you fancying a match-day punt.

Saturday 12:45 – Sheffield United v Bournemouth

This is a huge game for two sides looking to be back in the Premier League.

Sheffield United’s dodgy away form means they’ll have to settle for a play-off place, but they’ve still got their work cut-out in securing that.

Their home form has been sensational though; they’re unbeaten at Bramall Lane since November and have won 8 out of their last 11 games on their own soil in that period.

Bournemouth are a side with plenty of question marks – automatic promotion is still the aim but they’re doing a great job of keeping it interesting.

The Cherries are coming off the back off a poor display away at West Brom and have also dropped points to the likes Peterborough and Reading in recent weeks.

I fancy a Sheffield United win to keep the race for the top 2 looking very tasty.

Ryan’s pick – Sheffield United to Win @ 29/20

 

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Saturday 15:00 – Middlesbrough v Hull

This is a must-win game for Middlesbrough and one would expect them to meet expectations here.

Their record at the Riverside stadium has been incredible since Chris Wilder took charge – they’d won every league game there until coming up against Fulham in midweek.

It’s been the bedrock of their push for the top 6, while their away form has brought up questions.

Hull have won twice in their last 12 games and are waiting for the season to come to an end.

The Tigers have given teams a couple of problems though on the road – they’ve only failed to score in 3 of their last 12 matches on the road.

Boro should win but I fancy Shota Arveladze’s side to find the back of the net.

Ryan’s pick – Middlesbrough to Win and BTTS @ 27/10

Saturday 15:00 – Millwall v Barnsley

These two sides still have things to play for but both their respective targets look to be slipping away.

Millwall remain hopeful of getting in the play-offs but know they’ll have to put together a brilliant run of results to actually get there.

Meanwhile, Barnsley still believe they can stay up, but relegation is looming after Reading won in midweek.

A major sticking point for the Tykes is their horrendous away form – 13 losses in 15 on the road is seriously letting them down.

Millwall have only lost twice at the Den since October so it’s difficult to see an upset on the cards.

I also fancy a clean sheet for Gary Rowett’s side – they’ve only conceded 2 goals in their last 8 home games.

Ryan’s pick – Millwall to Win to Zero  @ 31/20

Saturday 15:00 – Forest v Birmingham

Nottingham Forest have suddenly emerged as the most likely challenger to Bournemouth for an automatic promotion place.

That would have been deemed unthinkable after the first 7 games of the season when the Reds picked up just a point.

However, it says a lot about the turnaround in form that Steve Cooper’s pulled off and now they’re flying.

Four wins on the bounce means they’re a side to fear and Birmingham look unlikely to stop them.

Their victory over West Brom at the weekend was only their fourth since the start of December and the Blues will be missing star striker Lyle Taylor against his parent club.

Forest wonder-kid Brennan Johnson has scored 4 goals in his last 3 league games and looks good value to bag again.

Ryan’s pick – Brennan Johnson to score at anytime @ 7/5

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Sunday 15:00 – Fulham v Coventry

Fulham can finally secure promotion with a win against Coventry on Sunday afternoon, provided Forest fail to win versus Birmingham.

It’s been a matter of when, not if, for quite some time and I fancy it to be a day of celebration for the Cottagers, should results go their way.

They suffered a slight shudder prior to the international break but have got things back on track with impressive wins away at Play-off chasing QPR and Middlesbrough.

Coventry’s hopes of a top 6 finish have faded away with 1 win in 8 games.

A consistent flow of goals has been an issue throughout the season and I reckon will be again when they face a Fulham side whose defensive qualities have been overshadowed by their attacking threat.

A Fulham win to nil for me.

Ryan’s pick – Fulham to Win to Zero @ 29/20

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