Championship Best Bets

We have a full midweek Championship coupon to go at this week, with half of the 12 matches played on Tuesday night.

Preston face Leeds, knowing nothing more than a win would keep their play-off dreams going, while Sheffield Wednesday v Nott'm Forest is surely also a must-win for both sides for the same reason. Derby need something at Blackburn, while Bristol City v West Brom is equally massive for the hosts. It's a huge night.

We're interested in two bets, starting at Swansea. The Swans are just two points ahead of Stoke, and despite a game in hand on most of their rivals, Swansea are probably out of contention this season as well. They have enjoyed a decent home record though this season - winning 10 matches and collecting 34 of their 53 points on home turf.

Stoke have won just three away games all season, although it would be fair to note they have drawn a further 12.

Now the shot data recently is showing Swansea performing very well indeed, even if results have been more balanced. They have won five and drawn one of their last 12 league matches. At home they have won the shot count in 12 of their last 14 games and won their last four on the bounce. The 3-3 draw with Birmingham saw the Bluenoses score with each of their three shots on target, while recently they did enough to get something from each of their three defeats to Forest, West Brom and Norwich.

Stoke by contrast look to have fortunate to beat Blackburn on Saturday, and we're certainly just as lucky to get a point at Derby in a match which saw the Rams dominate from start to finish. With just three shots on target in their last three away games, Stoke are woefully short of fire-power.

2pts Swansea to beat Stoke at 23/20 (Bet365 and Marathon)

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Next up we have two of the most out-of-form as Bolton welcome Middlesbrough. Boro have a -9 goal difference and zero points from their last six matches, while Bolton aren't much better on -6 and just six points. Boro are now 11/2 to make the play-offs which given they are only four points adrift says everything, while Bolton are basically relegated after losing to Ipswich on Saturday.

We have to get with Middlesbrough here though, with Bolton holding a woeful record against the top-half teams this season. They have collected just eight points from 20 games against top half sides this season, compared to 24 against those in the bottom half. For all Boro's difficulties, they have lost just once all season against sides outside the Top 14, so seem to be getting the job done against the weaker sides.

Boro are in a spot of bother right now, it is true, but in their current run we should remember they have lost to Norwich and in-form Preston and Aston Villa.

1.1pts Middlesbrough to beat Bolton at 10/11 (General)

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