SkyBet: Back Cardiff's Bothroyd to breach the United defence

With a wealth of attacking talent at their disposal, the Welsh club have made an excellent start to the season and are on the coat-tails of unbeaten QPR in second place.

If they can keep Craig Bellamy fit, then an automatic promotion place will surely be theirs and, at the moment, the on-loan Manchester City forward is clear of the knee problems that have blighted his career.

His presence should terrify a shaky Leeds defence and create openings for leading scorer Jay Bothroyd to exploit. Bothroyd has scored nine goals in 12 games – back him to find the net in a victory for Dave Jones's side.

This evening, Doncaster Rovers take on Sheffield United in a derby at the Keepmoat.

The form of both teams has been erratic and they find themselves in the bottom half of the table, separated by one point. The Blades are proving stubborn away from Bramall Lane, conceding only four goals in six games, so take them to earn a point from a tight encounter.

Barnsley have been finding their form at Oakwell this season, but on the road it has been a different story and they look vulnerable when they visit Coventry City, who have shown signs of improvement under new manager Aidy Boothroyd.

At even money, the Sky Blues look a decent bet for a fourth home win of the campaign.

Portsmouth are on the rise – on the field – after winning four of their last five games and look good value at 2-1 to win at struggling Hull City.

Liam Lawrence has scored five goals in five games and the midfielder could be worth a small punt to score again – although Hull's home defensive record is impressive.

In League One, Huddersfield look too short to back at 13-10 to gain maximum points from the long trip to Plymouth.

Town have won three and lost three on the road so they are somewhat unpredictable, and even though Argyle have struggled under Peter Reid, they were 3-2 winners over Sheffield Wednesday here last month.

Wednesday, meanwhile, face a tough test against a lively Bournemouth side, who have adapted well since their promotion in May.

The Cherries are strongest at home, but they outplayed Huddersfield at the Galpharm earlier in the season and they can take advantage if the Owls continue their desperate form in front of goal.

Bradford City may consider the worst is behind them after back-to-back wins and they have a good opportunity to make it three in a row as they visit out-of-form Burton.

The Brewers have lost four of the last six. City have picked up Jason Price on loan from Carlisle to give presence and experience to their attack and that looks like a good bit of business.

Rotherham United are now unbeaten in eight matches and will be well supported to win at home today – but be wary of visitors Wycombe Wanderers, who remain unbeaten on the road as they head to Don Valley Stadium.

The Chairboys have won their last three away games, while the Millers have been held to draws in three of the last four at home.

Best bets

n Cardiff to beat Leeds; Jay Bothroyd to score.

n Coventry to beat Barnsley.

n Portsmouth to beat Hull.

n Doncaster v Sheffield United – Draw.

n Bournemouth to beat Sheffield Wednesday.

n Bradford to beat Burton.

n Rotherham v Wycombe – Draw.