SkyBet: Clarets on the carpet as Dowie's men seek to pull clear

Some tough fixtures lie ahead for Hull City, so it is absolutely vital for their survival hopes that they beat Burnley at the KC Stadium today.

The Tigers were fortunate that Fulham left out half of their first team, but this game is a different matter – Iain Dowie's men are rightly the odds-on favourites and should pick up the points.

Burnley's performance against Manchester City last weekend was shambolic and they have picked up just one point from their last nine games, the same tally as they have achieved away from home all season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On recent evidence, relegation is a formality for the Clarets while Hull still have a chance of saving themselves and their extra quality and sense of belief should make the difference.

West Bromwich know a win at Doncaster will confirm promotion to the Premier League and the Baggies can be backed at 6-5 to achieve their goal. The Championship's top scorers also have the best away record in the division and they can take advantage of the fact that Doncaster have nothing more to play for after back-to-back defeats.

Things are beginning to look bleak for Sheffield Wednesday and they have a tough trip to Middlesbrough, who are unbeaten in their last seven games.

Boro are not scoring many goals but they give little away and, as a consequence, there have been three or more goals in just three of their last 17 matches.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They draw too many games to be considered a worthy bet at 4-6, so 'Under 2.5 Goals' is the bet here.

Derby are edging towards safety after recent wins over Leicester and Coventry and have a great chance to confirm their Championship status by beating Barnsley, who have won just one of the last nine.

Sheffield United's home game with Coventry is an irrelevance, so expect the relaxed Blades to build on their encouraging display at Newcastle with a home win.

Huddersfield fans should be under no illusions as to how tough their task is at Brentford.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Bees are awkward opponents and have lost only twice at Griffin Park this season, the most recent being on October 3. Town may have won five of their last seven on the road but backing them today is a risky business.

Leeds, on the other hand, should not have any trouble picking up three points against Southend, whose financial meltdown appears certain to lead to relegation. The Essex club have lost their last eight away games, conceding 21 goals in the process so take Leeds to win 2-0 or 3-0.

Instead of looking to automatic promotion in League Two, Rotherham have a fight on their hands to ensure a play-off place, starting today at ninth-placed Morecambe, who are just four points behind the Millers.

The Shrimps go into this one having won their last three matches. Contrast that to Rotherham's three successive defeats and the 11-8 quote about a home win looks very tempting.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Bradford go to Burton and are fancied to add to the Staffordshire club's four defeats in five home games.

Best bets

n Hull to beat Burnley

n West Brom to beat Doncaster

n Middlesbrough v Sheff Wed – Under 2.5 Goals

n Derby to win at Barnsley

n Sheff Utd to beat Coventry

n Leeds v Southend – Correct Score 2-0 or 3-0

n Morecambe to beat Rotherham

n Bradford to beat Burton