SkyBet: Tough Championship opening day fixtures for Yorkshire clubs

Hull City, with new manager Nigel Person on-board, will be confident of gaining maximum points against Swansea at the KC Stadium and many would see the Tigers as a banker so the 6/5 for Hull to win is a great bet.

Doncaster have been very well supported in the Championship handicap market (+18 points) and after investing wisely in the transfer window, including securing the services of Billy Sharp from Sheffield United, Donny have a squad that should see them up there battling for a play-off place. Sean O'Driscoll's side may have a few injury worries ahead of their opening fixture against Preston but they should be able to come away from Deepdale with at least a point (Draw 9/4).

Barnsley couldn't have wished for a tougher opening day fixture when they travel to one of the favourites for the Championship title, QPR. With a new manager on board and a great squad in place, Neil Warnock's side will be very confident of gaining three points in front of a passionate home crowd. The 4/6 for the Hoops to gain maximum points looks another great bet.

Leeds open their account in the Championship with a home tie against Derby in the tea-time game and Simon Grayson will be desperate to give the home fans something to cheers about. It will be interesting to see how Leeds perform this season without Jermaine Beckford, who joined Everton at the end of last season and they could be caught by a Derby side with plenty of ambition. A lot of teams will not be looking forward to travelling to Elland Road but it may be a good time to play Leeds and the 3/1 for Derby to come away with maximum points, does appeal.

On Sunday, Sheffield United have a tough-looking game against last season's play-off losing finalists Cardiff. The Blades are once again expected to be up there at the end of the season and will be confident of gaining at least a draw against a Cardiff side who have had their troubles in the close season. The draw looks most likely and can be backed at 9/4.

In League One, Huddersfield are expected to challenge for the title which they can be backed at 8/1. The Terries take on Notts County at Meadow Lane and the 13/8 for them to gain maximum points looks a cracking bet especially as County have lost key players.

Sheffield Wednesday looks to have the easier of the fixtures from the Yorkshire sides and would be my banker for the weekend. I know the price looks short at 1/2 but the Owls shouldn't have any problems overcoming Daggers.

In League Two, Bradford City have been one of the best backed teams from the football league's ante post and are now the favourites for the League Two title at 7/1 (from 14/1). Peter Taylor is guaranteed to have his side ready and primed for their trip to Shrewsbury and with a good support behind them the 2/1 for City to land the spoils does look a great price.

Rotherham face Lincoln, and the draw looks the value bet at 5/2.

Weekend's best bets

n Hull City to beat Swansea (6/5)

n QPR to beat Barnsley (4/6)

n Doncaster to draw with Preston (9/4)

n Sheffield United to draw with Cardiff (9/4)

n Huddersfield to beat Notts County (13/8)

n Sheffield Wednesday to beat Dagenham & Redbridge (1/2)

n Bradford City to beat Shrewsbury (2/1)