Barnsley to prove too strong at home
Bet 1: Back Barnsley @ 1/1 – KO 15:00 BST
The Tykes went unbeaten at Oakwell last season and while they are now playing at a higher level, they won their only Championship home game, at the expense of one of the promotion favourites.
A 2-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday followed, and they were dumped out of the EFL Cup on Tuesday, but there were mitigating circumstances for both, and it’s hard not be seduced by their home record.
Charlton were also a League One club last term, and they have done even better than Barnsley since their promotion, thanks to victories over Blackburn and Stoke.
Those two clubs are in the doldrums at present though and I can’t see Lee Bowyer’s men taking anything from their trip to Yorkshire.
Leeds to march on
Bet 2: Back Leeds @ 17/20 – KO 15:00 BST
Wigan only narrowly survived relegation last season and although they beat Cardiff on the opening day, they have since gone on to lose 3-0 at Preston, and 1-0 at home to Stoke in the cup.
Leeds, meanwhile have won 3-1 at Bristol City, drawn 1-1 with Nottingham Forest, and eased past Salford in the cup. There appears to be no sign of a Play-off hangover for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, and they score goals for fun.
The Latics don’t lose too many games at the DW, but they aren’t big scorers, and the visitors have goals in abundance.
Spurs to fire the first shot in the title race
Bet 3: Back The Draw in Manchester City v Tottenham @ 9/2 – KO 17:30 BST
Manchester City looked pretty formidable against West Ham last weekend, but the 5-0 scoreline did flatter them a little bit.
Tottenham had to come from behind to beat Aston Villa at the new White Hart Lane, but I don’t expect the manager to make the same mistake again, and leave out Christian Eriksen.
Spurs proved last season that they can go toe-to-toe with Guardiola’s City, and the draw seems a bit overpriced at 9/2.
Source: Betfair UK English Championship
