Norwich’s lead at the top of the Championship was cut to four points after Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Middlesbrough and the Canaries are preparing for another tricky test away to Millwall on Tuesday.
Brentford’s tussle at home to playoff-chasing Bristol City on Wednesday is another key encounter in the promotion race, while Coventry’s Tuesday night fixture with Nottingham Forest could have a significant bearing on the relegation battle.
Tight Affair Expected at The Den
Norwich manager Daniel Farke could not hide his frustration after the goalless draw at home to Middlesbrough at the weekend and his charges cannot expect an easy ride at the Den where they face a Millwall side eager to climb away from the lower end of the table.
The Canaries had triumphed in their previous three league fixtures and are 6/5 to get back to winning ways by improving on the division’s best away record (eight wins in 12 games).
But they are without suspended attacker Emi Buendia, who has contributed seven goals and six assists, and the Argentinian’s absence will make it more difficult to unlock a stubborn Millwall rearguard.
Gary Rowett’s Lions have gone back to basics in recent weeks and it seems to be paying dividends. They are unbeaten in three games, including a 0-0 draw at home to Watford when they restricted the promotion-chasing Hornets to very few clear cut opportunities.
Millwall would like to offer more of a goal threat and remain heavily reliant on classy attacker Jed Wallace, who has netted six goals in 26 league appearances
However, their solid three-man defence should ensure a competitive, low-scoring game with under 2.5 goals looking like a reliable wager at 5/7.
Forest to Boost Survival Hopes
Nottingham Forest have been making heavy weather of pulling away from the Championship drop zone but they can take a big step forward by defeating relegation rivals Coventry at St Andrew’s.
Chris Hughton’s side have lacked creativity this season but that may change in the weeks ahead thanks to the arrival of West Brom loanee Filip Krovinovic.
#GettingToKnow Filip Krovinović!
Find out more about our latest signing as he answers our set of questions
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://t.co/X4kh4fMI7N pic.twitter.com/hijzIZxGsC
— Nottingham Forest FC
(@NFFC) January 27, 2021
The Croatian was involved in some of Forest’s best moments in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Barnsley, and his vision should assist striker Lewis Grabban, who has been feeding off scraps for much of the campaign.
Coventry are playing plenty of attractive football and, given their low budget, they can be pleased with 30 points from 26 games.
However, they are far from secure from the drop and their shaky defence may let them down against Forest, who look overpriced at 19/10.
West London Set For Cracker
Brentford were 7-2 winners at home to Wycombe on Saturday and could be involved in another high-scoring encounter when hosting Bristol City in west London.
City will be aware of the need to contain the free-scoring Bees and especially striker Ivan Toney, who is the league’s top scorer with 18 goals.
But Brentford’s defence struggled to contain powerhouse Wycombe centre-forward Uche Ikpeazu at the weekend and they could have similar problems against City hotshot Famara Diedhiou, who has netted six goals in his last eight appearances.
Toney and Diedhiou could contribute to an entertaining affair, affording over 3.5 goals backers a decent run for their money at 2/1.
*All odds correct at time of writing.