Things are already starting to take shape in the Championship as we approach the ten-game stage, and there are some tasty fixtures taking place in midweek.
There is a fascinating clash on Wednesday at The Den, where Millwall host Bristol City, while second-placed West Brom travel to Cardiff on Tuesday hoping to maintain their undefeated start to the campaign.
Early pace-setters Bournemouth are also in action when they head to Peterborough on Wednesday.
High-flying Robins can avoid defeat
There is a fascinating clash taking place on Wednesday at The Den, where Millwall host Bristol City.
Both sides have lost only two of their opening nine games and the pair also find themselves unbeaten in five Championship clashes.
The Lions completed a league double over City last season, but are renowned as being the Championship’s draw specialists.
Gary Rowett’s men shared the spoils in 17 of their 46 league games last term and have already played out six draws from just nine fixtures this season.
And although the Lions are a difficult side to beat, they face a stern test against the Robins, who have won their last three away matches and have a spring in their step.
Eighth-placed Bristol City have responded well to a slow start to the campaign and followed up a hard-fought 2-1 win at QPR with an excellent point at home to a strong Fulham side last time.
Keeping the faith in Nigel Pearson is beginning to pay off and, at 4/5
, they are worth backing in the double chance market to avoid defeat at The Den.
Blades Look a Cut Above Boro
Sheffield United are starting to acclimatise to life under Slavisa Jokanovic and can highlight their recent improvement with victory at Middlesbrough on Tuesday evening.
The Blades failed to win any of their opening five games following last season’s relegation from the Premier League, but have now collected ten points from their last four fixtures.
Boro, on the other hand, have won only one of their last seven matches and have suffered back-to-back defeats against Blackpool and Reading.
Saturday’s 1-0 loss at The Madejski Stadium was of particular concern as they registered just two shots on target. The in-form Blades look a good bet to pile the woe on Neil Warnock’s Boro and are worth backing at 6/4
for victory.
Royals could Heap the Misery on Rams
It has been a difficult week for Derby, who endured a 12-point deduction after going into administration and matters may only get worse at home to Reading on Wednesday.
The ten-man Rams suffered a 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United on Saturday and that was the fourth time in six games in which they had failed to find the net.
Wayne Rooney’s side have shown plenty of spirit despite their off-field troubles but they may be bumping into Reading at the wrong time.
The Royals find themselves on a three-game winning streak, a run that includes a 2-1 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
While Derby are finding goals difficult to come by, Reading are really hitting their stride and have netted nine times across their last four outings.
At 9/4
, Reading represent serious value, while the 20/31
about them avoiding defeat can also be considered by more cautious punters.
*All odds correct at time of writing.