We have a cracking 12/1 Saturday four-fold coming your way!
Southampton v Cardiff
I’m kicking-off in the Premier League, where I have Southampton to beat Cardiff at home.
The Saints have markedly improved under Ralph Hasenhüttl, and are now unbeaten in five Premier League matches. Though they only have two victories at St. Mary’s all season – both coming under Hasenhüttl – Cardiff’s away form makes for grim reading.
Neil Warnock’s boys have lost nine of their 12 on the road, and while their victory against Bournemouth last week kept them in the survival hunt, I can’t see them picking up many more points on the road.
I’m expecting Southampton to pick up a valuable home win on Saturday.
Bolton v Preston
Bolton are looking in big, big trouble down in the Championship.
It’s now just one victory since September for The Trotters, and although their home form is verging on respectable – just two defeats in six (with one victory) – I’m backing Preston to beat them.
Alex Neil’s side have won their last two away games against QPR and Stoke (much tougher places to go that Bolton), and are a side who often embark on excellent (and sometimes shocking) runs.
Preston to win.
Sheffield Wednesday v Reading
The Steve Bruce factor is already taking effect! Sheffield Wednesday have won the first two matches under their new manager, and I’m backing them to make it three against Reading.
The Royals are really poor travellers – losing six of their last 10 away from home and drawing the rest – and while new boss Jose Gomes has somewhat solidified them, I don’t believe they have the capacity to break through this Bruceian Wednesday defence.
28/25 is a good price for a narrow home victory.
Charlton v Southend
This one, for me, is a banker.
Charlton have won six of their last seven at The Valley – drawing only to Sunderland – and I’m backing them to claim the points against Southend.
The Shrimpers have lost 10 of their last 15 in the league, including five of their last seven on the road; the two sides they beat away from home during this period – Oxford and Bradford – are far below the level of Charlton, which is why I’m envisioning a home win.
Follow @RyanEJourno
