Championship games 7/8 Aug

[Rob]

Personally I'm tipping a draw for Leeds vs Derby.
I think Leeds will be more concerned with not losing the game rather than winning it, and I think both teams would be happy with that result.

After slating Leeds a few weeks ago I think they've made a few decent signings, but they're all 'maybe' players. If blackwell can turn them all into the players they were a few seasons ago he'll have a cracking side.

[2damnhype]

First bet on the Championship for this season will be a tentative punt on Reading to beat Brighton.

Anything can happen in the first few weeks of the season, and both clubs have under gone quite a lot of personnel changes over the summer, but I feel that Reading will be in there fighting for a play off spot come the end of the season, whereas Brighton will be struggling to avoid the drop into League One.
Therefore Reading will be looking to get off to a good start against a team who must be seen as inferior opposition.

Best price 1.81 (minus commission @ Betfair)

2damnhype,
I agree we (Reading) should beat Brighton. They seem to have a few injuries and Leon Knight is suspended, I don't think they'll have much of an attacking threat.
However their defence looks pretty good, I like Danny Cullip he's pretty solid and Reading do often find it hard to break teams down at home if the opposition is playing defensively.
I'd therefore put a draw saver on if I was you.

Ahhh its good to be back!

Just a quick word on my team ahead of tomorrow. Please note weve had an excellent pre-season, scoring a shedful of goals, albeit against lower opposition. However we have scored goals and both Ellington and Roberts are looking sharp. Last season Ellington missed pre-season and the first month through injury but still managed 19 goals, so Id be extremely suprised if we didnt score more than once.
Ive read with interest that Forest are having one or 2 defensive problems, with one or 2 of their key centre halves out.
This leans me towards a Wigan win and a good price can be had at around evens. Can any Forest fans confirm my suspicions?

I am also on Wigan tomorrow but will probably lay Forest on the Exchanges.
Wigan have had a good pre-season and should have a full squad to choose from, apart from Jarrett (broken leg).

Speaking to a friend who watched one of the Wigan friendlies last week, he said he was quite impressed with the way Per Frandson (from Bolton) fitted in. He was quite comfortable in the position apparently.

Forest have one or two problems in the centre of defence with Wes Morgan, Michael Dawson and John Thompson all missing through suspensions and injury. Chris Doig will be the man most likely to occupy one of the center back positions. Kris Commons is also a doubt. Paul Evans and Kevin James are now fit and will be likely to start.

Midfielder Andy Reid could be playing his last game for Forest tomorrow, so his frame of mind and commitment on the 50-50 balls could be brought into question

If Reid and Forest's other dangerman David Johnson can be kept quiet Wigan should win this.

BR

[edtkh]

Fair enough, the Leeds squad available for Blackwell to pick from today may be nowhere close to the side which played their last Premiership match last season, but I honestly haven't a clue how anyone could even contemplate taking Derby in an away fixture when they're not up against one of the perennial basement boys(and that's before you even consider Derby aren't far off from being one themselves).

For a side that just scraped through relegation and with one of the most horrendous away record known to man last season, I honestly don't see them having a hell in hope of getting a result at Elland Road lest miracles have happened at Pride Park over the summer which I don't know of(which I doubt, obviously). A draw is the best Derby could get being realistic - but I'd expect a Leeds win to be the most probable outcome... :b The fact that Blackwell is in a luxurious position to decide who(most probably either Duberry or Radebe) would partner Butler in central defence just about convinces me that Leeds is worth a back, especially at odds around evens(Betfair).

I will be laying leeds against derby - the leeds team will need time to gel, derby have been underrated by the bookies.

A wee punt too on wigan to bt my team forest. Andy reid unlikely to start but unsettled having asked for a transfer. A few other injury concerns in midfield. Much worse problems in central defence where we are missing 4 players. Left with a youngster making his debut and a player in doig who was out of favour and shipped out to 3rd div northampton on loan last season.

wigan 6/5 @ corals

[GETT1NLOTS]

I have to agree with winbet and others. I think Forest will struggle today with their first two choice centre halfs both out. Wigan have a good line up in attack and a point is the most the Reds can hope for.

I do not intend to have a bet for the first three weeks or so though.

[Aykay1]

3 x doubles and 1 x treble on the following for me today (Stan james):

Reading 4/6 - Good signings in the summer, picked up in the 2nd half of the season after the Pardew departure. Brighton have been inactive in the market over the summer and wll struggle this year - i fancy Reading to win this today.

QPR 5/6 - Simply outstanding at home last year and with Rotherham not the strongest side in the division, QPR can get their season off to a winning start.

Wigan - 1/1 - Another team i fancy to perform well this year. Forest are dangerous with a fully fit team but with the injuries they have today are worth opposing.

[edtkh]

FT : Leeds 1-0 Derby

That's it for me for 'The Championship' this weekend. Have fun, guys! And don't forget to lay Derby when another such opportunity comes around - cos they have simply picked up where they left off last season... :b

Sorry my post should have read andy reid will start but is unsettled having asked for a transfer. I thought derby played well in patches and could have snatched a point. Their bench looked strong with the likes of reich, junior and pessie unused on it today.

I wrote of leeds but on second thoughts maybe a play off spot for them.

[GETT1NLOTS]

Well as a Forest fan that is an excellent result for us. 1-1 away to Wigan is a great effort considering our suspensions and injuries.

By all accounts we should have lost by 3 or 4 though.

Would have taken 1 point before the game.

by all accounts wigan's goal contained a blatent handball, and the officials had a mare, so could so forest should have won 1-0.

I think video evidence should be used against officials and they should be punished if they make too many mistakes.

Ok they are only human and everyone makes mistakes, but they need to be made accountable for their actions like everyone else. If a player has a shocker he is likely to be dropped and replaced by someone else.

Not one for wanting to get into a heated debate but Forests goal was a blatant offside so they kind of evened themselves up. As for the result it was only inept finishing by us and good goalkeepiong by you that prevented the home win. Just for the stats;

Wigan shots = 27 on target = 17 goals = 1
Forest shots = 7 on traget = 4 goals = 1

As you say the officials had a bit of a mare, but at least they were consistent for both sides. Mighty impressed with your keeper though - should stand you in good stead for the rest of the season.