Newcastle United - Preston North End

Toons are on the top, but big margin between them and second placed WBA has been melted, thankfully to problematic results on the road. On the other hand, Newcastle are best home side in Championship with 12 wins and just four draws (34 goals scored and just 8 conceded – 0.5 per a match). They also hold the best defensive record in the division. Club faced a crisis of performance in two games vs. WBA, but after that three home wins in a row and all with margin higher than two goals. Boss Chris Hughton can not count on striker Shola Ameobi and midfielders Steven Taylor and Joey Barton. Midfielder Nicky Butt and midfielder Jose Enrique will face a late fitness test. Newcastle have won the last four matches between these clubs.

Preston are struggling under Ferguson junior, as they have only one win in last five games (Sheff.Utd. at home, 2-1). Good thing is they’re (still) far from relegation zone. Bad thing is they’re poor travelers, they’ve noticed seven defeats in last nine games on the road (one draw and one win) and next one will be at the toughest place in the second tier. Situation looks even worse after Tuesday’s defeat vs. Derby and conceded five(!) goals. The biggest problem is defense line that conceded 11 goals at last four games on the road (total of 30 goals and the worst record alongside Scunthorpe). That defense will miss the skipper Callum Davidson, while midfielders Richard Chaplow and Paul Parry are also out. Preston have played three of the current top five teams away from home, and lost all three games.

There’s no doubt Newcastle are far better squad in Championship. Their current performances and just three points more than WBA will guarantee their serious approach in this game. Preston just look like a victim of bad circumstances. Home win, -1.5 handicap as a gamble.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
Expekt - First deposit bonus up to €35 / £25 for all new customers
Make your first deposit at expekt.com and we will immediately double your money up to max €35 / £25. Take these 3 easy steps to start profiting from sports betting: 1.Register an account with expekt.com here. 2.Deposit a minimum of €10 into your expekt.com account. 3.Send an email to 35eurbonus@expekt.com with your customer number and deposit amount included. The bonus amount up to €35/£25 will be added to your account within 48 h

Preston North End - Middlesbrough

After a run of three games without a win and especially after London humiliation against Queens Park (0-4), Preston put a decent display on the road and beat Sheff.Wed. (2-1). John Parkin scored a winner for a desperately needed win and staying in the top six. They have almost the same team from the previous season (finished sixth), all lines in the squad are well balanced, harmed dignity has been recovered and in my opinion they’ll be (along with Cardiff) the most serious threat to ex-Premiership crew (Newcastle, WBA and Middlesbrough). Only missing is departure on loan of excellent Sean St Ledger to ‘Boro (won’t play against own club) because the financial reasons. Good news came from medical service as Lilywhites have been boosted by the news that skipper Callum Davidson (defense) should make his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury. Also, absence of the key midfielder Paul Parry seems finished as he was an unused substitute at Sheffield and he should play. No new injury or suspension worries for boss Alan Irvine and best eleven should appear.

Middlesbrough started the season in Championship with clear intention for returning in the Premier League. And all started well as club was placed at the top of the table. Then crisis at Riverside and three consecutive home defeats without a single goal scored (WBA 0-5, Leicester City 0-1 and Watford 0-1). 'Boro bounced back at mid-week against Derby County as midfielder Adam Johnson scored twice for a 2-0 win. Then public was hit by the news that Gareth Southgate has been sacked. Well, it’s not about his capability to lead one team on 'Boro’s level, I first claimed he should chose more appropriate profession. The problem is the moment that seems wrong. Team finally won at home, players were pointing the team spirit, fans promising full support and I expect at least missing of positive reaction at Deepdale. Future boss (will be appointed in coming days), Gordon Strachan, will watch the game, but I doubt he’ll see too many good things. Team that will be led by coach Colin Cooper will miss mentioned defender Sean St Ledger, another centre back Seb Hines is a doubt, while skipper defender Emanuel Pogatetz could return after his knee injury. 

This will be the clash of two serious contenders for Premiership. Usually I would ignore any tought about betting on such game, but moment when it happens gives an advantage to the lads from Deepdale. And defense line without St Ledger (and maybe Pogatetz) will have a lots of problems to stop outstanding John Parkin. Home win (Pinnacle 2.70) should be considered as a gamble, while my advise is dnb (1.90 also Pinnacle). 

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
Expekt - First deposit bonus up to €35 / £25 for all new customers
Make your first deposit at expekt.com and we will immediately double your money up to max €35 / £25. Take these 3 easy steps to start profiting from sports betting: 1.Register an account with expekt.com here. 2.Deposit a minimum of €10 into your expekt.com account. 3.Send an email to 35eurbonus@expekt.com with your customer number and deposit amount included. The bonus amount up to €35/£25 will be added to your account within 48 h.

Brentford - Bristol City

Impossible how Ipswich managed to loose. No time for tears however, Carling Cup tonight. I am not looking for bouncing back from Ipswich, Keano stated some youngsters will get their chance for a debut. I found something else...

.

After superior season in League Two, home side is having a debut in higher level. The club’s management don’t plan to stay at League One too long, as they signed 11 new players! Most of them are experienced lower division players, but some of the are well known for English football audience, like ex Newcastle striker Carl Cort, or another striker Steve Kabba. At the first round, Brentford made an excellent performance, winning on the road, against Carlisle 3-1. One of the new signings, midfielder Myles Weston (came from Notts County) scored twice for an easy victory and announced the highest ambition for forthcoming season. For this encounter, only missing for boss Andy Scott will be first goalkeeper, Lewis Price who is away on international duty with Wales in Montenegro and Nikki Bull will take his place in goal. Mentioned Steve Kabba will have his debut in attack. Bees won’t lack in motivation. Players are full of enthusiasm that playing in higher league provokes, weekend win additionally raised their confidence and opponent from Championship is a nice opportunity for proving themselves. And, possible money reward for the next round shouldn’t be forgotten.

After twenty years spent in moving between English leagues, that brought them a nickname “yo-yo club”, in 2007. City got back to the second tier. The most of the previous season was much over the expectations, but thankfully to just a single win in last twelve games, club finished 10th and lost a play-off spot. City had to face with the budget cuts and some important players, like striker Dele Adebola left the club. It seems boss Gary Johnson will have a difficult task to repeat the results from the previous season. However the Robins started with unlucky draw (2-2), against Preston away. Two goals lead wasn’t enough, as Callum Davidson equalized from the penalty kick at 96th minute! For tonight’s encounter, Johnson can not count on six regular players. Jamie McAllister (def), Paul Hartley(mid), David Clarkson (str), Lewin Nyatanga (def), Christian Ribeiro (def) and James Wilson (def) are all away on international duty. It means four defenders. Some youngsters will get their chance, including manager’s son Lee. 500 fans will travel to Brentford to help the team to repeat a result from two season ago when they won 3-0 at the same place.

Bookies gave a slight advantage to City, but odds on visitors raising as the team news coming. The facts City have scored in every League Cup match they have played since 2003 and hosts will be without regular goalie, suggest a big possibility of goals. Also I fancy home side’s chances and think they surely won’t loose. So, 1 with asian handicap 0, 2.05 at Pinnacle and over, 2.04 again at Pinnacle.

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)