Leeds - Swansea

Leeds suffered a shock at the opening day (1-2 Derby), but bounced back very fast. Seven points in next three games are more than decent achievement. A point away at Nottingham, home win vs. “old friends” Millwall and away win at Watford gave them strong wind in the back in their high ambitions. Main problem is defense line where Schmeichel is covering all the holes. However, great attacking potential and Grayson’s high-tempo style of play make from them a serious play-off contender. Leeds had 59 goal attempts - 31 of them on target - and hit the woodwork 7 times! They still miss Snodgrass and Paynter, but made some good signings (Faye, Nunez, Clayton and my favorite Ross McCormack).

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Swansea seem still suffering from Sousa’s departure. And while at home look safe (won all three competitive games), on the road can’t keep a clean sheet (both league defeats, Hull and Norwich 0-2). I don’t think they’ll have a chance to join the race for a play-off spot and mid table position is the place where they’ll probably finish the season. However, boss Rodgers has big worries about missing players. Midfielder Darren Pratley is suspended, another midfielder Tom Butler is injured as well as strikers Beattie and Pintado. All four are important players. Swans were beaten on their last 6 visits to Leeds and their only away victory at Elland Road was a 2-1 win in 1949.

 

Leeds are maybe the best organized club in the second tier, have good squad quality and fans’ support. Elland Road should be a fortress this season and I really like these odds.

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Bet: Leeds -0.25

Odd: 2.05 Canbet

Stake: 8/10
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Probably one more.
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Profit!

Sheff Wed 0 - 2 Swansea

Darren Pratley's two goals condemned Sean McAuley to a losing start as Sheffield Wednesday caretaker boss.
The midfielder took just five minutes to put Swansea in charge, Gorka Pintado laying the ball on for Pratley to take in his stride and beat Lee Grant. 
Wednesday rallied and it took a good save from Dorus de Vries to keep out Jermaine Johnson's fierce shot. 
But the Owls then struggled and Pratley struck a second goal, meeting Nathan Dyer's low cross at the near post. 
Wednesday parted company with Brian Laws last weekend but McAuley was unable to inspire an improvement as Swansea maintained their push for promotion. 
The Owls are now winless in the last 10, having lost the last six and face the harsh reality of relegation if they do not make drastic improvements.
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QPR 1 - 1 Sheff Utd
New Queens Park Rangers manager Paul Hart saw his side draw with Sheffield United in his first game in charge.
Mikele Leigertwood opened the scoring for the home side with a right-footed strike from the edge of the area after just two minutes. 
Toni Kallio set up Richard Cresswell to fire home from close range for the equaliser six minutes later. 
Ben Watson headed against the crossbar in injury-time for the home side but both teams had to settle for a point. 
QPR manager Paul Hart:
"I thought we played extremely well. In the second half we were excellent, it was wave after wave. 
"I work with players to try to help them improve. I'm here to steady the ship. 
"I think this is a great club and it's a privilege to be working here." 
Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell:
"We talked about it in the week, it's not the time to be playing a team when a new manager walks through the door. 
"The players have got to show them what we are about. 
"All the talk was about QPR but my players were very resilient and did a professional job."
www.bbc.co.uk