Championship tips for weekend duels including Derby v Forest and Leeds’ Brighton battle

Rafa Benitez’s boys still look a cut above, however, so plumping for the Tyneside team to win and under 3.5 goals in the game is better value at 6/5 than simply backing Magpies success at 4/9.

Preston and Blackburn Lancashire liaison to end evenly

There’s also a feisty Lancashire derby duel to look forward to at Saturday teatime, as Preston North End host Blackburn Rovers, with just five points but seven places between them as the division remains finely balanced.

Last term it was one victory apiece from two all red rose rumbles and, with nine draws combined between them this term, a point each looks likely this time. So a splitting of spoils is tempting at 23/10.

Derby to defeat Forest by a one goal margin

While, the weekend’s Championship actions ends in style with the Brian Clough derby, aka Derby County v Nottingham Forest.

The Rams are just four points ahead of their rivals, making this a fairly evenly poised and intriguing encounter.

As two inconsistent teams this term, it is Derby that standout as home favourites, though, on the back of three successive triumphs. Though the Tricky Trees are on an improved streak of three back-to-back victories themselves.

Expect this tangle to be as tight and heated as ever, then, on Sunday. Looking to recent editions of this Midlands rumble also tips things in favour of the Rams as they won the previous scuffle 1-0, with the hosting side the winner from four of the last six frays too.

So, Derby at 5/2 to prevail by exactly one goal is our pick for this battle.

Championship acca up for grabs

If you’d like to snatch a Championship acca for matchweek 20, simply select our recommended sixfold below.

Back all of match favourites Brighton (5/6*), Newcastle (4/9*), Ipswich Town (7/5*), Aston Villa (8/11*), Huddersfield Town (6/5*) and Derby (7/10*) to win and potentially pocket £41.60 from a pound punt, or a cool £208 from a fiver stake.

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*All odds correct at time of writing.

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