Five things learned from the Championship season so far

In stark contrast to their rivals for top-spot, Brighton have shown a real will to win, and have been seen rolling up their sleeves and grinding out results. They came from a goal-down in London against Fulham recently to win 2-1 and four of their last half-dozen victories have been by a single-goal.

Chris Hughton’s side lost 2-0 at St James’ Park back in August, but, after 24 games played, they have a two-point cushion at the top over Newcastle, who have played a game more. Brighton boast the best defence in the league and aren’t shy in front of goal either, putting five past Norwich.

What we’ve learned – Brighton are shaping like a title-winning side, defending well and coming out on top in close matches. They could be on track for an upset and can be backed at 11/8 to win the league.

Stam doing a right royal job

They’ve been flying under the radar but Reading, guided by former Man Utd favourite Jaap Stam, have hauled themselves to third in the table and started the year with a 3-2 win over Bristol City.

With six-points to find to match the top-two automatic promotion places, it may be too early to say, but if that proves to be a bridge too far, they look to have every chance of going up via the play-offs. Reading are scoring plenty, conceding plenty and wining plenty in style.

What we’ve learned – Jaap Stam can’t seem to put a foot wrong at present and he’s a breath of fresh air at the Madejski. They are bang in the promotion picture and Coral offer a hefty 5/1. Don’t miss the value!

Forest can’t see a way out

Things look to be going from bad to worse for Nottingham Forest and after finishing last season in 16^th, they are, again, flirting with relegation. Seven wins from their first 25 starts leaves them just two-points better than the drop zone.

An overly generous defence is to blame for their current predicament and they have conceded the second-highest number of goals in the division at 45, with bottom-club Rotherham the only side worse off. Philippe Montanier’s crew ended 2016 with three defeats in-a-row, conceding seven-goals in the process.

What we’ve learned – Forest conceded at least two-goals in each of their last three-games of 2016. Regularly backing their opponents to score two or more wouldn’t be a bad strategy.

The Latics look licked

A return to Championship football hasn’t worked out for Wigan and they find themselves in the relegation zone, struggling to score goals. Warren Joyce’s side failed to win any of their last six-matches of 2016, and also started this year with a 1-0 loss to Huddersfield.

The Latics are the lowest-scorers in the league at the minute and if they can’t bring in reinforcements in January, the writing will be on the wall. Their last league win came back in November and they’ve failed to score in five of their seven outings since.

What we’ve learned – shot-shy Wigan only have themselves to blame and backing their opponents to win to nil, until things change, won’t see you go far wrong.

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