With March’s international break coming to a close, all eyes will certainly fall on the Championship for what promises to be a stacked schedule throughout Friday.
As battles at both ends of the table really start to heat up, it appears that this season’s automatic promotion chase is going down to the wire.
Ahead of a full Championship fixture list on Friday, we have found a pair of eye-catching betting markets that could offer a great return for your weekend flutter.
15:00 Cardiff vs Sunderland
Heading into March’s international break with a nightmare 2-0 loss at the hands of bitter local rivals Swansea, there is no doubt that Cardiff will be seeking an immediate response here. However, despite entering the fortnight interval with a blip at the Liberty, Friday’s hosts have certainly gained plenty of praise from across the Championship this season.
While the Bluebirds might have found themselves at the heart of a second-tier relegation scrap last season, Erol Bulut’s men have made a string of improvements this time around.
Although Cardiff might have a real battle on the hands in this year’s play-off chase, the former Fenerbahce boss has seen his squad muster 12 points from their previous five Championship appearances.
Smelling the chance to make another statement here, Bulut’s side have also gained a reputation for their rugged approach on home soil.
Last seen at the Cardiff City Stadium clinching a stellar 2-1 victory against automatic promotion contenders Ipswich, it should be highlighted that the Bluebirds have won all of their previous three showdowns in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 5-2.
While Sunderland might have appointed interim boss Mike Dodds earlier in the month, the Black Cats are enduring a public Championship crisis and they have certainly come under major scrutiny.
In fact, Friday’s guests have collected just a single point from any of their previous three Championship appearances – a run that stems all the way back to February 10th.
Likewise, showing some glaring issues on the road, Sunderland have lost all of their last four showdowns away from the Stadium of Light by an aggregate score of 8-3.
Suffering a 1-0 loss when they met Cardiff for their reverse Championship meeting on September 24th, a similar outcome can be found at appealing odds here.
Betting Tip: Cardiff win @ 8/5 with Pribet
15:00 Preston vs Rotherham
Although Preston might have found themselves in the midst of a minor wobble on either side of opening the New Year, Friday’s hosts have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. With the mood around Deepdale at a continued high, some in Ryan Lowe’s camp are still dreaming of the chance to punch a famous play-off ticket this season.
Heading into March’s international break with another rugged performance as they secured a 1-0 victory away at Plymouth, the one-time Bury boss should be relishing a return from the fortnight interval here.
Marking their return on Friday afternoon sat just four points adrift of breaking into the play-off places, Lowe’s men have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous nine Championship appearances – a run that stems all the way back to January 21st.
Smelling a golden opportunity here, fans around Deepdale will be hugely excited by this side’s extended success at the back.
Recording a clean sheet in three of their previous four Championship showdowns, it should also be noted that Preston have lost just a single contest in front of their own supporters since opening 2024.
On the flip side, while Rotherham might have eventually clung to their Championship status last season, the Millers are limping their way back to a League One return.
Continuing on what has been a woeful run of form this year, Leam Richardson’s men have collected just a pair of points from any of their previous 12 straight Championship appearances.
Suffering an infamous 5-0 drumming at the hands of Norwich earlier in the month, it’s also worth highlighting that the Yorkshire-based outfit are without a win from any of their last 15 matchups across all formats.
Failing to find the net in any of their previous four second-tier contests, Richardson’s side should be bracing themselves for a tricky test at Deepdale this weekend.
Betting Tip: Preston win & Under 4.5 goals @ 19/20 with Luckster
Friday’s Championship Double
- Cardiff vs Sunderland – Cardiff win @ 8/5
- Preston vs Rotherham – Preston win & Under 4.5 goals @ 19/20
Place a £10 bet on our Daily Double with Vegas Land and pocket £50.70 if all predictions are correct.
You can also visit our betting promotions section for the latest enhanced odds promos, accumulator bonuses and more.
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