December 5 2008

The Football League

Crystal Palace travel to Derby this weekend who will no doubt be jubilant following their midweek cup exploits.

The Rams may have made it to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup, but that progress has somewhat hindered their league form where inconsistency has seen them propping up a mid-table position, much like Palace.

With all eyes at Pride Park being on the lunch-time draw for the semis, Palace have the capabilities and the quality to punish any complacency amongst the Derby squad and the prices of bigger than 2/1 on them doing so are more than generous.

Back Crystal Palace @ 21/10 with Paddy Power.

Elsewhere in the Championship this weekend, I would expect Cardiff (11/10) to be too good at home to Preston. The Bluebirds thoroughly outplayed Swansea for extended periods last weekend and would have won but for Steve McPhail’s red card.

Southampton are another side that have picked up in recent weeks and up against Sheffield Wednesday who have disappointed away from home they should also provide some value this weekend.

Back Cardiff / Southampton Double with all leading bookmakers @ 5/1.