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Followers of the English Championship enjoy a grandstand finish on Saturday as round 46 brings the regular season to a close. We have a complete 12-match programme, with every game starting at 12:30 GMT, ensuring no side gains an advantage and that there are very few meaningless games before the curtain drops.
There’s all to play for at both ends of the ladder. Burnley and Leeds United have filled the top two automatic promotion places. Sheffield United and Sunderland are also safely through to the playoffs, leaving Bristol City, Coventry, Millwall, Blackburn and Middlesbrough to dispute fifth and sixth.
Only two of the five clubs mentioned will secure an extended season, keeping their chances of reaching the Premier League alive. The others will spend the summer wondering what could have been.
Relegation dog fight
At the opposite end, Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle will drop to League One. Just two points separate Stoke City in 18th and third from bottom Hull City. A vicious relegation dogfight awaits.
Which teams will secure a vital three points on Saturday afternoon? Experienced betting writer Frank Monkhouse brings FlashScore readers his preview, predictions and the latest information on the Championship odds from bet365.
Burnley - Millwall, Saturday, 12:30pm
You won’t find a more competitive finish to a major league across Europe this spring. Burnley start the weekend level at the top of the Championship, but they have Leeds United for company. Both teams enter on 97 points, but Leeds have a far superior goal difference.
The Clarets must sign off with a decisive win and need their rivals to drop points. It’s a big ask, but Scott Parker sends his team out to ensure they do their bit by beating Millwall at Turf Moor. The hosts enjoy a long unbeaten run and have won each of their last four. They won 2-0 when Leeds last visited Lancashire, and everyone connected to the club would take more of the same.
Millwall start in seventh, level on points with Coventry City and the playoff places. The Lions could pounce on the prizes, but I’m picking home advantage and the crowd to shine through. Take the Clarets to win and make things interesting.
Tip: Burnley win @ 8/13 (bet365)
Bet explanation: This bet wins if Burnley defeat Millwall, regardless of the score.
Plymouth - Leeds, Saturday, 12:30pm
Switching our attention to the other team involved in a shootout for the Championship title. Leeds United won on Monday evening, hammering Bristol City 4-0 at Elland Road to hit the summit. They now have one remaining task this season: beat Plymouth Argyle by any scoreline to cross the finish line as champions.
The Peacocks’ win earlier this week was their fifth league victory on the bounce, scoring ten goals in their last two starts and 15 in April. Leeds beat Saturday’s opponents 3-0 earlier in the season and scored five goals without reply in their previous two meetings.
The Pilgrims prepare for their final outing of the term second from bottom, and they’ll be playing League One football at the end of summer, regardless of Saturday’s result. The points mean much more to Leeds than Plymouth, which will show in the final score.
Tip: Leeds -1 handicap @ 5/6 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Your wager wins if Leeds beat Plymouth by two or more goals.
Sheffield United - Blackburn, Saturday, 12:30pm
We head to Bramall Lane, where Sheffield United host Blackburn Rovers. The home team kick off in third place with 89 points on the board. The Blades have enjoyed an excellent season and will prepare for playoff football next. I expect the experienced Chris Wilder to rest a few players with upcoming challenges in mind.
While Sheffield United plan for an extended season, Blackburn start in eighth, just one point shy of Coventry in sixth. The visitors know they must come here and win if they have any chance of breaking into the top six, giving them a shot at rising to the EPL next season. They’re unbeaten in five and have won their last four.
Saturday’s game is a must-win for Blackburn, but that’s not the case for the locals. Will Blackburn reach the playoffs? That remains unclear, but they’re value to blunt the Blades to give themselves a fighting chance at great odds.
Tip: Blackburn win @ 2/1 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Bet wins if Blackburn defeat Sheffield United.
Swansea - Oxford, Saturday, 12:30pm
One of the few meaningless games played on the final day of the Championship season comes from Wales, where Swansea City play Oxford United. The locals are 11th in the table and unable to reach the playoffs. Oxford start in 17th, clear of the relegation fight.
With nothing to play for here besides three points, I’m happy to stick with the home win. The Swans have won five of their last six games, while their opponents have won only half of their matches in the same period.
Swansea beat Oxford United 2-1 on the road in November and are good enough to do the double with a home win. You can add Swansea to your Saturday accumulators.
Bet explanation: A winner if Swansea out-score Oxford.
West Brom - Luton, Saturday, 12:30pm
We wrap up our preview of Saturday’s exciting card from the English Championship with a bet on Luton Town to grab a much-needed win over West Brom at The Hawthorns.
The Hatters played Premier League football last term and have struggled to settle in the second tier. Luton are 21st, one point better than Hull City, in the relegation zone. Lose to WBA, and there’s a real opportunity they could drop into League One, but I expect them to scrape through.
Luton have won their last three games and now face an opponent stuck in the no man’s land of midtable with nothing to play for. WBA have won only one of their previous six, suggesting the team has run its race and have one eye on the summer break. That’s a luxury their opponents don’t enjoy.
Tip: Luton win @ 13/10 (bet365)
Bet explanation: The above bet wins if Luton beat West Brom, regardless of the score.
Acca promotions
With all Championship fixtures kicking off at 12:30 GMT, it’s ideal for accumulator bettors. Choose a selection of teams to win and add them to your bet slip, creating an acca. Shoot for big wins off small stakes.
The generous team at bet365 offer up to a 100% boost on winning accumulators, meaning you could double your returns. Visit the website or app for more information.
Note: Enjoy the weekend football fixtures and always bet responsibly.
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.