Championship Football UK Free Bets
Leeds United v Derby County, 5.15pm, live on BBC
A cracking televised tie on BBC to get the season started, with this fixture bringing back memories of some classic encounters during the 1970’s – for those of us old enough to remember. There’s no love lost between these two clubs and the Elland Road faithful will be baying for the team to subject their old foe to defeat as Simon Grayson’s team look to consolidate back in the second flight.
Leeds are even money (Sporting Bet bookmakers) to get off to a winning start, despite the fact that they have not been playing well in pre-season friendlies and will be without Jermaine Beckford after the striker left for Everton. It now falls to Luciano Becchio (11/2 Stan Jamebookmakers) and Mike Grella (7/1 bet365 bookmakers) to step into his shoes, while manager Simon Grayson has also taken a punt on Billy Paynter this summer.
It remains to be seen as to whether the former Swindon striker can score goals at Championship level, although he’s 6/1 (bet365 free bets) to enjoy a dream start by scoring the opening goal. Not that Derby will consider themselves underdogs for this match and expectations are high that the Rams can improve on last season’s 14th place.
Nigel Clough was terribly unlucky with injuries, although the treatment room is relatively empty at Pride Park right now and Derby look cracking value (3/1 Coral) to get off to a winning start. Robbie Savage continues to pull the strings in midfield, although the big bonus is that Kris Commons (10/1 bet365) and Rob Hulse (7/1 William Hill) are both available.
