Championship weekend tips: Rovers to Return More Profit

Blackburn Rovers v Birmingham City: Tony Mowbray’s side to march on

Blackburn were demolished 7-0 by Fulham last month, but their response to that setback has been exemplary. Tony Mowbray’s side are up to fourth after taking 16 points from the last 18.

Rovers will fancy their chances of picking up another win against opponents with just one victory in their last six outings.

Only five teams in the division have scored fewer goals than Birmingham, so a Blackburn clean sheet is a distinct possibility.

Tip: Blackburn to win to nil at 3.1

Ben Brereton will be aiming to fire Blackburn to another victory when they take on Birmingham.

Barnsley v West Bromwich Albion: Baggies to compound Tykes’ misery

Barnsley have had little to cheer this season - their 2-1 loss to Preston North End last weekend extended their winless run to six games.

The Tykes are now eight points adrift of safety and it seems increasingly likely they will be playing in League One next term.

Third-placed West Brom have loftier ambitions as they seek a third victory on the bounce. Their games tend to be tight – six of their last seven have featured two goals or fewer – so a low-scoring away win is the most probable outcome.

Tip: West Brom to win and under 3.5 goals at 2.42

Cardiff City v Derby County: Battling Rams can avoid defeat

No-one can question Wayne Rooney’s stomach for the fight. Despite the myriad problems at Pride Park, the Derby boss continues to battle away in a bid to keep the Rams in the Championship against all the odds.

A 21-point deduction will surely leave Derby with too much to do, but they would be 19th – higher than their upcoming opponents – without that punishment.

Cardiff continue to be undermined by inconsistency and have lost eight of their last nine at home. Derby shouldn’t fear their trip to Wales this weekend.

Tip: Derby, draw no bet at 2.66

Middlesbrough v Bournemouth: Tricky test for Cherries

Bournemouth are going through a wobble having won just one of their last seven and none of their last five.

A 2-0 home defeat by Blackburn last weekend leaves Scott Parker looking nervously over his shoulder, with third-placed West Brom now just three points behind.

A trip to Teeside on Saturday will not be easy and Parker might be willing to settle for a point. Despite their downturn in form, Bournemouth have scored in each of their last six away games and should do so here.

Tip: Both teams to score at 1.83

Nottingham Forest v Hull City: Two in-form teams collide

Since Steve Cooper’s appointment in September, only Fulham have taken more points than Nottingham Forest. Cooper is doing a fine job and a play-off place is suddenly within reach.

Forest are on an eight-game unbeaten run, but Hull are also in fantastic form.

After winning each of their four matches in November, the Tigers have drawn with Reading and Bristol City this month.

Forest therefore shouldn’t underestimate Hull despite their lowly position in the table, but Cooper’s men are likely to prove too strong for the visitors.

Tip: Nottingham Forest to win at 2.02