Bristol City the only value

I was inclined to rest on my laurels after last week, when Crystal Palace and Southampton did us proud. Palace were much too good for Huddersfield and will not go down but the Terriers pose little threat up front and are in acute danger again.

In fact, the bookmakers largely ignore several teams, or make the odds quite prohibitive, when it comes to staying up. They clearly believe West Brom have just about gone, Stoke are more than likely to join them and Huddersfield just shade Southampton for the third spot.

I should think that’s just about right. The Saints comfortably held Wigan in the second half last week but should have been behind at half-time, when the nature of the task confronting Mark Hughes wax only too obvious. Morale has improved and much will depend on finding the right blend up front, where new signing Carrillo works hard but has yet to score. He looks expensive to me but maybe I’m wrong.

There isn’t much value at the top of the Championship, either, where Wolves should hold on with Cardiff, Villa and Fulham fighting it out for second place. If all four make the top six we haven’t much to aim at in the ‘top six’ market, though I’d rather be with BRISTOL CITY at 9/4 (Hill’s) than Derby or Boro. The Robins have had a good season and gave Manchester City more than a run for their money in the League Cup. The busy schedule which followed saw them drop off the pace but they have picked up again of late. City supporters have had enough false dawns over the last few years and will not relish the prospect of starting afresh all over again.

The game is all about value and 9/4 is not great if there are only two places available but Bobby Reid is still scoring goals and City are worth a small bet. It’s a very quiet weekend otherwise.