BETTING COLUMN: What are Preston North Ends odds on winning at Birmingham?

Alan Browne scored for PNE against Middlesbrough in midweek

Can Preston make it 10 games unbeaten at St Andrews on Saturday?

That is the question which fans and punters will be asking themselves.

They are playing with a confidence and energy that was missing from the first few weeks of the season, and are now looking like a decent side.

The injuries to Callum Robinson and Sean Maguire have been tough on them, though it is also a chance for players to come in and make a statement.

I do think they are a decent enough price at 11/5 online with Betsid and they have proven popular in the accumulators building up.

Birmingham had a decent win at Millwall in midweek and will be looking to put their derby defeat across town at Villa Park well behind them.

For a bigger price, the 5/1 available for Preston to win and both teams to score could also be excellent value.

In the top flight, it’s tricky this weekend with some competitive matches.

West Ham travel up to Tyneside to take on a Newcastle side on an upwards curve. Can the Toon make it four wins on the trot? If they do any lingering fears of a relegation fight will be banished, and I am backing them to do so at what I feel is a healthy 6/4.

Elsewhere, it’s derby day on Sunday with the North London derby followed by the Merseyside one.

Unai Emery will be itching to get his record against their rivals off to a winning start, though I feel Spurs might get something. The 11/4 on a score draw could be a sound bet, given the desire not to get beat for both sides.

At Anfield, Liverpool are no price at all at 2/5 and for good reasons. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were to give the Toffees a good thumping and the 9/4 on the Reds – two goals could be a sound investment.

I am sure the ‘who do you fancy for the big fight’ talk will be rife and it’s a tricky one to put your name to either side with much confidence.

Have we seen enough of Deontay Wilder in against quality to really say he will stop a fighter such as Tyson Fury.

Personally, if I had to have a bet I would back Fury to scrape home to a points win. I have a feeling he will be as awkward and spoiling as ever, and this doesn’t always sit well with explosive fighters like Wilder. This can be backed at 2/1.

Have a good weekend folks and keep the punting what it should be, a bit of fun and interest. Joe