Friday 21 August 2015 18:43, UK
Sky Sports pundit Ian Holloway and his wife, Kim, who thinks she can do a better job, predict the outcome of the big Football League weekend fixtures.....
My wife has been my ear all week. She said: "You're so useless at predictions, I'm going to have a go and beat you."
It's a big deal in the Holloway household as the loser has to make the coffee for a week!
In fairness, she's a bit of a psychic, so maybe it might be worth following Kim's predictions rather than mine. She's much luckier than me. Saying that, I may have only got one correct score in midweek, but two late goals cost me again and Coventry won 3-2 instead of my 3-1 tip.
It's all to play for....
Birmingham v Derby, Friday, Sky Sports 1, 19:45
It's going to take Derby a while to settle in to what Paul Clement wants. I think they're passing it, passing it, passing it without much end product. Paul's worked with much better players in the past, so he's going to have to spell it out to them so they understand and then you'll start to see their strengths.
The more Derby dominate the ball, the more Birmingham, through Clayton Donaldson, who has been a revelation, will turn them and squeeze them. I think Gary Rowett has done a brilliant job to simplify their game and they've got pace in the right areas through Demarai Gray.
I can see Derby looking like the home team but Birmingham will play on the counter and hurt them. I'm looking forward to seeing Gray and also Tom Ince for Derby.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 3-1 (Sky Bet odds 22/1)
MRS HOLLOWAY PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 12/1)
Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday, Saturday, Sky Sports 1, 12:30
Both teams have got good managers. I can see this one being tight. There's lots of talent of board but with the derby element to it, I can only see a draw as Wednesday are the draw specialists from last season. Leeds let in two goals in the last few minutes against Bristol City and that's bound to knock them a little bit – but that's the Championship. It's a high quality division. However, I do like the balance in the Leeds side, they're still learning as a group.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 9/2)
MRS HOLLOWAY PREDICTS: 3-2 (Sky bet odds 40/1)
Cardiff v Wolves, Saturday, Sky Sports 1, 17:30
This one has caused me all sorts of trouble as both managers are good mates of mine – it's a real heavyweight clash. I haven't got a clue how this one will go.
I'm clutching at straws as both teams are good and will have good seasons. Wolves will be smarting after the other night, they let QPR back in and Kenny Jackett will have hammered them. If they had got in 2-0 at half-time against QPR, they would have blitzed them. It's going to be difficult, but I think Wolves may bounce back.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-2 (Sky Bet odds 9/1)
MRS HOLLOWAY: 0-3 (Sky Bet odds 28/1)
Brighton v Blackburn, Saturday, 15:00
I've gone for an away win. I think it's really tough to win at home in the Championship – it really is. There's more pressure on the home team. I've gone against Blackburn this season and I don't want to anymore – they've got great spirit under Gary Bowyer. Plus, Jordan Rhodes might be back from injury this weekend.
Can I put my finger on why I fancy them? No. But the Holloway gut tells me they will just have enough. The Championship throws up funny results now and then. I just can't see Brighton keeping another clean sheet.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-2 (Sky Bet odds 11/1)
MRS HOLLOWAY PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet 8/1)
Bolton v Nottingham Forest, Saturday, 15:00
The Bolton goal drought will end this weekend – they'll score two. You wait for a bus and then two always come around the corner.
However, I can't see Dougie Freedman allowing his side to lose the game going back to his old club, so I'm going for a score draw. Dougie will be fired right up for that. Defensively teams are a bit open still at this stage of the season, so the goals have been flying in. The first few weeks are always filled with defensive mistakes.
Bolton will want to get their season off and running. Neil Lennon will be telling his side that they're only one game away from a winning run. Bolton fans shouldn't worry; it takes 10 games for teams to settle down.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-2 (Sky Bet odds 12/1)
MRS HOLLOWAY PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 5/1)
Charlton v Hull, Saturday, 15:00
We have two in-form teams here but I've bet against Charlton every time so far and I'm not making that mistake again.
The crowd at Charlton are bopping and the club are coming back to their best days. This will be a big challenge for Hull. If Steve Bruce can keep that group together then they'll be right up there with the level of player they have. That's what got Bournemouth up last year – the sheer quality of player. But Charlton are solid at home, they'll nick this one.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 11/1)
MRS HOLLOWAY PREDICTS: 1-3 (Sky Bet 16/1)
QPR v Rotherham, Saturday, 15:00
What a massive win it was for QPR at Wolves. That will do them the world of good.
It's hard to write off a Steve Evans team as they never give up but it's the wrong time to play QPR. The crowd will be bouncing. Matt Phillips scored a brilliant goal the other night. When he's in the team and enjoying himself, he's got all sorts of qualities. You've got to let him loose and attack.
It was like a flashback watching him at Wolves, some of the things he did for me at Blackpool were borderline genius. He's in the right place and that's all he needs. He's got everything going for him, it's just about belief. I would urge him to stay at QPR – it's a fantastic club. He should help them get back up and build himself from there.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 3-1 (Sky Bet odds 12/1)
MRS HOLLOWAY PREDICTS: 2-2 (Sky Bet 14/1)
Middlesbrough v Bristol City, Saturday, 15:00
I was really pleased for City the other night, it shows the crowd and the club are united together but this is a tough ask going to Middlesbrough, who are strong at home. It's going to be a tough day for City. Kike is a man in form and an intelligent footballer. He's a good all-round centre-forward. I really like him.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 3-1 (Sky Bet odds 12/1)
MRS HOLLOWAY PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 15/2)
Sheffield United v Blackpool, League One, Saturday, 15:00
I can only see Sheffield United getting stronger as the season goes on. Nigel Adkins is saying all the right things about his group and getting the crowd all together. I think the energy inside that stadium will be too much for Blackpool.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 3-0 (Sky Bet 8/1)
MRS HOLLOWAY PREDICTS: 3-0 (Sky Bet 8/1)
Wycombe v Dag & Red, League Two, Saturday, 15:00
Gareth Ainsworth is one of my old heroes, he's an inspiration of a fella, although it makes me sick when I look at that barnet. I've got hair-envy. Sometimes the defeats, like the play-off final, make you a better winner. People want to play for him and he gets you going. Obviously, I've gone for a home win as I think they'll win the division this season. I'm certain they will get better and better. I can't see my old player Jamie Cureton not scoring though.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet 15/2)
MRS HOLLOWAY PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet 11/2)
Holloway's Hat-trick: QPR, Coventry and Wycombe all to win - 9/1 with Sky Bet
