The Panel's Bet Builder: Birmingham Vs Ipswich
The EFL Championship season kicks off with the blockbuster meeting of Birmingham City and Ipswich Town on Friday evening.
Two divisions separated the clubs last year, but they endured extremely contrasting campaigns.
Ipswich managed just 22 points in the Premier League, while Birmingham secured a record 111 points to win League One in a canter.
Despite this, both teams are high in the market on betting sites to achieve promotion to the promised land this season, and both sets of supporters will be hoping for a good start.
To herald in the beginning of the new season, The Panel have come up with a bet builder tip for Friday night's action.
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Birmingham Vs Ipswich Bet Builder From The Panel
- Jay Stansfield Over 0.5 Shots On Target
- Over 10 Total Corners
- Over 8.5 Total Shots On Target
- Ashley Young Over 0.5 Fouls Commited
This Championship bet builder tip pays around 11/2 with Bet365.
Bet Builder Leg 1: Jay Stansfield Over 0.5 Shots On Target
Eyebrows were raised when Birmingham paid a reported £15 million to sign Jay Stansfield last summer, but 19 league goals later, it looks like money well spent.
The former Fulham man played a big part in Birmingham's record-breaking season, but he now faces the challenge of testing himself at a higher level.
The Panel can see him making the step up with ease, and leg one of our bet builder is for the 22-year-old to hit the target at least once.
He can play as a poacher or drop deep to try shots from distance, and the fact that he also takes penalties makes him a good choice.
Bet Builder Leg 1: Jay Stansfield Over 0.5 Shots On Target
Bet Builder Leg 2: Over 10 Total Corners
With both teams possessing quick and skilful wide men, there should be plenty of corners conceded as full-backs attempt to block their crosses.
Opening day matches are also known to be attacking affairs, so there should be plenty of attempts that could be deflected or saved.
The last five meetings of these teams have averaged just over 12 corners, so our pick of over 10 would seem to be a safe bet.
Bet Builder Leg 2: Over 10 Total Corners
Bet Builder Leg 3: Over 8.5 Total Shots On Target
As previously stated, opening fixtures can be attacking affairs as teams attempt to lay down an early marker for the season ahead.
Both teams have an attacking mentality, so expect long-distance pot shots as well as close-range attempts from crosses coming into the box.
Wingers on both sides are also known to cut in from out wide and attempt shots.
Our selection of Over 8.5 shots on target should hopefully be achievable.
Bet Builder Leg 3: Over 8.5 Total Shots On Target
Bet Builder Leg 4: Ashley Young Over 0.5 Fouls Commited
Ashley Young has decided to continue his playing career with Ipswich despite turning 40 last month.
The former Manchester United and Everton man has gone from winger to full-back, and still retains plenty of ability.
Unfortunately, he is not as speedy as he used to be, so he may struggle against Birmingham's tricky wingers.
He is likely to be playing catch-up with some of his rivals on occasion, so it would be no surprise to see him using different tactics to stop them.
Bet Builder Leg 4: Ashley Young Over 0.5 Fouls Commited
