Norwich City fancied for a top six place in May

The Championship resumes tomorrow following a two-week break, and with the first two months of the season already gone, now is a good chance to take on board the bookmakers’ assessment of the Canaries, who sit proudly in third place.

But before justifying such odds, they have to get past leaders Queens Park Rangers, where they are 9/2 (888sport) to take three points off the Londoners – something they did back in March 2009. Those 9/2 odds also represent value as the Canaries boast a record of three wins, a draw and just one defeat on the road, while Rangers failed to get past Millwall in their last home match. There is also the option of punting City on the handicap where they are 6/5 (Paddy Power) in receipt of a one-goal start.

Less optimistic punters looking for a draw, though, may have an interest in the 13/5 (Partybets) about a stalemate with both halves finishing level an 11/2 chance with Totesport.

It is worth noting that Wes Hoolahan has netted three times in the last two games, and he could pay for the Christmas presents if breaking the deadlock at 11/1 (Victor Chandler). He is also 4/1 to net at any stage of the match (William Hill).

There is another high-flying clash with seventh-placed Reading (11/10, Paddy Power) entertaining the team below them, Swansea (5/2, Ladbrokes). The Swans represent good odds here, despite Reading’s excellent home record, as the visitors managed an impressive win at Watford last month, while Reading have lost the services of Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Two of the big guns clash in the live tea-time match on Sky where a resurgent Middlesbrough are 6/5 with bet365 to get past Leeds (11/5, Stan James). The home side have a much stronger home record than United’s away form and Boro’ can nick it 2-1 at 15/2 (Totesport).