David Prutton's Sky Bet EFL predictions


David Prutton returns with his latest predictions ahead of a bumper Easter weekend of action in the Sky Bet EFL.

There are six live EFL games on Sky Sports over the bank holiday weekend, including four from the Sky Bet Championship, one from League One and one from League Two.

But who is Prutton tipping for glory? Read on to find out...

Wolves v Brighton - Good Friday 1630, Sky Sports 1

Wolves delivered an unexpected performance last time out as their five-game winning run came to an end at Bristol City.Brighton, meanwhile, are inching ever closer to promotion, and Newcastle's most-recent slip-up with give them even greater incentive to win.

PRUTTON PREDICTS: 0-2 (Sky Bet's odds: 11/1) 

Newcastle v Leeds - Good Friday 1915, Sky Sports 1

This is a tough call. Newcastle fans don't like me going against them yet when I backed them to draw against Sheffield Wednesday they lost! 

Leeds, meanwhile, came good at Preston after a couple of defeats. It's the business end of the season and for that reason I foresee a hard-fought draw at St James' Park.

PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-2 (Sky Bet's odds: 20/1) 

Portsmouth v Plymouth - League Two, Good Friday 1415, Sky Sports 1

I'm really looking forward to this game. Portsmouth are finally in a position where they look capable of getting out League Two, having spent far too long down there. 

I saw Plymouth against Doncaster, where they defended diligently and limited Rovers, while they also had another decent victory at Crawley. They will go to Fratton Park full of confidence and I don't see them buckling in front of the big crowd Pompey draw.

PRUTTON PREDICTS: 1-2 (Sky Bet's odds: 20/1)

Oldham v Bolton - League One, Saturday 1230

Oldham are a different proposition since John Sheridan returned. They're stuck down in 17th but they are very much on an upward trajectory. 

Despite their lofty position in League One, there is more than enough riding on this game for Bolton to keep their eyes focused on beating an Oldham side that have been very good.

PRUTTON PREDICTS: 0-1 (Sky Bet's odds: 5/1)

Aston Villa v Reading, Saturday 1500

You'd like to think we'd see a huge reaction from Reading following their annihilation at Norwich. However, faced with a Villa team who have been Jekyll and Hyde, you can't be too sure. Steve Bruce has made it clear that next season's target is promotion and nothing less, so finishing the season strongly will only help for the forthcoming campaign. I expect to see a response from Reading, but Villa will be a tough nut to crack.

PRUTTON PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet's odds: 8/1)

Fulham v Aston Villa, Easter Monday 1445, Sky Sports 1

Fulham have got the bit between their teeth and, given the quick turnaround Villa have, it's hard to see past the hosts on Easter Monday. Fulham, going head-to-head with Sheffield Wednesday for the fourth and final play-off spot, have been decent at Craven Cottage for most of this season and I fancy them against a Villa side who only have pride to play for.

PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-1

Derby v Huddersfield, Easter Monday 1700, Sky Sports 1

The Gary Rowett version of Derby is a very interesting proposition, they offer a bit more bite. Huddersfield were impressive against Norwich but that has proven to be one-off in what has otherwise been a poor run for the Terriers. This is one of the tougher fixtures of the Easter period and I cannot separate these two teams.

PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-2

Sheffield United v Bradford, League One, Easter Monday 1215, Sky Sports 1

Sheffield United have been wonderful, and what better way to round off their fine campaign than with victory in this Yorkshire derby. Having sealed promotion with victory at Northampton, their fans will be in good spirits at Bramall Lane.

Bradford, meanwhile, are still in the mix for the play-offs and victory could help their cause in terms of semi-final draws. But I see the Blades picking up another victory and, who knows, perhaps the title.

PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-0