Follow our live football blog for instant score update, game stats and in play betting advice
Follow our live football blog for instant score update, game stats and in play betting advice

RECAP: Football In Play Betting Blog as we provide tips, updates stats and more for the FA Cup and Sky Bet EFL


Welcome to our live football in play blog as we bring you in play betting advice, instant scores, match updates, stats and match action photo and videos.


🔄 PLEASE REFRESH THIS PAGE FOR THE LATEST UPDATE

🔄 PLEASE REFRESH THIS PAGE FOR THE LATEST UPDATE


⌛️ Classifieds

(Live blog continues below)

FA Cup

AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Millwall

Brighton 2-1 Derby

Sky Bet Championship

Rotherham 2-2 Sheffield Wednesday

Aston Villa 0-2 West Brom

Bolton 0-4 Norwich

Ipswich 1-1 Stoke City

Preston 0-0 Nottingham Forest

Sheffield United 4-0 Reading

All full time scores here


1730 Goodnight

So this where we say goodbye, thank you as always for beginning with us today. We hope your team won and your bets came in and we could help with the latter.

Please join us again next Saturday as the Premier League returns, and do visit Sporting Life every day for the best football news, opinion, interviews and betting previews.


1726 EFL GOALS

A reminder that Sporting Life is the home of the EFL and we have highlights from each round of the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two.

That means every goal from every game is here on Sportinglife.com. You can also find the best goals, saves, funny moments and key talking points on our social media channels - @SportinglifeFC on twitter; and facebook.com/sportinglifeofficial - so please do follow and like us there.

So come back on Sunday to see every goal from every game today , plus our selections of the best goals from all three leagues.


1725 SUNDAY FA CUP TIPS

Our best bets for the latest FA Cup round
Our best bets for the latest FA Cup round

Bristol City v Wolves (1300 GMT - BT Sport 2)

Best Bet: Either side to win in extra time at 11/2

Another home draw for Bristol City who have been on a tremendous run having not lost since November as they've progressed in the FA Cup and up the Sky Bet Championship table.

Wolves are my idea of the perfect team outside the top six to make a big run at this competition, but they made heavy work of getting past Shrewsbury to get here.

Wolves need to up it a gear to take on what is as tough as it gets outside the Premier League, and this has the hallmark of a really good game of football to kick-off Sunday's slate of games. Neither side score too many goals but they're both pretty solid defensively and this one has the potential to go the distance.

Doncaster v Crystal Palace (1600 GMT - BBC One)

Best Bet: Crystal Palace to win and both teams to score at 9/4

Palace played particularly well when dumping Tottenham out in the last round and this one should be a relatively straightforward progressions despite Rovers being in fine form at home with 3-1 and 3-0 wins in their last two games.

Doncaster may be a league One side but they know where the goal is and at home they'll be spurred on to find the net, but for my money that'll come in a losing cause.

Roy Hodgson's men are taken to get through here in normal time.

Swansea v Brentford (1600 GMT - BBC Wales)

Best Bet: Swansea to beat Brentford at 7/5

An all-Championship affair between two evenly matched sides where home advantage could be the deciding factor - especially given Brentford have won just once away from home in the Sky Bet Championship all season, which is a record that demands your attention here.

Even in the last round they showed their road sickness when drawing at Barnet only to then win the replay comfortably back at home, so although there's a lot to like about them, you've got to side with Swansea in front of their home crowd.


1715 🎆 BETTING SUCCESS

We pride ourselves on being clear and transparent here at Sporting Life, so let's look at what we did today.

The Acca sadly didn't come in, but we did have success with:

Previews

  • Our EFL expert Tom Carnduff went for 30+ Fleetwood booking points in Fleetwood v Luton at 6/4

In Play

  • At 0-0 just before half time we went for over 1.5 goals at 6/4 in Lincoln v Stevenage, it finished 2-2.
  • Norwich's Pukki's brace was tipped by us in the first half at 13/8.
  • At 2-0 up we advised Norwich to score a third at 8/13.
  • At 1-0 up we went for Norwich's Buendia to get a goal at 4/1.
  • We started the day by calling Southend to get the sixth goal when 3-2 down to Portsmouth.

1706 📈 TABLE MOVERS

Let's start taking a look at how the league's have changed with today's results.

Sky Bet Championship

Big changes here, with Norwich City back to the top of the table, thanks to their big win and Leeds United not playing this weekend.

Sheffield United are second on 61 points, ahead of Leeds on goal difference but having played a game more.

WBA are four behind Leeds and the Blades by four points, but have played the same amount of games as Leeds and one less than Sheffield United.

A draw for Forest doesn't really help them, now four off the top six, but having played two more games than their rivals.

At the bottom, Rotherham missed the chance to get out of the drop zone by considering that 100th minute equaliser. Reading stay above them on GD. Ipswich are 9 from safety after their draw.

Sky Bet League One

Record breakers Luton Town now have 71 points, that is 11 ahead of third place Portsmouth, who have a game in hand. Barnsley remain second on 65 points.

AFC Wimbledon, Bradford, Shrewsbury, Oxford remain in the bottom four.

Sky Bet League Two

Lincoln and Mansfield will be kicking themselves today. The Imps conceded two late goals to draw with Stevenage to move to 62 points at the top, two clear of Bury, who won again.

Mansfield lost to bottom club Notts County, which has allowed MK Dons in fourth to close in to two points on them in third.

Despite their win at lunchtime, County are still at the foot of the EFL on 28 points, two away from Yeovil. Macclesfield are 23rd on 29 points.


1704 6⃣ SUPER 6 UPDATE

Have your Super 6 predictions come in?

  • AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Millwall
  • Aston Villa 0-2 West Brom
  • Bolton 0-4 Norwich City
  • Ipswich 1-1 Stoke
  • Preston 0-0 Nottingham Forest
  • Sheffield United 4-0 Reading

1701 ⚽️ SPORTING LIFE ACCA

Sadly no joy for the Sporting Life EFL ACCA this week. Sorry about that.

👎 Preston 0-0 Forest

👍 Coventry 3-0 Walsall

👎 Gillingham 1-0 Scunthorpe

👍 Grimsby 1-0 Cheltenham


1700 RECORD BREAKERS

Mick Harford: Luton's interim boss has enjoyed his return to Kenilworth Road
Mick Harford: Luton's interim boss has lead the club to a record breaking run

Congratulations to Luton Town!! The Sky Bet League Two leaders' 2-1 win at Fleetwood makes it six league wins in a row.

But more importantly it sets a new club record of 20 league games without defeat!


1657 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Lincoln 2-2 Stevenage

No one seems to want to pull away at the top of Sky Bet League One, as Lincoln concede late yet again to throw away a 2-0 lead. Chair with goals on 87 and 94 for the visitors.


1653 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Ipswich 1-1 Stoke

A late, late equaliser for the home side. They really needed to win this one to boost their survival chances, but this will now feel like a victory


1650 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Late goals in Sky Bet League Two

Lincoln 2-1 Stevenage

Carlisle 2-3 MK Dons


1648 📰 TEAM NEWS - Newport v Man City

Man City were beaten in the FA Cup fifth round by Sky Bet EFL opposition in Wigan this time last year, will it happen again here?

Newport’s Michael Flynn makes three changes from their defeat to MK Dons.

Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, is deadly serious about fighting on all fronts as he fields a strong side in South Wales. Seven changes in total but still a strong line-up with Ederson, Stones, Leroy Sane and David Silva among the starters.


1646 🔍 FA CUP TIP

Gone a bit quiet in these closing 10 minutes, so let's quickl look at the 5.30 game in the FA Cup as Newport host the Premier League champions Manchester City. Paul Higham has been looking at this and is going for:

Gabriel Jesus & Riyad Mahrez both to score at 15/8 and both start tonight!

Where do you start with a game where the Premier League champions are 1/500 to beat a League Two side where the only hope is that the City swagger is put off its stride by a less-than-perfect pitch - the pitch can be a great leveller but it would have to be something outrageous to narrow the gap between these two.

Whatever side Pep Guardiola puts out it'll still be a case of how many they'll get (they're odds-on to score four or more!). There's a chance City's players take time to adapt to the pitch and they may not end up filling their boots as they did against Burton, Burnley and Rotherham, but Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez have the pace and technical ability to score on any surface.


1640 DISALLOWED GOAL

Lolley has the ball in the back of the net for Nottingham Forest at Preston, but it is ruled out for a foul on the keeper in a goal mouth scramble, it sounds like a harsh decision on Forest - not for the first time this week!


1639 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Oxford 0-1 Peterborough

Carlisle 1-3 MK Dons

Port Vale 0-1 Morecambe


1636 🎆 BETTING SUCCESS

We have a winner: Success in our latest Sky Bet EFL tips
We have a winner: Success in our latest Sky Bet EFL tips

At 0-0 just before half time we went for over 1.5 goals at 6/4 in Lincoln v Stevenage - boom


1634 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Lincoln City 2-0 Stevenage

Lincoln are set to extend their lead at the top of Sky Bet League Two, after Mansfield's shock loss at Notts County earlier.

Coventry 3-0 Walsall

Walsall are sinking like a stone in Sky Bet League One. Might be worth looking at for their relegation odds


1633 ⚽️ SPORTING LIFE ACCA

it is still 2-2 in our Sporting Life EFL ACCA - we need some late magic now!

👎 Preston 0-0 Forest

👍 Coventry 2-0 Walsall

👎 Gillingham 1-0 Scunthorpe

👍 Grimsby 1-0 Cheltenham


1631 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

In Sky Bet League One Charlton have stepped it up against troubled Blackpool with a couple of second-half chances – you can back the hosts to score the game’s next goal at 6/4.


1630 📸 ACTION SHOT

Jay Rodriguez: Celebrations for West Brom players at Aston Villa
Jay Rodriguez: Celebrations for West Brom players at Aston Villa


1627 MISSED PENALTY

It doesn't really matter when you are 4-0 up, but Norwich have missed another penalty. This time it is McLean

This is an amazing fact - Norwich have missed six out of their last seven penalties, with six different takers.


1626 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Barnsley 2-0 Wycombe

Exeter 0-1 Bury


1625 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

Forest finished the first half strongly, but Preston have got back into it in the second half. They've had three shots on target and 3 off. Forest are 2 on target and 4 off.

Preston have just forced another good save and it is worth noting that the hosts have scored seven goals in the second half in their last six league matches. Preston to score the first goal is 11/8. No score is 5/4 now


1620 🎆 BETTING SUCCESS

We have a winner: Success in our latest Sky Bet EFL tips
We have a winner: Success in our latest Sky Bet EFL tips

Pukki's brace was tipped by us in the first half at 13/8, as it looked good with a Sky Bet boost.


1619 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Bolton 0-4 Norwich

Pukki has his second.


1618 📸 ACTION SHOT

Emi Buendia celebrates his goal for Norwich at Bolton
Emi Buendia celebrates his goal for Norwich at Bolton


1616 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

Sheffield United to score next is 11/10, which would make it 5-0. It to finish 5-0 is currently 3/1 with Sky Bet.

Madine to complete his hat trick is 5/1


1612 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Lincoln 1-0 Stevenage

We tipped over 1/5 goals at 6/4 at half time, one more for that to come in!

Fleetwood 0-2 Luton

A club record unbeaten league run is going to be secured here


1610 🎆 BETTING SUCCESS

We have a winner: Success in our latest Sky Bet EFL tips
We have a winner: Success in our latest Sky Bet EFL tips

Great news for our EFL expert Tom Carnduff, and hopefully you too if you backed it - in his EFL preview he went for 30+ Fleetwood booking points in Fleetwood v Luton at 6/4

That's come in already with Wallace, Sowerby, Burns and Holt all going in the book. There's been six yellows in the game already!


1608 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Sheffield United 4-0 Reading

Fleck scores after 4 minutes of the second period.


1605 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

We discussed before kick off of going for over 3.5 goals in the Villa v WBA game at 74. You you didn't go for that then, but now do fancy more action in the second half. Well you can now back over 3.5 total goals at a Price Boosted 11/10.

To add to this, Villa keeper Kalinic is off injured and Steer is on.

Back it here


1600 GROUP BETS

Check out our Group Bets for the weekend's football
Check out our Group Bets for the weekend's football

If you haven't already, take a look at Sky Bet’s new Group Bet’s feature, where you and your mates can form a group and each put your normal bets on. Then you can chose if you also take on your mates’ bets too, or just stick with your own.

Every week both the Sporting Life team and the Soccer Saturday Pundits form their own groups, which you can join in on too!

Get full details here


1558 🚨 SKY BET PRICE BOOST

Sky Bet have Price Boosted Preston to beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at 9/1...

Click here for more in-play odds


1556 ⚽️ SPORTING LIFE ACCA

A mixed bag at half time for the Sporting Life EFL ACCA - isn't it always?!

👎 Preston 0-0 Forest

👍 Coventry 2-0 Walsall

👎 Gillingham 1-0 Scunthorpe

👍 Grimsby 1-0 Cheltenham


1554 6⃣ SUPER 6 UPDATE

How are your prediction for Super 6 looking at the interval?

  • AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Millwall
  • Aston Villa 0-2 West Brom
  • Bolton 0-3 Norwich City
  • Ipswich 0-1 Stoke
  • Preston 0-0 Nottingham Forest
  • Sheffield United 3-0 Reading

1551 ⏳ HALF TIME

FA Cup

AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Millwall

Sky Bet Championship

Aston Villa 0-2 WBA

Bolton 0-3 Norwich

Ipswich 0-1 Stoke

Preston 0-0 Forest

Sheffield United 3-0 Reading

Full half time scores here


1547 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

In Sky Bet League Two there is a really open game between Lincoln and Stevenage. The league leaders have had 3 shots on target, none off. The visitors are 1 on target and 5 off target.

Lincoln are 1/1 to score the opener, Stevenage 5/2. What might be best here is over 1.5 goals at 6/4


1546 ⚽️ SPORTING LIFE ACCA

Grimsby 1-0 Cheltenham

That means we have two of our four legs of our ACCA winning currently.


1545 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Aston Villa 0-2 WBA

In a blink of an eye the Baggies double their lead. Rodriguez becomes the club's top scorer with his 17th of the campaign.


1543 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Aston Villa 0-1 WBA

Kanu header from the right of the box into the bottom corner from a Holgate cross

Sheffield United 3-0 Reading

Madine has his second of the game and his second for Sheffield United in his short time at the club. These are his first goals in 24 games.

Ipswich 0-1 Stoke

McClean's left footbed strike from close range opens the scoring here.


1543 📸 ACTION SHOT

FA Cup celebrations for Millwall's Murray Wallace at AFC Wimbledon
FA Cup celebrations for Millwall's Murray Wallace at AFC Wimbledon


1540 🎆 BETTING SUCCESS

We have a winner: Success in our latest Sky Bet EFL tips
We have a winner: Success in our latest Sky Bet EFL tips

DOUBLE SUCCESS in fact thanks to that Norwich goal, we advised both Norwich to score a third at 8/13 and Buendia to get a goal today at 4/1.

We hope you took them on!


1538 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Bolton 0-3 Norwich City

Buendia scores on 34 minutes and this game is OVER and Norwich are top of the Sky Bet Championship

Coventry 2-0 Walsall

Hiwula doubles the lead for the home side to strength this leg of the Sporting Life ACCA


1535 ⚽️ SPORTING LIFE ACCA

We are on the board and rolling with the ACCA...

Coventry 1-0 Walsall

But then...

Gillingham 1-0 Scunthorpe

The ACCA gives with one hand and takes away with the other


1533 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

Norwich are already 2-0 at Bolton ad should have just scored a third. They've had six shots in total, four on target. So backing the hosts to score the game’s next goal at 8/13 is well worth considering

Place your bets here


1530 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Bolton 0-2 Norwich

Stiepermann puts the visitors 2-0 up.

Oldham 1-0 Crewe

Oldham's revivial under Paul Scholes is continuing


1527 CHAMPIONSHIP PODCAST

Our latest Sky Bet EFL Championship Podcast is available to listen to on iTunes and Soundcloud
Our latest Sky Bet EFL Championship Podcast is available to listen to on iTunes and Soundcloud

Every fortnight we bring you our Sky Bet Championship Podcast as former pro Noel Whelan joins us to discuss all the key results and news, plus we have some fun too. Download, subscribe and listen for free here.

We'd love you to join us, so please take a listen to our latest episode here


1525 BETTING ADVICE

Goals are expected at Villa Park this afternoon, but it’s still 0-0 so far between Aston Villa and West Brom.

Tammy Abraham has already had a shot on target and you can back the loanee to add to his tally by opening the scoring at 9/2. Back it here


1522 FAMOUS FACE IN NATIONAL LEAGUE

Since the class of 92 took over at Salford the club and National League are use to seeing famous footballing faces, but surely this is the biggest now - DAVID BECKHAM!

He is at the club after joining in the ownership with his mates Butt, Scholes and the Neville brothers


1520 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

With Norwich leading at Bolton 1-0, Teemu Pukki to score a brace is now 13/8 with Sky Bet.

I'd also look at Buendía to get a goal this afternoon at 4/1


1516 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Sheffield United 2-0 Reading

Gary Madine has his first goal for Sheffield United in his sixth game for his new club.

Barnsley 1-0 Wycobme

And good news for another promotion chasing South Yorkshire club, as Sporting Life's good friend - well we interviewed him once, that counts - scores a penalty.


1515 ⚽️ SPORTING LIFE ACCA

A reminder of the teams we are supporting today in order to get us a result with the ACCA at 22/1.

  • Preston to beat Nottingham Forest
  • Coventry to beat Walsall
  • Scunthorpe to beat Gillingham
  • Grimsby to beat Cheltenham

All 0-0 so far


1510 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Bolton 0-1 Norwich

Guess who? Teemu Pukki of course, a win will put Norwich top again with Leeds not playing.


1510 EARLY CHANCES

Aston Villa through Abraham and WBA through Holgate both have early chances that should have been converted.

Meanwhile Preston's Jordan Storey puts a header wide when he should have been celebrating the opener against Forest


1508 🌩 GOAL FLASH

AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Millwall

Murray Wallace puts the away side up early in this FA Cup tie.


1504 ⌛️ FULL TIME

Rotherham United 2-2 Sheffield Wednesday

Iorfa's leveller and Forestieri's red card are the last actions of the game, which means Steve Bruce remains unbeaten as Wednesday boss. Rotherham move to 29 points, but remain in the relegation zone, how big could that moment be come the end of the season in determining who goes down?


1503 🔴 RED CARD

Sheffield Wednesday's Forestieri gets a second yellow card for celebrating that equaliser too much and is off. This is what derby games are all about!!


1502 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Rotherham 2-2 Sheffield Wednesday

Oh football is so cruel. Rotherham just cannot defend and are made to pay yet again this season. Wednesday's equaliser comes from Iorfa in the 10th minute of injury time, when only 8 went up on the board.


1501 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Sheffield United 1-0 Reading

Surely this is some kind of record, as Freeman gives Chris Wilder's side an incredibly early lead.


1500 🕒 KICK OFF

So we've already had one winner come in today, let's go get some more over the next few hours.

We will keep you up to date with all the key goals, match action and stats. We will monitor all the main games to provide in play betting advice too.


1458 ⌛️FULL TIME

Notts County 1-0 Mansfield

What a result for the EFL's bottom club. They are now only at the foot of Sky Bet League Two on goal difference from Macclesfield, now on the same amount of games. However Sol Campbell's side host Colchester at 3pm.


1455 📊 STAT TIME – Wimbledon v Millwall

In the day’s only FA Cup 3pm kick off, AFC Wimbledon compete in the fifth round for the first time in their history, while Millwall are vying for a third quarter final appearance in seven years.

  • AFC Wimbledon have won all four of their FA Cup ties this season without needing a replay.
  • AFC Wimbledon have already eliminated two London sides - Isthmian Premier Division Haringey Borough in round one and Premier League West Ham in round four.
  • Millwall's last three victories in the FA Cup have come despite conceding the first goal.
  • They have not scored in three games in all competitions since beating Everton in the fourth round.

1453 6⃣ SUPER 6

Last call for your Super 6 entries and your chance to win £250,000. Today's games are:

  • AFC Wimbledon v Millwall
  • Aston Villa v West Brom
  • Bolton v Norwich City
  • Ipswich v Stoke
  • Preston v Nottingham Forest
  • Sheffield United v Reading

ENTER FOR FREE HERE


1451 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE – Sheffield Utd v Reading

This would be a real shock if Reading won this one and that's reflected in Sheffield United being 8/15 to win, but shocks have been a key component of the Sky Bet Championship this season.

Seventeen of Sheffield United's last 20 league goals have been scored by Billy Sharp (11) or David McGoldrick (6), while Sharp has been involved in six goals in his last six appearances against Reading.

So Sharp to score first is 3/1 (however he is on the bench today) and anytime 1/1. McGoldrick is 7/2 to bag the opener and 13/10 to grab one anytime


1449 SATURDAY BEST BETS

Listen to our latest Weekend Best Bets Podcast for the Sporting Life team's tips and insight
Listen to our latest Weekend Best Bets Podcast for the Sporting Life team's tips and insight

Every week we compile our selected best tips from the whole Sporting Life team from a range of sports. This week we have recing, football, rugby union and rugby league covered.

You can get them in our Saturday Best Bets Article here.

Or listen to our selections and reasoning on our Best Bets Podcast, which is out every Friday. Click here to listen - You can subscribe and listen every week totally for FREE via iTunes


1445 🔍 EFL TIP

Our last preview selection from Tom Carnduff in the Sky Bet EFL today, and we go into League One for this one.

30+ Fleetwood booking points in Fleetwood v Luton at 6/4

Given Peter Bankes appointment as referee, the value is looking at booking points and more specifically, cards for the home side.

Fleetwood are up against Charlton for top spot when it comes to cards received in League One this season. Town have seen 67 yellows and six reds in their 32 games so far.

They've also seen booking points in games against teams at the top. They were shown a total of 45 points against Portsmouth alongside 30 in their last meeting with Luton.

Bankes has shown at least four cards on 18 separate occasions this season, and a game involving Fleetwood should see that tally rise to 19 on Saturday.


1442 🎥 VIDEO GOAL HIGHLIGHTS

Derby may be out of the FA Cup, but they still helped to create some history today. Ashley Cole's late consolation goal was his first ever in the FA Cup, in his 49th game.

It is also his first goal in English football since September 22, 2012, when we scored the winner in a 1-0 victory for Chelsea at home to Stoke in the Premier League


1440 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE – Preston v Forest

Preston have lost just one of their last 13 home league matches against Nottingham Forest and that came in September 2010, in a 2-1 loss. Forest have picked up just five wins from their past 35 away matches in all competitions, losing 16.

Preston to win at 21/201 looks good, but Preston to win and BTTS at 7/2 looks even better


1437 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Rotherham United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday

The Millers take the lead after really stepping it up in the last 10 minutes. Towell scores. Is Steve Bruce heading for this first defeat at the Owl's boss?


1435 ️⚽️ GOAS OF THE MONTH WINNERS

The winners of the January goal of the Month for the Sky Bet EFL were revealed this week, all voted for by fans in a public vote.

We've already shown you the Championship winner. Here are the League One and League Two winners - enjoy

(video no longer available)

(video no longer available)


1433 📊 STAT TIME – Sheffield Utd v Reading

Reading got an impressive and much needed win in midweek to move out of the bottom three, Sheffield United responded from throwing away a 3-0 lead at Villa by beating Middlesbrough.

  • Reading are looking to win consecutive Championship games for the first time since December 2017 - this is their 59th league match since then.
  • Seventeen of Sheffield United's last 20 league goals have been scored by Billy Sharp (11) or David McGoldrick (6) - the other three have been scored by Mark Duffy, Leon Clarke and Richard Stearman.

1432 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE – Villa v WBA

Something might have to give here. Under Darren Moore Albion have won all 10 away games when they’ve gone ahead. However Villa have fallen behind in seven of the 10 home games Dean Smith has been in charge of – but only lost once.

What might be more accurate is that six of the last 10 league games have ended in a draw, so a draw and BTTS looks good at 3/1

Neither of these sides can defend, so I’d recommend over 3.5 goals at 7/4


1430 📰 TEAM NEWS - AFC Wimbledon v Millwall


1429 🚨 SOCCER SATURDAY PRICE BOOSTS

Sky Bet have boasted the following:

Norwich Sheffield United and Barnsley all to win to 9/2

Norwich and Sheffield United to win and Barnsley to draw with Wycombe to 12/1

Check the full markets here


1425 ⌛️FULL TIME

FA Cup

Brighton 2-1 Derby

Derby were poor in this one and only threaten in the final 10 minutes. Brighton should have won by more and made hard work of it in the end, but they are through.

Sky Bet League One

Southend 3-3 Portsmouth

A Simon Cox hat trick has saved Southend here. Portsmouth lead 3-0 with goals on 8, 20 and 31 minutes. Cox struck on 36, 78 and 87!

Point doesn't really help either side as both on long non winning runs now.


1423 🎥 VIDEO GOAL HIGHLIGHTS

Southend, losing 3-1 at half time, have pulled it back to 3-3 at home to Portsmouth


1422 📰 TEAM NEWS - Bolton v Norwich

Norwich, looking to respond from their midweek defeat bring McLean for his first league start since August. He replaces the injured Tetty.


1421 📰 TEAM NEWS - Sheff United v Reading

The Blades beat promotion rivals Middlesbrough in midweek and Chris Wilder has opted to rotate his side, making four changes. Scott Hogan comes in to make his debut after joining on loan from Aston Villa in January, Kieron Freeman, Marvin Johnson and Gary Madine also come into the side.

The Royals will be full of confidence after beating Blackburn in midweek and Jose Gomes has opted to make three changes with Yakou Meite, Lewis Baker and Mo Barrow replacing Tyler Blackett, Sone Aluko and John Swift.


1420 🎆 BETTING SUCCESS

We have a winner: Success in our latest Sky Bet EFL tips
We have a winner: Success in our latest Sky Bet EFL tips

Our first of the day - calling Southend to get the sixth goal of the day in their match with Portsmouth


1418 📰 TEAM NEWS - Preston v Forest

Preston unchanged after their midweek win over promotion-chasing Norwich. Two changes for Martin O’Neill as Tendayi Darikwa and Daryl Murphy come into the side at the expense of Saidy Janko and Ben Watson.


1416 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Southend 3-3 Portsmouth

Cox completed his hat trick as Southend come from 3-0 down to 3-3. We told you Portsmouth were looking nervous and they've paid the price for that. We hope you backed Southend to score the sixth goal at 9/2


1413 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Brighton 2-1 Derby

Would you believe who has scored for Derby It is only former England full back Ashley Cole. It is his first ever FA Cup goal, coming in his 49th cup game. Even more surprising he scored with his head.

It is also his first goal in English football since 2012. Can you remember who he scored against then? Answer shortly


1412 📰 TEAM NEWS - Ipswich v Stoke

Paul Lambert makes one change from Ipswich’s midweek draw with Derby as Jon Nolan comes into the side, while Nathan Jones also makes one change for Stoke as James McClean replaces Benik Afobe in attack


1407 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE

So that goal has really changed the mood around Roots Hall. Remember Portsmouth haven't won in the last three in the league, and that is showing as they look nervous now.

Southend have had seven shots on target and five off it as they push for the leveller. Southend to score the sixth goal of the game is now 9/2 with Sky Bet, and we recommend that. The draw is 11/2. There are 8 minutes plus injury time left.


1406 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Southend 2-3 Portsmouth

The comeback is well and truly on now, as Cox scores his second, this time from the penalty spot. Can Portsmouth hold on?


1404 📰 TEAM NEWS - Villa v WBA

Two changes for the home side, as Green and Elmohamady return

For WBA, Darren Moore makes three changes to the side that got a lucky draw with Forest in midweek. Barry, Kanu and Hegazi come in


1400 EFL GOALS

A reminder that Sporting Life is the home of the EFL and every week we have highlights from the Sky Bet Championship, League one and League Two.

That means every goal from every game is here on Sportinglife.com. You can also find the best goals, saves, funny moments and key talking points on our social media channels - @sportinglifeFC on twitter; and facebook.com/sportinglifeofficial - so please do follow and like us here.

That includes Goal of the Month, and the awards have been handed out for January this week.

This was the Sky Bet Championship winner from Ipswich's Mr Sears...

(video no longer available)


1355 📰 TEAM NEWS

Team news will be in soon for today's featured 3pm games, we will bring you them all for the Sky Bet Championship and the 3pm FA Cup game. Then we will analyse it all to start creating some in play tips. So standby.


1352 🔍 EFL TIP

Paul Lambert: The 49-year-old has been tasked with turning things around at Ipswich
Paul Lambert's Ipswich have had a slight up turn in performances recently

Tom Carnduff, our EFL man, has picked out:

Ipswich look a certainty for relegation, but it has to be said that performances have improved under Paul Lambert's leadership highlighted by their draw with Derby.

Stoke have won just two of their 16 games on the road this season, and while Ipswich's home form isn't much better, they have picked up points in three in their last five in front of their own supporters. Ipswich have everything to fight for, knowing they have to start winning now for any chance to stay up, while Stoke seem to have very little motivation and performances reflect this.


1349 📊 STAT TIME – Preston v Forest

Martin O'Neill is the new Nottingham Forest manager
Martin O'Neill knows he must improve Forest's away form to make the play offs

This is so intriguing. Forest have improved under Martin O’Neill, but still lack consistent enough. Preston are the form team of the Sky Bet Championship, having earned 14 points from their last six games, having not lost in any of those.

Forest are five off the play-offs, but Preston are just three points further back.

  • Nottingham Forest have not lost three consecutive league matches against Preston since a run of five between 1894 and 1896.
  • Preston have won 14 Championship points during 2019 (W4 D2 L1) - only Bristol City (18) have won more.
  • Nottingham Forest manager Martin O'Neill has not faced Preston North End since the 1993-94 fourth tier play-off final, when his Wycombe Wanderers team won 4-2 at Wembley.


1347 GROUP BETS

Find out what our team of four are backing this weekend
Find out what our team of four are backing this weekend

Take a look at Sky Bet’s new Group Bet’s feature, where you and your mates can form a group and each put your normal bets on. Then you can chose if you also take on your mates’ bets too, or just stick with your own.

Get full details here

Check out the Sporting Life team’s Group Bets for this weekend here.

And here’s the Sky Sport Soccer Saturday lads’ choices.


1346 ⚽️ SPORTING LIFE ACCA

It’s been two weeks since our EFL ACCA last came in, so let’s get it nailed today.

Preston, Coventry, Scunthorpe and Grimsby all to win at 22/1

(video no longer available)
  • Preston (to beat Nottingham Forest) are one of the Sky Bet Championship's form sides with four wins in their last five, that includes victory over title hopefuls Norwich last time out.
  • Coventry (to beat Walsall) have been decent in front of their own supporters in recent weeks with just one loss in their last five at the Ricoh Arena. Walsall have seen seven of their last eight games in all competitions end in defeat.
  • Scunthorpe (to beat Gillingham) are another side who were boosted by a strong transfer window. Scunthorpe have won six of their last eight, with one draw alongside that.
  • Grimsby (to beat Cheltenham) have hit form in recent weeks with three consecutive wins. Their last two have also seen them score three goals in each and seven of their last ten at home have been victories.

1344 🎥 VIDEO GOAL HIGHLIGHTS

There were four goals in the first half at Roots Hall, where Portsmouth lead 3-1. Here a few of them


1342 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Rotherham 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday

But the Millers reply immediately! Taylor smashes home. Goals here on 35 and 37 minutes.


1340 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Rotherham 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday

Adam Reach hits the post for Wednesday and then a minute later Forestieri, recalled under new boss Bruce, fires home from eight yards.


1337 📊 STAT TIME – Villa v WBA

Let's start taking a look at some of the 3pm games in the Sky Bet Championship and we begin with a huge game in deciding both who makes the play offs and who goes up automatically.

After drawing in midweek with Forest, WBA need to win this game in hand on leaders Leeds United to keep up the charge on the top two.

For Villa – seven points off the top six, most of whom have a game in hand on them.

A draw is no good for either side

  • Aston Villa host West Bromwich Albion for the first time since their Premier League relegation season in September 2015, when then boss Tim Sherwood's side lost 1-0 to a goal from Saido Berahino.
  • Albion are looking to keep four consecutive away clean sheets in all competitions for the first time since a run of five in April 2002, when Baggies boss Darren Moore was a regular.
  • Villa boss Dean Smith has lost just one of his last 22 home Championship matches played on a Saturday - a 1-0 defeat by Norwich City, with Brentford, in January 2018.

1333 At the New York, New York Stadium

It was been a tight game so far, but Rotherham should be leading.

Forde pounces on a error in midfield to seal the ball and race in on goal, but Wednesday keeper Westwood makes the one on one save. Then a square ball finds Smith in the box, but despite having space and time, he puts it wide.

The Millers' lack of goals is haunting and hurting the again.


1330⏳ HALF TIME

FA CUP

Brighton 2-0 Derby

Sky Bet League One

Southend 1-3 Portsmouth


1329 🎥 VIDEO GOAL HIGHLIGHTS


1326 🔍 FA CUP TIP - Wimbledon v Millwall

Paul Higham has been previewing the FA Cup games this weekend and in the one 3pm kick off today he is going for a best bet of:

Wimbledon were excellent at home against West Ham in their shock but fully deserved victory while Millwall caused an upset of their own as they sent Everton packing, but both have struggled since with just one Wimbledon goal and victory between them in three matches each.

That makes picking this game tricky to say the least, as their FA Cup runs doesn't seem to have had any decent affect on the teams at all. The Lions may be away but they do have that extra quality that comes from playing in the league above, so should have enough but it looks like being a close call.


1324 6⃣ SUPER 6

Last Saturday we saw Jeff Stelling have to hand over another £250,000 to one lucky winner. Can you do it this week?

You need to get the full time scores of these games right to do just that.

  • AFC Wimbledon v Millwall
  • Aston Villa v West Brom
  • Bolton v Norwich City
  • Ipswich v Stoke
  • Preston v Nottingham Forest
  • Sheffield United v Reading

ENTER FOR FREE HERE


1320 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Brighton 2-0 Derby

Locadia gets his 3rd goal in 35 games for Brighton deep into injury time

Notts County 1-0 Mansfield

Well, who saw this coming, the Sky Bet League Two's bottom club lead the side second in the table. It's deserved too, as the home side have flown out the blocks and Mackail-Smith gets his first goal for the club.


1319 🎥 VIDEO GOAL HIGHLIGHTS


1317 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Brighton 1-0 Derby

The Premier league side take the lead in this FA Cup tie thanks to Knockaert. The Former Leicester man will have enjoyed that one.

Southend 1-3 Portsmouth

Southend have a little life line in this one


1310 🚨 SKY BET SOCCER SATURDAY PRICE BOOSTS

Sky Bet have boasted the following:

Norwich Sheffield United and Barnsley all to win to 9/2

Norwich and Sheffield United to win and Barnsley to draw with Wycombe to 12/1

Check the full markets here


1305 🕐 EARLY KICK OFFS

So just kicking off are Rotherham United at home to Sheffield Wednesday in a good old-fashioned South Yorkshire derby in the Sky Bet Championship.

And this game is one of our EFL Expert Tom Carnduff’s focuses for value in the EFL this weekend:

Will Vaulks to score anytime in Rotherham v Sheffield Wednesday at 6/1

Vaulks had a direct impact in Rotherham's goal against Wigan last Saturday, earning what could prove to be vital as May approaches.

The Millers are a side who are strong when it comes to set-pieces in their favour and they'll be particularly looking to utilise that in the remainder of their home games. While it will provide Vaulks the opportunity to get the ball into the box, there will also be chances for a direct strike on goal. He is a player with the ability to find the net with chances such as that.

Not only are set-pieces crucial, but his impact from open play is noticeable. Despite often lining up in a more defensive role of midfield, he does have the freedom to play in advanced positions when possible.


1302 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Southend 0-3 Portsmouth

Just 30 minutes gone in this one and Portsmouth already have it sealed by the looks of it. This would be their first win in six; while it would extended Southend's run without a victory to five, having lost four of those.


1300 🏆 FA CUP & SKY BET EFL

There is no Premier League action today – boo!

However there are loads of FA Cup and Sky Bet EFL games – Yippee!

So we will focus on those this afternoon. In the Cup we have Brighton against Derby; AFC Wimbledon at home to Millwall and Newport County against Manchester City, although that is a 5.30 kick off.

Some really big games across the EFL.

Two derbies in the Sky Bet Championship. At Villa Park Aston Villa host West Brom. With no game for Leeds Unitws this afternoon, this is WBA’s game in hand on the leaders and so they need to win to close the gap on them and Norwich in second and have any chance of going up automatically.

For Villa, they are seven points off the play offs, so can’t afford to lose any more ground.

Just kicking off is Rotherham United at home to Sheffield Wednesday. The Millers are now in the relegation zone, so need the points desperately, while Wednesday are defending new boss Steve Bruce’s unbeaten start.

Preston and Nottingham Forest is also huge, with both still in with the chance to make the top six.

In League One, leaders Luton are at Fleetwood, while second place Barnsley host Wycombe, with Sunderland playing in the Cup last night, then both have the chance to move further away from their rivals.

In Sky Bet League Two bottom club Notts County are just kicking off against second place Mansfield, leaders Lincoln City host Stevenage.


1255 GOOD AFTERNOON

Welcome one and all to Match Companion – Sporting Life’s Live football in play betting blog.

It’s Gareth Jones and George Pitts with you this afternoon as we work together to bring you instant score and stat updates and provided you with all the key information and advice to help your in-play betting.

Tom Carnduff had a good day with this in-play advice last Saturday, so the challenge is on today for us to outdo him – bring it on!


🔄 PLEASE REFRESH THIS PAGE FOR THE LATEST UPDATE 🔄


Odds correct at time of posting

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