Free football betting tips and odds: Sky Bet EFL preview including Aston Villa and Wolves
Nick Hext goes for the draw in Saturday evening's big Sky Bet Championship clash between Aston Villa and Wolves.
Saturday evening's TV game
Aston Villa to draw with Wolves, Sky Bet Championship (Saturday, 1730 GMT, Sky Sports Main Event)
Saturday's big match in the Sky Bet EFL sees Championship leaders Wolves with home advantage against third-placed Aston Villa in an evening kick-off at Molineux. The Sky Sports cameras will understandably be in place for the game and I can't split the two promotion contenders. Wolves have a 10-point advantage over Villa in the standings but Nuno's men had been stuttering until a simple win at lacklustre Leeds on Wednesday night. Cardiff and Villa, who are out to claim their third victory in a row, had closed the gap to Wolves until that three-point haul at Elland Road and this will be nowhere near as simple a task for the table-toppers. The realistic focus for Steve Bruce's side is to overtake second-placed Cardiff and a draw against the best team in the division is nothing to worry about as they go about that task.
Saturday afternoon's Sky Bet Championship selection
Ipswich to beat Sheffield United, Sky Bet Championship (Saturday, 1500 GMT)
Ipswich are too big as 23/10 outsiders to make it three wins in a row when they host Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon. The Tractor Boys have claimed impressive back-to-back victories on the road at Preston and Sheffield Wednesday as Mick McCarthy continues to keep the club's play-off dreams just about alive. Sheffield United suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Fulham in midweek and they have lost three of their last four matches on the road. Chris Wilder's side should still finish the season above Ipswich in the standings but I don't want them as favourites at Portman Road this weekend.
Saturday afternoon's Sky Bet League One selection
Gillingham to beat Portsmouth, Sky Bet League One (Saturday, 1500 GMT)
Gillingham appeal to me as big outsiders at 15/4 for victory at Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon. Steve Lovell has done a fantastic job in charge of the Gills to pull them away from trouble and it won't take much more this season to make sure of guaranteed safety. Gillingham have been inconsistent since 2018 started but they've won at Charlton, Scunthorpe and Northampton in their last five away games so a trip to Fratton Park shouldn't be feared. Portsmouth are without a win in their previous six matches on their own turf so can't be trusted as heavy odds-on favourites. Gillingham have to be worth some support at the prices available.
Saturday afternoon's Sky Bet League Two selection
Exeter to beat Carlisle, Sky Bet League Two (Saturday, 1500 GMT)
Exeter secured progress to the Sky Bet League Two play-off final the last time they hosted Carlisle at St James Park. There isn't as much on the line on Saturday but the sixth-placed Grecians could still do with three points to boost this season's promotion aspirations. Carlisle still have their own hopes of a top-seven finish but I like Exeter at 6/4 for the win this time out. The Grecians are out to claim their third win in a row and home advantage gives appeal against a Carlisle side that I think are ready to be stopped after four victories on the spin against teams from the bottom eight in League Two.
Recommended bet
2pts Gillingham to beat Portsmouth at 15/4
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Posted at 2330 GMT on 07/03/17.
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