Sky Bet EFL: Free betting tips and odds
Nick Hext is going for the draw in Sunday's Steel City derby between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United.
Sunday's TV game
Sunday's Steel City derby between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United will make the most headlines in the Sky Bet EFL this weekend. Wednesday have home advantage at Hillsborough but I'm keen to take on the big favourites for three points. The Owls have won their last couple of home games but United have impressed this season to sit in the final play-off place ahead of this weekend's fixtures. The Blades have won at Bolton and Sunderland in their previous two away matches but I expect a draw in this derby encounter. There's 12/5 available for the Sheffield rivals to draw and that's well worth consideration between two evenly-matched sides.
Best weekend bet
Fleetwood to beat Southend, Sky Bet League One (Saturday, 1500 BST)
Fleetwood are on the fringes of the play-off places ahead of Saturday afternoon's clash at home to Southend. I picked out the Cod Army as my promotion fancy before the season started and I'm content with their performances so far. The home form from Uwe Rosler's side has been key to their campaign with three wins and one draw at Highbury picked up to date in Sky Bet League One. Southend are Saturday's opponents and the out-of-form Shrimpers are without a victory in nine matches since the opening day of the season. Fleetwood are offered at an appealing odds-against quote to get the three points and the Cod Army are my main weekend fancy.
Friday's TV game
Forest Green to beat Swindon, Sky Bet League Two (Friday, 1945 BST, Sky Sports Football)
Forest Green have not adjusted to life in Sky Bet League Two as I had hoped after their promotion out of the National League. Rovers sit just outside the relegation zone but I think Mark Cooper and his side will get things right to pull away from trouble. Swindon visit the New Lawn on Friday night for an intriguing local scrap in front of the Sky Sports cameras and I like the hosts at 2/1 for the win. The Robins have been hindered by inconsistency this season and I'm reluctant to trust them to pick up three points on the road. Forest Green have under-performed so far and I'm willing to take a chance on the Gloucestershire outfit getting the victory.
Saturday's TV game
Saturday evening's offering for Sky Sports viewers is the mid-table tussle in the Sky Bet Championship between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. Last weekend's 3-0 victory at Barnsley helped ease some of the pressure on Steve Bruce but the Villa boss will be keen for another win to further bolster his position. Forest have endured a slightly rough run of form, three defeats and one win, since opening the season in style. I still think they pose a decent challenge for Villa and I'm keen to go low on goals. The last two league matches at Villa Park have ended goalless and the midweek Carabao Cup clash with Middlesbrough ended in a 2-0 win to the visitors. Go with under 2.5 goals at around 5/6 for the interest in this contest.
Posted at 0715 BST on 22/09/17.
Recommended bet
3pts Fleetwood to beat Southend at 33/20
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