Steve Cotterill
Steve Cotterill

Free football betting tips and odds: Sky Bet EFL preview


Nick Hext is backing Birmingham to net first in Sunday's Second City derby against Aston Villa in the Sky Bet Championship.

Sunday's TV game

Birmingham to score first against Aston Villa (Sunday, 1200 BST, Sky Sports Football)

There's no doubt that the match of the weekend in the Sky Bet EFL takes place on Sunday as Birmingham host Aston Villa in the Second City derby. Villa are the favourites to get the three points but I want to back Blues to make a fast start with home advantage. Birmingham have scored first in all of their last three matches at St Andrew's and 13/10 is worth taking for Steve Cotterill's side to find the back of the net first against Villa. It will get tougher for Blues as the match goes on but there is certainly merit to finding a way to support the home side.

League One selection

Charlton to beat AFC Wimbledon, Sky Bet League One (Saturday, 1500 BST)

Charlton are primed for a promotion push this season and the Addicks once again make appeal to claim three points on their own turf. Karl Robinson's side host AFC Wimbledon at The Valley on Saturday afternoon and even money is inviting for the favourites to get the victory. Charlton have won four of their six home games this term and they are unbeaten in their previous six matches since the middle of September. AFC Wimbledon lost at home to bottom-of-the-table Plymouth last time out and I don't expect a trip to Charlton to get them back on track.

League Two selection

Accrington to beat Barnet, Sky Bet League Two (Saturday, 1500 BST)

Accrington make appeal at even money to consolidate their spot in the Sky Bet League Two promotion places with victory at home to Barnet. Stanley won 2-0 at Crewe last time out to climb up to third and they have more than enough quality to add to Barnet's current problems. The Bees are without win in their last 10 outings and a season of struggle looks highly probable. Accrington are worthy favourites for the three points and should be supported.

Saturday's TV game

Sebastian Larsson to score in Hull v Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 1730 BST, Sky Sports Football)

Hull host Nottingham Forest in Saturday evening's live offering from Sky Sports. The Tigers are favourites to get the win at just a touch of odds-against but I like midfielder Sebastian Larsson to net for the home side as my selection. The Sweden international has found his form for Hull during the last month after joining late in the pre-season preparations. Larsson netted in the 6-1 win over Birmingham just before the last international break and 11/2 is an inviting price for him to strike against Forest at the KCOM Stadium.

Friday's TV game

Under 2.5 goals in Leeds v Sheffield United, Sky Bet Championship (Friday, 1945 BST, Sky Sports Football)

There's a cracking Yorkshire derby at Elland Road on Friday night to get the latest round of Sky Bet EFL matches under way. The Sky Sports cameras will be in place for live coverage of Leeds' clash against Sheffield United but I'm not expecting too many goals. Four of Leeds' six home games in the Championship this season have contained fewer than 2.5 goals. Boss Thomas Christiansen will also want to keep things tight after conceding three goals on the road at Sheffield Wednesday, Cardiff and Leicester during the last four weeks. Sheffield United have been springing surprises throughout the start of this season and Chris Wilder will once again have the Blades right up for this contest.

Recommended bet

4pts Accrington to beat Barnet at 11/10

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Posted at 0715 BST on 27/10/17.

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