Garry Monk
Garry Monk

Free football betting tips and odds: Sky Bet EFL preview


Nick Hext is going for goals in the second half when Leeds host Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday's TV game

Three or more goals in the second half of Leeds v Middlesbrough (Sunday, 1315 GMT, Sky Sports Football)

Garry Monk returns to Elland Road on Sunday as his Middlesbrough side take on Leeds in front of the Sky Sports cameras. Hosts Leeds really need a win but this a tough task against a rapidly-improving Boro side that are starting to show their credentials. The best bet here is to go for goals in the second half. Three goals were scored after the break in Leeds' 3-1 defeat at Brentford last time out and I expect there to be a wait for action in this contest. There's 5/1 on offer for three or more goals in the second half and that makes appeal.

Friday's TV game

Preston to draw with Bolton, Sky Bet Championship (Friday, 1945 GMT, Sky Sports Football)

The Sky Bet Championship is back after the international break and Sky Sports have Preston's clash against Burnley for viewers to enjoy on Friday evening. The clash between 14th and 23rd in the division isn't perhaps the most appealing of the weekend but there is at plenty at stake for both clubs. Preston are keen to bounce back after suffering four defeats on the spin and Bolton need to boost their survival bid. I'm keen on the draw at Deepdale. Bolton are unbeaten in five matches and have drawn the two matches on the road in that run. Wanderers have done well to pull themselves up from a dreadful start to the season and they can keep that progress going in this derby clash.

Lions to roar

Millwall to beat Sunderland, Sky Bet Championship (Saturday, 1500 GMT)

Millwall are too big at over 2/1 to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The bottom-of-the-table Black Cats are without a win in 14 Sky Bet Championship matches since way back on August 13 and just can't be trusted at close to even-money favourites. Millwall will be pleased with their start since winning last season's League One play-off final but manager Neil Harris knows there is lots more work to do in order to secure survival. The Lions have been inconsistent in recent weeks but they are in much better shape than Sunderland and appealing at the prices available.

Support the Shrews

Shrewsbury to beat Rotherham, Sky Bet League One (Saturday, 1500 GMT)

It has been three weeks since Shrewsbury's previous Sky Bet League One game but they remain top of the table after FA Cup and Checkatrade Trophy action. The Shrews lost 1-0 at Peterborough last time out on October 28 and that remains their only defeat of the league season. Paul Hurst's men travel to Rotherham on Saturday and I'm surprised that they are pushing 3/1. The Millers are winless in their last four league outings and I want to be with the Shrews to continue to surprise at the head of the standings.

Shrewsbury's Alex Rodman celebrates
Shrewsbury's Alex Rodman celebrates

More profits?

Morecambe to beat Colchester, Sky Bet League Two (Saturday, 1500 GMT)

Morecambe look just too big at 4/1 to win at Colchester. The Shrimps are unbeaten in their last three outings and are more than capable of getting the better of the mid-table U's. Colchester have lost four of the last six matches on their own turf, including to non-league Oxford City in the FA Cup, and simply don't appeal as odds-on favourites. Morecambe remain underrated under Jim Bentley's management and this is another chance to spring a surprise.

Saturday's TV game

Derby to beat Fulham and both teams to score, Sky Bet Championship (Saturday, 1730 GMT, Sky Sports Football)

I'm expecting plenty of entertainment in Saturday evening's live Sky Bet Championship TV attraction when Fulham host Derby at Craven Cottage. Fulham are the clear favourites but I don't want anything to do with the inconsistent Cottagers. Slavisa Jokanovic's side are without a win in their last five matches and a repeat of last season's play-off finish is slipping away. Derby find themselves on the fringes of a play-off place and they have won both of their previous two on the road. The Rams failed to keep a clean sheet in either of those victories so I'm going to take an interest in the 5/1 for Gary Rowett's side to win and both teams to score.

Recommended bet

2pts Millwall to beat Sunderland at 121/50

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Posted at 0710 GMT on 17/11/17.

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