Free football betting tips and odds: Sky Bet EFL preview
Nick Hext has tips for both of Sky Sports' live Sky Bet Championship matches on Saturday.
Saturday lunchtime's TV game
I'll stick with my winning tip from the last Cardiff match I wagered on when the Bluebirds host Sunderland in front of the Sky Sports cameras at lunchtime on Saturday. I went for the most goals to be scored in the second half of the clash against Preston and that tip came in when North End netted late for a 1-0 victory. This selection has been a winner in each of Cardiff's last five Sky Bet Championship outings and I think that run will continue against the struggling Black Cats. Neil Warnock's Bluebirds haven't scored in the first half of any of their previous eight matches so Sunderland can keep things close in the first half.
Saturday evening's TV game
The second of Saturday's two live Sky Bet Championship matches on Sky Sports sees FA Cup heroes Nottingham Forest host Aston Villa. Forest stormed to a 4-2 victory over Premier League heavyweights Arsenal last weekend and they've continued to make the news during the week with the appointment of Aitor Karanka as the club's new manager. The first test for the former Boro boss is a clash against promotion contenders Villa and I'm going for goals. Forest showed their attacking talent when dispatching the Gunners and Villa have scored in each of their previous five outings, including a thumping 5-0 victory at home to Bristol City last time out in the Sky Bet Championship. This is an obvious both teams to score selection.
Sky Bet League One selection
Plymouth to beat Doncaster, Sky Bet League One (Saturday, 1500 GMT)
I'm surprised to see in-form Plymouth all the way out at 9/2 to win at Doncaster on Saturday afternoon. Argyle have climbed up to mid-table on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run and they've claimed an impressive five victories during that stretch. Derek Adams' side now only sit behind Doncaster on goal difference in the Sky Bet League One standings and I just can't have Rovers as such big favourites. Darren Ferguson's men have been inconsistent in recent weeks, winning three of their previous seven games, and I reckon it's worth taking a chance on the impressive visitors at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Sky Bet League Two selection
Forest Green to beat Swindon, Sky Bet League Two (Saturday, 1500 GMT)
Forest Green have been busy boosting their squad at the start of the January transfer window as they look to pull away from the Sky Bet League Two relegation zone. Exeter striker Reuben Reid is the most eye-catching of the acquisitions so far and he made an immediate impact when scoring the only goal of the game in last weekend's victory at home to Port Vale. I reckon Rovers can build on that and they should be taken at a big price to surprise Swindon at the County Ground. Forest Green have won on the road at the Robins in the Checkatrade Trophy already this season and the Wiltshire side are struggling on their own turf with just one victory in their last six. Rovers can increase the problems for Swindon so take a chance again at decent odds.
Friday's TV game
What a start to life in charge of Sheffield Wednesday for new boss Jos Luhukay. The Dutchman, who has previously managed the likes of Borussia Monchengladbach, Hertha Berlin and Stuttgart in Germany, takes the Owls to Sheffield United for a fascinating derby on Friday night. The Blades are odds-on favourites to get the three points but I reckon Wednesday will be primed to keep it tight. Nine of the Owls' 15 matches on the road this season have produced under 2.5 goals and I like less than that mark as my best bet. Luhukay's arrival makes it hard to judge what kind of reaction there will be from Wednesday but they can certainly test United, who have fallen out of form with only two wins in their previous 10 matches.
Recommended bets
1.5pts Plymouth to beat Doncaster at 9/2
1.5pts Forest Green to beat Swindon at 21/5
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Posted at 1040 GMT on 11/01/17.
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