Free betting tips: Preview for the Sky Bet EFL fixtures on March 12
There's midweek action across the Sky Bet EFL and Tom Carnduff has picked out two goalscorer bets to back.
Recommended bets
1pt Said Benrahma to score anytime in Sheffield United v Brentford at 18/5
1pt Ollie Palmer to score anytime in Crawley v Mansfield at 2/1
For advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
Sheffield United v Brentford
The title race is getting exciting and Chris Wilder's Sheffield United are just four points off the top with ten games remaining.
The Blades have another home game in midweek, although it sees them come up against one of the division's form sides in Brentford.
Brentford can say that they've endured the most bizarre season in the Sky Bet EFL this season. They looked like serious title contenders at the start, then they became relegation candidates, and now they are in the play-off mix.
Thomas Frank came under criticism early into his spell as head coach but he has now turned things around given time. They'd be confident for a result here given recent showings, although they have struggled on the road.
That said, they did beat Middlesbrough at the Riverside last time out, with a goal that reflected their attacking style of play that can bring success. It's looking good for the Bees, and a statement victory over Sheffield United would again reaffirm their top-six credentials.
One player that has stood out since their upturn in fortunes is Said Benrahma. The winger is enjoying a wonderful spell in front of goal, which includes a hat-trick in their 5-1 hammering of Hull.
His goal at Middlesbrough made it five in his last four games. Benrahma has now had a direct involvement in 24 goals for Brentford in all competitions this season.
He's a player who is playing with confidence and it's clearly showing in his performances. For someone who was struggling to cement a first-team place at various points in the campaign, his recent efforts have reflected those of his team as well.
At a price of near 4/1, the value is certainly there is backing Benrahma to net another one on Tuesday. However, if you're looking for a bet on the outright result, it's worth adding Brentford/Draw on the double chance into your midweek accumulators.
Best bet: Said Benrahma to score anytime at 18/5
Opta facts
- Sheffield United are unbeaten in six home league meetings with Brentford (W2 D4 L0) since a 1-2 defeat in November 1982.
- Brentford are winless in four league matches against Sheffield United (W0 D2 L2) since a 3-1 win in August 2013.
- Sheffield United have won six consecutive home leagues games without conceding a goal. The last side to go on a longer such run in a single second tier season was Portsmouth in October 1985 (seven games).
- Brentford are looking to win consecutive away games in the Championship for the first time since April 2018.
- Sheffield United have kept five consecutive clean sheets in the league, their longest run without conceding in the second tier since December 2002 (also, five clean sheets).
- Said Benrahma has been directly involved in seven of Brentford’s last nine league goals in open play (five goals and two assists; excluding own goals).
Crawley v Mansfield
Don't ask why, but I was at Crawley v Grimsby on Saturday.
A promising first-half turned into a pretty tedious second. The Mariners were poor for the majority when it came to trying to grab a result, that was before the final five minutes.
What did stand out though was the performance of Crawley striker Ollie Palmer. He grabbed a brace in the first 45 minutes but was unable to complete the hat-trick.
The goals were obviously the high point, but the way he bullied the Grimsby defence ensured he could get into positions to strike. His all-round performance rightfully earned him the man of the match accolade.
He now has 15 goals for the season, an impressive return for the 27-year-old at this point in the campaign. Crawley now have very little to play for but will be looking to win as many as they can.
The performance against Grimsby ended a bit of a drought for the striker and it remains to be seen if that showing was the confidence booster that was maybe required.
Palmer scored in consecutive games on two occasions back in August but has failed to do it since then. However, Saturday afternoon's showing was one that showed he can be a top striker at this level, and a price of 2/1 looks good for another goal here.
Town played well last time out but the victory was aided massively by a poor showing from the away side. Mansfield will provide a tougher test, although they have now lost their last three games on the road.
Snapping that run here could see them move back into the automatic promotion spots, which should be all the incentive they need as they travel down south.
Best bet: Ollie Palmer to score anytime at 2/1
Opta facts
- Crawley have only won one of their seven games against Mansfield in the Football League (D2 L4), although that win did come in this exact fixture last season (2-0).
- Mansfield have scored in six of their seven Football League games against Crawley, scoring twice as many (12) as their opponents in this run (6).
- Crawley Town, 2-1 winners over Grimsby last time out, are aiming to win back-to-back league games for the first time since they won their opening two League Two matches in 2019.
- Mansfield are unbeaten in their last nine away league games on Tuesdays (W4 D5) since a 0-3 loss at Cheltenham in September 2017.
- Mansfield forward Tyler Walker has scored in both of his previous Football League appearances against Crawley Town (two goals), although both of these were in home games.
Cheltenham Festival
Something a bit different this week, but here's a look at some of Wednesday's action at the Cheltenham Festival.
Sky Sports Racing's Alex Hammond takes a look at the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle - the first race on Wednesday. Remember, Sky Bet are giving money back as cash - up to £20 - if your selection loses on the first race of each day during the Festival.
Over to Alex:
"Samcro was the hotpot in this last year and duly obliged. I’ve been keen on Brewin’upastorm for some time this season and I won’t change my mind, despite his final flight fall at Cheltenham last time out when looking like the winner. The horse I’m most worried about is Battleoverdoyen, who unlike Samcro, has managed to get here with very little hype despite a similar profile for the same connections. Maybe each-way for the former at the price."
Odds correct at 1420 GMT (11/03/19)