Sky Bet EFL: Free Betting Tips & Odds
Nick Hext is going for a draw when Nottingham Forest host Leeds in the Sky Bet Championship this evening.
Saturday's TV game
Nottingham Forest tackle Leeds live on Sky Sports as this weekend's final EFL match. This clash between two of English football's traditional heavyweights should be one to watch and I've been surprised by the positive starts from both clubs. Forest, winners at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup in midweek, have won three out of four matches to start the Sky Bet Championship season. Mark Warburton's side claimed an impressive win over Middlesbrough last weekend and start as favourites to get the better of Leeds. I don't think it will be another victory for Forest but I can't quite summon up enough support for the visitors to the City Ground. The departure of striker Chris Wood from Elland Road is a blow but Leeds can keep the momentum going by picking up a point on their travels.
Best League Two bet
Morecambe to beat Cambridge United, Sky Bet League Two (Saturday 1500 BST)
Morecambe are a traditional value pick in Sky Bet League Two. The Shrimps are constantly underrated under the shrewd management of Jim Bentley and Saturday's trip to Cambridge is another occasion when they make plenty of appeal. Morecambe have won, lost and drawn in their three matches so far this season and they remain a test for any side at this level as proved when running promotion contenders Swindon close last time out. Cambridge have only beaten bottom-of-the-table Crawley this term just can't be trusted as odds-on favourites for three points. Morecambe have to be shown a little bit of support at 7/2 against the U's, who have also have the setback of star player Luke Berry missing out after his transfer request.
Pick of the weekend matches
Wigan Athletic to draw with Portsmouth, Sky Bet League One (Saturday 1500 BST)
The clash between Paul Cook's Wigan and his former club Portsmouth is making all the headlines in League One this weekend. Cook led Pompey to the League Two title last season but left during the summer to take charge of newly-related Athletic in the third tier. Wigan have a 100 per cent record so far to top the table but I think sturdy Pompey can hold the Latics as long as they learn the lessons from a 3-0 defeat at Oxford a couple of weeks ago. Portsmouth, now managed by Kenny Jackett, have the potential to get in the promotion race and they'll be right up to make a point against Cook and his new employers.
Wait for goals
Oxford lost 1-0 at Scunthorpe last weekend to end new boss Pep Clotet's perfect start to life in charge of the U's in League One. That defeat though was the third league game in a row that Oxford have been level at 0-0 at half-time. Clotet's side have been keeping it tight in the opening 45 minutes before going for it after the break, as was the case in defeat against the Iron as the contest went end-to-end. Shrewsbury are one of four sides in League One with a 100 per cent record and that means Clotet will have to give plenty of respect to the surprising speedy starters. Go for no goals in the first half at the Kassam Stadium.
Value in the Championship
Ipswich Town to beat Fulham, Sky Bet Championship (Saturday 1500 BST)
Ipswich's perfect start to the season has been one of the big surprises in the EFL so far. Fulham are Saturday's visitors to Portman Road and the Tractor Boys have to be worth a look at over 2/1 to get another three points. Fulham, beaten play-off semi-finalists last term, have only won once in six matches this season and can't be taken as such big favourites to win on the road against in-form opposition. I think the Cottagers will finish the campaign above Ipswich in the standings but Slavisia Jokanovic's men should be opposed on Saturday.
Friday's TV game
Friday night's live Sky Bet Championship offering from Sky Sports should be a cracker as Bristol City host Aston Villa at Ashton Gate. These two sides sit in mid-table after inconsistent starts to the season but goals haven't been a problem. Over 2.5 goals have been netted in five of the opening six games for both City and Villa. I'm really surprised that you can get odds-against for above the 2.5 goals line in this clash so that has to be worth an interest. I'd just about side with Villa as 2/1 outsiders if having to pick a winner but go for goals as the best way to make a profit.
Posted at 0700 BST on 25/08/17.
Recommended bets: Sky Bet EFL
2pts Morecambe to beat Cambridge at 7/2 - Shrimps are simply too big to get three points