Sky Bet EFL: Match previews and best bets for fixtures on Saturday November 9
We're limited to action in the Sky Bet Championship this weekend due to the FA Cup but Tom Carnduff still finds value in his best bets.
Recommended bets
2pts Over 12.5 corners in Leeds v Blackburn at 23/10
2pts Over 3.5 goals in Hull v West Brom at 31/20
For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
Leeds v Blackburn
We had success backing corners at Elland Road last weekend and I'm more than satisfied to explore a similar avenue with Leeds enjoying another home fixture - this time against Blackburn.
The Whites often dominate the corner count, especially at home, and the handicap price has dropped from last week with Leeds -3 now odds-on.
Leeds have taken at least six corners in every home league game this season and there's no reason why that trend will come to an end against a Blackburn side expected to be on the back foot.
Rovers will know they could win the aerial battles though and set-pieces could be their best option of a goal, so playing for corners is a real possibility. It's also worth factoring in a near 'safety-first approach' for Leeds looking to stop counter attacks.
Goals may be the temptation but the simple fact is that games at Elland Road tend not to produce many. By contrast, the corner count is expected to be high once more an upwards of 2/1 about 13 or more is worth taking.
Best bet: Over 12.5 corners in the match at 23/10
Opta facts
- In all competitions, Leeds have won five of their last six games against Blackburn (W5 D0 L1).
- Blackburn have lost their last three visits to Elland Road against Leeds in all competitions, after winning three in a row between January 2014 and October 2015.
- Leeds United have conceded just four goals in open-play in the Championship this season – fewer than any other side.
- Blackburn Rovers haven’t lost four consecutive away league games since losing six in a row between February and April 2013.
- Since the start of October, no Championship player has more assists than Leeds United’s Jack Harrison (four, level with Niclas Eliasson).
- Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray has lost his last two league visits to Elland Road, losing in December 2012 with Middlesbrough and December 2018 with Blackburn.
Hull v West Brom
A low-scoring affair is expected at Elland Road, but at the KCOM, where Hull meet West Brom, goals are firmly on the agenda.
Hull continue to defy the pre-season odds, which had them down as strong relegation candidates, with Grant McCann's men comfortable in mid-table and within touching distance of the top six.
West Brom have already demonstrated they are the best team in the division and it's no surprise to anyone who has watched them that they are currently top of the league.
They got past a poor Stoke side with relative ease on Monday night but they know the Tigers will form a different kind of test.
Hull have now won three consecutive games, the latest an impressive 3-0 victory over title-fancies Fulham at Craven Cottage. The scoreline reflected the performance; Hull fully deserved three points.
They'll be full of confidence heading into the weekend but they'll be aware of the threat that the Baggies possess. Hull already have 20+ goals in both 'for' and 'against' columns - more are coming on Saturday.
Indeed half of Hull's home league games this season have produced over 3.5 goals, while three of West Brom's last five have hit that requirement, and 31/20 about four or more here looks a fair bet.
Best bet: Over 3.5 goals at 31/20
Opta facts
- Hull are unbeaten in their last five home league games against West Bromwich Albion (W2 D3 L0) since losing 3-1 in January 2008.
- West Brom have lost just one of their last six league games against Hull (W3 D2 L1), though it came in this exact fixture last season at the KC Stadium.
- Hull are looking to win four league matches in a row for the first time since a run of six between December 2018 and January 2019.
- West Bromwich Albion are the only Championship side yet to lose on a Saturday this season (P10 W6 D4 L0).
- Hull’s Jarrod Bowen has scored in each of his last four league games (five goals) for the Tigers, the second time he’s achieved since the start of last season (also four in January 2019).
- Slaven Bilic’s only away league match against Hull was in April 2017 as West Ham manager, losing 2-1 in the Premier League.
Odds correct at 1140 GMT (07/11/19)
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