Nick Hext expects a twist in the Sky Bet League Two relegation battle as he previews Saturday's EFL action.
Saturday lunchtime's TV game
Norwich can't wait for the summer but Aston Villa still have automatic promotion aspirations when they travel to Carrow Road for Saturday's live Sky Bet Championship offering on Sky Sports. The Canaries suffered a dispiriting 4-1 defeat at QPR on Easter Monday and the first task for boss Daniel Farke is to get his side more resolute against Villa. A goalless first half would be a strong start to this match for Norwich and I think Farke can get his side organised enough to achieve that immediate aim. Villa have failed to net before the break in any of their last four outings and Norwich held Fulham at the break before falling to a 2-0 defeat in their previous home game. Go with a goalless opening 45 minutes at 17/10 to start Saturday's EFL bets.
Saturday afternoon's Sky Bet Championship selection
Half-Time/Full-Time - Draw/Fulham v Sheffield Wednesday, Sky Bet Championship (Saturday, 1500 BST)
Fulham have the chance to close the gap to at least one of Wolves or Cardiff when they travel north to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon. The Sky Bet Championship's top two clash in Wales on Friday night and Fulham are the most likely side to stop the pair's march to automatic promotion. The Cottagers are on an incredible 18-match unbeaten run in the league and they have to be the favourites for play-off glory if Wolves and Cardiff maintain their advantage. I think Fulham will claim another victory when they meet Wednesday and backing the away win after a draw at half-time is the way to go at Hillsborough. Draw/Fulham has been a winner in both of the last two away wins for the Cottagers, against Preston and Derby, so take the 22/5 available.
Saturday afternoon's Sky Bet League One selection
AFC Wimbledon to draw with Scunthorpe, Sky Bet League One (Saturday, 1500 BST)
AFC Wimbledon and Scunthorpe have contrasting ambitions for the rest of the Sky Bet League One season. The Dons are bidding to remain out of the bottom four in a congested relegation scrap and the Iron want a play-off place and the shot at promotion that it brings. Both clubs will go down to the wire in their endeavours this term and it all points to a draw at Kingsmeadow on Saturday. Scunthorpe are currently the division's draw specialists with six in their last eight outings. The clash between these sides ended in a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the campaign and I’m backing the same outcome this time out.
Saturday afternoon's Sky Bet League Two selection
Chesterfield to beat Grimsby, Sky Bet League Two (Saturday, 1500 BST)
This clash between 22nd and 23rd in Sky Bet League Two is one of the EFL's biggest matches this weekend. Grimsby sit one place and four points above Chesterfield in the battle to avoid relegation to the Vanarama National League but the Spireites have what could prove to be a crucial three matches in hand on the Mariners. I just can't have Grimsby as favourites in any match at the moment. They are on a 20-match winless run since the middle of December and Chesterfield are worthy of support at over 2/1 across the board. Jack Lester's side have managed to win a couple of their previous five outings and another at Blundell Park would really make the relegation scrap interesting.
Recommended bets
2pts Chesterfield to beat Grimsby at 127/50
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Posted at 1910 BST on 05/04/17
