The FA Cup means we only have action in the Sky Bet Championship this weekend. Tom Carnduff has found four best bets.
Recommended bets
1pt Aden Flint to score anytime in Middlesbrough v Wigan at 17/2
1pt over 12.5 corners in Middlesbrough v Wigan at 12/5
1pt Marco Stiepermann to score anytime in Norwich v Millwall at 15/2
1pt 30+ Nottingham Forest booking points at 7/2
For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
Middlesbrough v Wigan
Riverside Stadium, 1500 GMT
Middlesbrough will be aiming to return to winning ways after three consecutive draws in the league, and they'll be optimistic of three points against a Wigan side who struggle on the road.
As ever, set-pieces will be an avenue for success for the hosts and Aden Flint is capable of finding the net once again.
The centre-back has one goal already this season but sits fourth in the shots taken charts in this Middlesbrough side with 23 - the fact that Daniel Ayala is the next on that list with 21 shows how the defenders are expected to contribute goals.
Tony Pulis' side have had 52 corners in their last five home league games which means opportunities for the likes of Flint to pounce, which he's shown he's capable of doing.
It's also worth factoring in that Wigan have the third-highest foul count in the division, while also committing the most fouls away from home.
That could mean that Middlesbrough will be presented with opportunities to get the ball into the box and find those dangerous centre-backs.
A home win looks good value here given the Latics' woes on the road. The majority of Middlesbrough's points should come from the Riverside, which is why it is important that they return to winning ways.
The best price of 17/2 on a Flint is worth taking, although the value is still there if it does drop to around the 11/2 mark.
Best bet: Aden Flint to score anytime at 17/2
Best bet: Over 12.5 corners at 12/5
Opta facts
- Middlesbrough are unbeaten in seven league meetings with Wigan (W3 D4) since losing 0-1 in August 2007.
- Wigan haven’t scored a single goal in their last four league visits to the Riverside against Middlesbrough.
- Middlesbrough have drawn each of their last three league games, they haven’t recorded four league draws in a row since August 2016 (five successive draws).
- Wigan have conceded eight goals in their last three Championship outings; as many as they had conceded in their previous eight in the competition.
- Middlesbrough have kept 10 clean sheets in the Championship this season; three more than any other side.
- Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis is winless in nine matches against Wigan in all competitions (D6 L3) since a 2-0 win in May 2009 when he was Stoke manager.
Norwich v Millwall
Carrow Road, 1500 GMT
They are flying under Daniel Farke and Norwich can return to the top of the table with a point here, although they should pick up all three.
The Canaries have enjoyed a four-game winning run and have picked up four wins in their last five at home.
They welcome a Millwall side who are still awaiting that first victory on the road, with just two draws all to show for their efforts away from the Den.
Teemu Pukki and Jordan Rhodes have been leading the goals department for Farke's men, but Marco Stiepermann has continued to provide a threat and he is due a goal having yet to find the net in the league.
The midfielder did score in their 3-1 victory over Stevenage in the first round of the Carabao Cup and he's been responsible for four assists in all competitions.
He had to settle for an appearance from the bench in their 4-0 hammering away at Sheffield Wednesday following a spell with tonsillitis, but should return to the starting XI here.
Stiepermann's 19 efforts on goal this season is the fourth-highest return in the Norwich side, with slightly more coming from inside the penalty box (10) than from outside it (9).
The hosts sit in the top-ten for shots on target at home this season, while they are also the most fouled side on home soil on average. Norwich should have chances to find the net and it's time for the German attacking midfielder to contribute.
Opta facts
- Norwich are unbeaten in their last 20 home matches against Millwall in all competitions (W13 D7) since losing 0-3 in November 1968.
- Millwall have lost four of their last five league games against Norwich, winning the other 4-0 at the Den last season.
- After winning just one of their opening six league games this season (D2 L3), Norwich have won eight of their last 10 in the Championship (D1 L1).
- Only Rotherham (3) have scored fewer away Championship goals this season than Millwall (4).
- Millwall are winless in their last 10 Championship away games, drawing three and losing seven.
- Three different Norwich players have scored a brace across their last four Championship games (Timm Klose, Jordan Rhodes and Teemu Pukki).
Nottingham Forest v Stoke
City Ground, 1500 GMT
Two sides who were among the favourites for the title pre-season meet for the second time at the City Ground after a 3-2 victory in the Carabao Cup for the hosts.
Forest have the worst disciplinary record in the division, with their 42 yellows and one red well clear of Bolton and Wigan with 34 each.
That figure remains high even in front of their own supporters, with their 16 yellow cards giving them the fifth-highest total at home in the division.
Aitor Karanka's side welcome a Stoke team who are quite disciplined when playing in away games and don't tend to see many cards on their travels.
Forest, on the other hand, have seen cards shown in recent weeks. Three of their last four home games in all competitions have resulted in them picking up at least 30 bookings points, with that figure standing at 45 for their previous meeting with Saturday's opponents.
There is value in backing further cards here given their aggressive style of play. Oliver Langford may not be the strictest of officials, but he may have little option if Forest continue along the path laid out.
This should be a fairly tight game given Stoke's revival in recent weeks. The Potters are unbeaten in their last four away and will hold confidence that they can continue that run here.
Opta facts
- Nottingham Forest have already beaten Stoke once this season – a 3-2 win in the League Cup third round.
- Stoke have lost five of their last six visits to the City Ground in all competitions (D1) since winning 3-2 against Nottingham Forest in September 1993.
- Nottingham Forest have lost just one of their last 11 Championship home games (W6 D4). They’ve scored in all eight of their league games at the City Ground this season.
- Stoke have won two of their last three away league games (D1), as many as they had in their previous 24 on the road (W2 D10 L12).
- Nottingham Forest’s Lewis Grabban has scored nine goals in his last nine Championship games.
- All four Championship encounters between Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka and Stoke boss Gary Rowett have ended as draws.
Odds correct at 1500 GMT (08/11/18)
