Nick Hext backs Cardiff for a narrow win at Reading in Monday night's Sky Bet Championship match, live on Sky Sports.
Monday's TV game
Cardiff to beat Reading by one goal, Sky Bet Championship (Monday, 2000 GMT, Sky Sports Football)
Cardiff's impressive promotion charge arrives at Reading on Monday evening. The Bluebirds are out to make it five wins on the spin and I expect them to just about get the job done at the Madejski Stadium. Reading lost 2-0 at home to Wolves last month and Cardiff can prove their credentials when it comes to keeping pace with the Sky Bet Championship leaders. Neil Warnock's side have claimed five of their six wins on the road this season by one goal and I like the look of the Welsh outfit to once again secure victory by the narrowest of margins.
Friday's TV game
The match of the weekend in the Sky Bet Championship gets the action started on Friday night as fourth-placed Sheffield United host Bristol City, who sit in third. I'm expecting goals at Bramall Lane in a contest that is really worth watching. Four of United's last five matches have contained more than 3.5 goals and I'm going for over that mark again. Bristol City won 3-2 at Hull in their previous away game so it all points to goals in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Going for goals
Wolves to beat Sunderland and both teams to score, Sky Bet Championship (Saturday, 1500 GMT)
Sunderland are huge 10/1 outsiders to win at Sky Bet Championship leaders Wolves. I don't think the Black Cats will spring a major surprise but Chris Coleman's arrival as manager has the strugglers filled with optimism. Sunderland suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Reading last time out but that was the 11th game in 12 that they've found the back of the net. Coleman's team have only beaten Burton in that run but I still reckon they can cause Wolves a few problems. The league leaders have claimed their previous couple of home wins without keeping a clean sheet so I'm going for Wolves to beat Sunderland and both teams to score.
Sky Bet League One selection
Charlton to beat Portsmouth, Sky Bet League One (Saturday, 1500 GMT)
I've been showing plenty of support for Charlton home wins this season. The Addicks have only lost one from 10 at The Valley and I'm going for Karl Robinson's men to again claim victory when they come up against Portsmouth. Kenny Jackett's Pompey are trying to chase down Saturday's hosts for the final play-off spot but it's Charlton who look the bet here at 11/8.
Sky Bet League Two selection
Morecambe/Draw Double Chance v Coventry, Sky Bet League Two (Saturday, 1500 GMT)
Coventry are odds-on favourites to win at Morecambe on Saturday but I want to be with the hosts. The Shrimps are involved in the scrap at the bottom of the Sky Bet League Two table but they have improved in recent weeks. Morecambe have only lost one of their last five home games and they picked up an impressive win over Wycombe during that sequence.
Saturday's TV game
A mid-table tangle between Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday takes centre stage for the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday evening. Both sides sit adrift of the promotion race and the pressure is sure to further increase on rival managers Daniel Farke and Carlos Carvalhal if results don't improve. Wednesday have drawn their last four matches on the spin and I'm expecting it to be five in a row for the Owls at Carrow Road. Norwich have also been adding to the one-point column in recent weeks, drawing 1-1 with Barnsley and Preston in their previous two home games. There looks to be little between these sides and perhaps another draw is coming.
Recommended bets
2pts Wolves to beat Sunderland and both teams to score at 12/5
1.5pts Cardiff to beat Reading by one goal at 10/3
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Posted at 0755 GMT on 08/12/17.
