Nick Hext has four selections for the New Year's Day action in the Sky Bet EFL, including a pick for the televised clash between Leeds and Nottingham Forest.
New Year's Day TV game
There will be extra interest in Nottingham Forest's trip to Leeds on New Year's Day after the City Ground club sacked manager Mark Warburton on the final day of 2017. Warburton has departed after just one win in their last seven Sky Bet Championship games and things don't get any easier with a trip to promotion contenders Leeds. I expect Thomas Christiansen's hosts to get the job done at Elland Road but it's hard to know what reaction Forest will get after Warburton's exit. I expect the game to lack goals so go for this to be the fourth match in a row for Leeds with home advantage that has contained less than 2.5 goals.
Derby delight to start 2018
Derby to beat Sheffield United, Sky Bet Championship (New Year's Day, 1500 GMT)
Derby start 2018 in the Sky Bet Championship automatic promotion places and they look well worth backing at odds-against to defeat Sheffield United at Pride Park. The Rams are looking to claim their eighth win in their last 10 outings and they've climbed the table as the Blades have slipped. Chris Wilder's United have only won one of their previous eight games and this is a really tough ask to get back on track. Derby are serious promotion contenders and can show their quality again with another home win.
Sky Bet League One selection
Plymouth to beat Walsall, Sky Bet League One (New Year's Day, 1500 GMT)
Plymouth have climbed out of the relegation zone at the end of 2017 with a five-match unbeaten run boosting their survival hopes. Walsall visit Home Park on New Year's Day and I reckon this is a good chance to back Plymouth for a three-point haul at 17/10. The Pilgrims are out to claim their fourth home win in a row and Walsall are struggling for form as they bid to end a four-match winless run. Plymouth are the pick in Sky Bet League One.
Sky Bet League Two selection
Over 3.5 goals in Luton v Lincoln, Sky Bet League Two (New Year's Day, 1500 GMT)
Sky Bet League Two leaders Luton's 4-0 defeat at Port Vale on Saturday will have caused plenty of raised eyebrows. The Hatters were unbeaten in 12 matches before that hefty loss and the pressure is now on for the New Year's Day clash at home to third-placed Lincoln. The Imps have built on last season's Vanarama National League title success in style and they are serious candidates for back-to-back promotions. I'm going for goals at Kenilworth Road in a contest that is well worth watching. Both of Luton's last two outings have contained more than 3.5 goals and I'm going above that mark in this game as a 5/2 selection.
Recommended bet
3pts Derby to beat Sheffield United at 23/20
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Posted at 1100 GMT on 31/12/17.
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