Millwall striker Lee Gregory celebrates
Millwall striker Lee Gregory celebrates

Free football betting tips and odds: Sky Bet EFL preview


Nick Hext backs Millwall to win at Reading as one of his selections for Saturday's action in the Sky Bet EFL.

Saturday's TV game

Under 2.5 goals in Wolves v Sheffield United, Sky Bet Championship (Saturday, 1730 GMT, Sky Sports Football)

Saturday evening's offering from Sky Sports is the intriguing clash between Sky Bet Championship leaders Wolves and play-off chasing Sheffield United. Both teams have been involved in matches low on goals in recent weeks and I think this is another chance to back under the 2.5 mark. Each of Wolves' last four league outings has produced under 2.5 goals, including two 0-0 draws, and six of the Blades' previous seven outings have been a winner in the same market. Expect Chris Wilder to have his side set up as hard to beat and that can make for an interesting tactical challenge for Wolves boss Nuno and his table-toppers.

Lions to roar

Millwall to beat Reading, Sky Bet Championship (Saturday, 1500 GMT)

The pressure was eased on Reading manager Jaap Stam with a 3-1 win at bottom-of-the-table Burton in midweek. The Royals still have work to do though to stay away from relegation trouble and prices just shy of 2/1 appear too big for Millwall to make it four home Sky Bet Championship defeats in a row for Stam's side. Millwall arrive at the Madejski Stadium on a five-match unbeaten run and they claimed a memorable 4-3 victory at Leeds in their last game on the road. Another defeat will up the pressure on Stam once again and I reckon the visiting Lions are worthy of support, despite having already been punted.

Sky Bet League One selection

Northampton to beat Rochdale, Sky Bet League One (Saturday, 1500 GMT)

Northampton have enjoyed a happy start to 2018 with only one defeat against Sky Bet League One leaders Wigan in their five matches to start the new year. Rochdale travel to Sixfields on Saturday and I have to be with the improving Cobblers to pick up another win. Northampton have only lost to Wigan in their last six home games and another victory will see them pull further clear of the relegation zone. Rochdale are winless in their previous seven league outings and it all points to another frustrating afternoon for Keith Hill's men.

Sky Bet League Two selection

Luton to beat Exeter to nil, Sky Bet League Two (Saturday, 1500 GMT)

I will press repeat on my Sky Bet League Two tip from last weekend and back Luton to win to nil when they host Exeter. The Hatters did the business when winning 1-0 at Grimsby but there was midweek disappointment as they lost 3-2 against Wycombe. Those were the first goals conceded in six matches and I'm sure manager Nathan Jones' message ahead of facing the Grecians has been about keeping things tight again. There's over 2/1 available for Luton to win without conceding and I reckon that's again worth an interest.

Luton manager Nathan Jones
Luton manager Nathan Jones

Friday's TV game

Bolton to beat Bristol City, Sky Bet Championship (Friday, 2000 GMT, Sky Sports Football)

Bolton are worth considering at 3/1 to win at home to Bristol City in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Friday night. Wanderers remain in the middle of a congested scrap to avoid relegation but they have been on the up after an awful start to the season. Phil Parkinson's men have only lost one of their last nine Sky Bet Championship matches on their own turf, including five victories in that run against Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich, Barnsley, Cardiff and Hull. Bolton are simply too big a price to get another three points especially with Bristol City not at their best recently. The Robins have only picked up one victory in their previous eight outings as their League Cup exertions perhaps take a toll.

Recommended bet

2pts Millwall to beat Reading at 19/10

Click here for our transparent tipping record.

Posted at GMT on 01/02/17.

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