Sky Bet EFL: Match previews and best bets for fixtures on Saturday October 19

By Tom Carnduff

Football

Sat October 19, 2019 · 5y ago

Tom Carnduff is searching for value in goalscorers among the Sky Bet EFL has found two best bets this weekend.

Recommended bets

1pt Stuart Dallas to score anytime in Leeds v Birmingham at 15/2

1pt Charlie Wyke to score anytime in Wycombe v Sunderland at 21/10

For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record

Leeds v Birmingham

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Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you...

Yes, Leeds United turned 100 this week and their home fixture against Birmingham will see them celebrate their history.

The best tribute by Leeds would probably be going 4-0 up and then somehow losing 5-4, but they should be too strong for a Birmingham side who have been hit-and-miss so far this season.

The Blues actually did the double over Leeds in 2018/19. Since then, Garry Monk has gone to Sheffield Wednesday and Pep Clotet has Birmingham sitting in 12th.

Leeds' 2/5 price provides very little appeal, particularly with their struggles in converting chances. Instead, the best price of 15/2 for Stuart Dallas to score anytime is worth investigating.

Dallas is the ultimate Marcelo Bielsa player in that he has complete utility to play in any position required. During his time at the club, he has played on both wings, dropping into defence and operating in both full-back positions alongside a role in central midfield.

It's not clear which side of the pitch he will be playing on against Birmingham yet, but his style of play certainly suits an attack-minded team. The Northern Ireland international has averaged around two shots per game this season, good-looking stats considering his role as a right-back for the large majority of it.

Even in a defensive role, Dallas has opportunities to strike. His goal against Stoke, which can be viewed above, shows how he has the freedom to drive forward and get chances on goal.

It's a big price in a game where Leeds are expected to be on the front foot, and given the shorter prices available on other options, it's one which is worth taking.

Best bet: Stuart Dallas to score anytime at 15/2

Opta facts

Leeds United have lost their last three league games against Birmingham City, losing by a one-goal margin each time.
Birmingham have won six of their last 10 away league visits to Elland Road (W6 D1 L3) having won just six of their first 39 visits to Leeds between January 1921 and January 2003.
Leeds United have had 14 more shots than any other Championship team this season (183) but nine teams have scored more goals than Leeds (15).
Birmingham have lost four of their last five away league games (W1 D0 L4), with only Wigan losing more on the road this season in the Championship (5).
21% of Birmingham’s total shots in the Championship this season were against Middlesbrough in their 2-1 win in their last game (26 of 125).
Leeds winger Jack Harrison has had more touches in the opposition box than any other Championship player this season (66), assisting Ezgjan Alioski’s goal away at Millwall last time out.

Wycombe v Sunderland

Phil Parkinson is the new manager of Sunderland

The appointment of Phil Parkinson divided opinion among Sunderland fans this week, but I'm firmly in the camp that says it's a good appointment.

Parkinson guided Bradford to a League Cup final, despite the fact they were in League Two, alongside gaining promotion and a further play-off final.

In addition, he managed to get Bolton back into the Championship on a fraction of the budget that he will possess at Sunderland. He's a manager who knows what it takes in this division.

His direct football will suit the players already at the Stadium of Light, although you imagine there will be further recruits in January.

One of those players set to benefit from the new style is Charlie Wyke. The former Bradford man was at the club after Parkinson had departed, but enjoyed a good spell at the Bantams before moving on.

His record should be better than it is this season, but this change in manager is one that he is likely to welcome in the sense of suiting the new brand of football that will be played.

His physical presence will continue to cause defenders problems and will also allow for a second striker to potentially play off him. Despite Wycombe's good form, he could hit the ground running with the new regime.

A best price of 21/10 is available on the Sunderland forward hitting the net. Attractive value for a player who should be on the scoresheet more regularly going forward.

Best bet: Charlie Wyke to score anytime at 21/10

Opta facts

Wycombe and Sunderland met in league encounters for the first time last season, with both matches ending in 1-1 draws in League One.
Sunderland have suffered as many losses in their last eight league games away from home as they did in their previous 27 before this run (four).
Wycombe have won seven of their last nine league games at Adams Park (D2), last failing to score in such a game against Charlton back in April (0-1).
12 of the 14 league goals Sunderland have conceded this season have come from open play - 86% - the highest % of a teams’ goals conceded in the competition so far.
Sunderland striker Marc McNulty has either scored or assisted in each of his four league games against Wycombe, netting three goals in his last two games against the Chairboys (three goals, two assists).

Odds correct at 1650 BST (17/10/19)