It is set to be another bumper midweek round of games in the Championship through to League Two, and we will have a clearer idea of how things are shaking up in the upper echelons of each division.
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EFL Betting Tips
- · Reading v Sheffield United – AWAY WIN
- · Peterborough v Shrewsbury – AWAY WIN
- · Barnsley v Portsmouth – HOME WIN
- · Sutton United v Crawley Town – HOME WIN
Reading v Sheffield United – AWAY WIN
While there is no immediate fear of relegation, Reading will be desperate to respond after a 5-0 mauling at the hands of Middlesbrough last weekend.
The Royals have been far too leaky at the back, shipping in 53 goals which is the same as Wigan, and things could hardly get much harder as they take on promotion-chasing Sheffield United.
Although the Blades fell to defeat on the road to Blackburn last weekend, they claimed the scalp of Tottenham in the FA Cup fifth round, and there is a feel-good factor in the Steel City.
United made light work of Reading in the corresponding fixture in August at Bramall Lane, and they are my first pick at a short 4/5 to clinch three points on their travels.
Peterborough v Shrewsbury – AWAY WIN
If there’s one thing that can be levelled at Peterborough, then it is their lack of consistency.
Sometimes, you just don’t know what you are going to get from them. A 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Bolton last month was later followed by coruscating displays as they dispatched Morecambe and Plymouth with consummate ease. Jonson Clarke-Haris, who has fired 18 goals this term, will of course be an undeniable threat.
Perhaps Posh leave themselves too open at the back, and Shrewsbury, who are a point and a place above them in the table (eighth) could have a field day.
One defeat in their past 10 league outings suggests they are a tough nut to crack, and they could nick a win.
Barnsley v Portsmouth – HOME WIN
Clinging onto a play-off spot at the moment is Barnsley, who are one of the in-form sides with four wins and a draw.
Devante Cole has been spearheading their charge, and he is the club’s top scorer with nine goals to his name.
Although the Tykes were held to a goalless draw last weekend against Bristol Rovers, they should get back to winning ways against Portsmouth, who are also in fine fettle.
This could well be a tight affair, and a Barnsley win would all but end Portsmouth’s faint playoff hopes.
Sutton United v Crawley Town – HOME WIN
Sutton United have been far from prolific this term, managing a paltry 37 goals. Despite hitting the Over 1.5 goals market in their three league games, they are eighth in the table, and they are in the picture for a playoff spot.
Crawley, however, are in a dogfight to preserve their EFL status, and they were on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline against Sutton on Boxing Day in the previous encounter.
This is a big week for Sutton, and they should kick it off with what could be a priceless victory.
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