Alex Jack’s selections for Saturday’s Football League action include wins for Blackburn and Middlesbrough.
With the FA Cup first round taking place this weekend and occupying teams further down the English football pyramid, the Championship is our focus for Saturday’s action from the EFL.
Alex Jack is on hand with a 21/1 accumulator as the big games continue to come thick and fast at both ends of the second-tier table.
Best bets
Blackburn Rovers to beat Sheffield United @ 9/5
Norwich City to beat Cardiff City @ 8/5
Hull City to beat Portsmouth @ 7/10
Middlesbrough to beat Coventry City @ 7/10
Accumulator odds 21/1
Blackburn Rovers to beat Sheffield United @ 9/5 (12:30)
Which Sheffield United side you are going to see very much depends on whether they are playing at Bramall Lane or on the road.
Winning all of their last five home games in the Championship without conceding a single goal, the Blades have only triumphed in one of their last five league games on the road, while failing to score in any of their last three away matches.
Saturday sees Chris Wilder’s side head across the Pennines to face a Blackburn team that have won five of their last six home games in the Championship and drew the other.
Considering the contrasting home and away record, a Blackburn win appeals here.
Norwich City to beat Cardiff City @ 8/5 (15:00)
Unbeaten in their last seven Championship games, Norwich City look capable of bagging all three points against Cardiff City in the Welsh capital this weekend.
The Canaries have won six of their last seven games against the Bluebirds in all competitions, while their last meeting saw Norwich run out 4-1 winners back in February.
Granted that latest success was at Carrow Road, but Norwich can edge to a win on Saturday against a Cardiff side that have been showing signs of progress after their woeful early-season form.
Hull City to beat Portsmouth @ 7/10 (15:00)
Winning just one game away from home this season, it’s hard to see Portsmouth heading back from Hull City with anything to show for their efforts.
Pompey have conceded 16 goals in their six away games in the Championship, which includes a 6-1 defeat at Stoke City earlier this month.
Hull have had a tough run of fixtures but can get back to winning ways, as they aim to start climbing towards the play-off places.
Middlesbrough to beat Coventry City @ 7/10 (15:00)
Middlesbrough have been somewhat inconsistent at home this season but they can make it back-to-back wins at the Riverside with three points against Coventry City on Saturday.
Grinding out a 1-0 win over Sheffield United in their last home game, Boro should have the clout at home to overcome a Coventry side that have not won on the road in the Championship since a 3-1 victory at Huddersfield Town back in March.
