EFL midweek tips: Blackburn too good for Barnsley

Blackburn Rovers vs Barnsley (Championship)

Wednesday 29 December, 7.45pm

Blackburn's trip to Hull City was called off at short notice on Boxing Day. That was a disappointment for all involved, but the late postponement is unlikely to disrupt Rovers' momentum.

Blackburn have won each of their last five matches, while Barnsley have triumphed in only one of their last 21. The form book points to a one-sided encounter and a straightforward evening's work for Tony Mowbray's men.

Tip: Blackburn -1.5 Asian handicap at 2.74

Blackburn's Ben Brereton will be looking to add to his goal tally against Barnsley

Reading vs Fulham (Championship)

Wednesday 29 December, 7.45pm

Fulham are going through a wobble in their promotion push, having failed to win any of their last five matches. Four of those were draws and Marco Silva's side remain in the top two, but it now seems unlikely that the Cottagers will romp home with the title.

A trip to Reading provides Fulham with an opportunity to get back on track. The Royals have been inconsistent in recent weeks, but two victories in their last 10 matches is not a great record.

Reading have failed to score in each of their last five defeats, and they could draw another blank against opponents with the second-best defensive record in the division.

Tip: Fulham to win to nil at 2.52

Nottingham Forest vs Huddersfield Town (Championship)

Thursday 30 December, 7.45pm

Nottingham Forest suffered their first defeat in 10 games on Boxing Day, going down 2-0 to Middlesbrough. They have nevertheless made excellent progress under Steve Cooper, and Huddersfield will be in for a stern test on Thursday night.

No team in the Championship has taken more points than Forest since Cooper's appointment, and the hosts deserve to be heavy favourites here. Huddersfield should at least find the net, as they have done in nine of their last 10 league fixtures.

Tip: Nottingham Forest to win and both teams to score at 4.8

Blackpool vs Middlesbrough (Championship)

Wednesday 29 December, 7.45pm

Middlesbrough are flying up the table under Chris Wilder, justifying the board's decision to sack Neil Warnock last month. A 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day means Boro have taken 13 points from the last 15 available.

Boro have gone back to basics under Wilder, who has emphasised the importance of defensive solidity. They've now kept four clean sheets on the bounce and could make it five at Bloomfield Road.

Tip: Middlesbrough clean sheet at 2.9

Ipswich Town vs Wycombe (League One)

Wednesday 29 December, 7.45pm

Kieran McKenna will take charge of his first game as Ipswich manager when high-flying Wycombe visit Portman Road on Wednesday. With the Tractor Boys languishing in mid-table, McKenna will be keen to get off to a winning start.

That could prove tricky against a Wycombe side currently on a five-match unbeaten run, but Ipswich will fancy their chances of finding the net given Gareth Ainsworth's side have conceded five goals in their last three outings.

Ipswich may struggle to shut out Wycombe too. They've leaked 34 goals already this season, so this could be a high-scoring encounter.

Tip: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 2.34