EFL weekend tips: Blades can edge Boro battle

Sheffield United v Middlesbrough (Championship)

Saturday 1 January, 12.30pm

Only Blackburn Rovers have better form in the Championship than Middlesbrough and Sheffield United who meet at Bramall Lane this weekend.

Both the Blades and Boro have won four and drawn one of their last five league games respectively going into this one, and there won’t be much between them when they meet in the Steel City.

Sheff Utd have a good record at home against Middlesbrough, having won the last two of these fixtures by a single goal. Expect the hosts to edge this one again.

Tip: Sheffield Utd to win @ 2.18

Blackpool v Hull City (Championship)

Saturday 1 January, 4.00pm

In Saturday’s other surviving game in the Championship, it’s two out-of-form sides that meet as Blackpool face Hull City at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool have suffered four defeats in their last five games, while Hull are on a three-match winless run ahead of their trip across the Pennines.

Of the last six games between these sides, four have ended in draws and another stalemate could well be on the cards.

Tip: Blackpool v Hull draw @ 3.55

Charlton v Wycombe Wanderers (League One)

Saturday 1 January, 4.00pm

It’s a big game for Charlton as they look to close the gap on the League One play-off places when they face sixth-placed Wycombe.

There’s 13 points between Charlton and Wycombe in the standings, and defeat for the hosts this weekend would make the Addicks’ mountain even higher to climb in their bid for promotion.

Two wins in their last three have seen Charlton show signs of improvement, while Wycombe are without a victory in their last two league outings.

Charlton have won six of their last seven meetings with Wycombe and might be able to edge another victory at The Valley this weekend.

Tip: Charlton to win @ 2.26

Shrewsbury Town v Sheffield Wednesday (League One)

Sunday 2 January, 4.00pm

Sheffield Wednesday will look to get back to winning ways at the first time of asking on Sunday when they make the trip to Shrewsbury.

The Owls will have to dust themselves off quickly after a 5-0 hammering at the hands of frontrunners Sunderland in their last outing.

Shrewsbury could be on the end of a backlash, as eighth-place Wednesday have the firepower to cause problems and earn the three points on the road.

Tip: Sheff Wed to win @ 2.32

Recommended bets:

Sheff Utd to win @ 2.18

Blackpool v Hull draw @ 3.55

Charlton to win @ 2.26

Sheff Wed to win @ 2.32