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Ian Holloway: First wins for Newcastle and Aston Villa

Ian Holloway

Ian Holloway is back for his second round of Sky Bet EFL predictions, and has good news for Newcastle and Aston Villa fans...

The two newly-relegated clubs suffered disappointing 1-0 defeats in their opening Sky Bet Championship games, but Holloway believes both will get up and running on Saturday.

With a busy fixture list across the three leagues, read on to find out who Ollie is tipping this weekend...

Big EFL derbies on Sky Sports
Big EFL derbies on Sky Sports

Sky Sports confirms live Sky Bet EFL fixtures for October and November

Norwich v Sheffield Wednesday - Championship, Sky Sports 1 HD, Saturday, 5.30pm

I've changed my mind three times on this game! I initially had a score draw but Cameron Jerome at this level is such a handful and Norwich started with a bang against Blackburn.

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Highlights of Norwich's 4-1 victory over Blackburn in the Sky Bet Championship

Alex Neil won't put up with any nonsense so I think they'll win against Sheffield Wednesday.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 15/2)

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Leeds United v Birmingham City - Championship, Saturday, 3pm

Leeds will get better steadily. They have made a good appointment in Garry Monk and although they got well and truly beaten last week, I think the score flattered QPR. It was never a 3-0 hammering.

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Highlights of QPR's 3-0 win over Leeds in the Sky Bet Championship

Garry will have his work cut out to make sure he's given the time, but they have got quality at the club and I think he is a really good manager. It will be a tough game against Birmingham City - Gary Rowett has done a great job - and I can't separate the two teams.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 9/2)

Barnsley v Derby - Championship, Saturday, 3pm

I think Derby will be too strong for Barnsley on the day. Ipswich showed their class last week, despite Barnsley being on a great run following promotion.

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Highlights of Ipswich's 4-2 win over Barnsley in the Sky Bet Championship

Although I think they'll score, Derby may end up having too much across the pitch.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-2 (Sky Bet odds 8/1)

Aston Villa v Rotherham - Championship, Saturday, 3pm

I was among the Villa travelling support at Sheffield Wednesday and they were brilliant. The players now need to start playing like the fans would if given the chance.

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Highlights of Sheffield Wednesday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the Sky Bet Championship

But it's going to be really tough to turn that losing mentality around. They are so fragile at the moment and when they concede a goal, they go to pieces. They need to stand up and be counted, and it needs to start against Rotherham.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 6/1)

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Newcastle v Huddersfield - Championship, Saturday, 3pm

I tipped Huddersfield to go down at the start of the season and I could end up with egg all over my face. They played really well last week against Brentford.

But I think the support at St James' Park will carry Newcastle to the victory. It's an immense ground, and while opponents can raise their game when they visit, it might just be too much for Huddersfield.

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Highlights of Fulham's 1-0 victory over Newcastle at Craven Cottage in the Sky Bet Championship

I do apologise to their fans, though, because I only see them getting better, and that pre-season prediction could be the biggest mistake I make all season!

OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 7/1)

Cardiff City v QPR - Championship, Sunday, 3pm

This tip might come as a shock to some but I really liked QPR against Leeds. Tjaronn Chery was excellent, Massimo Luongo looked good and it seems like they've all settled in.

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Highlights of the EFL Cup match between QPR and Swindon

Sebastien Polter is obviously benefiting from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's knowledge because he was excellent too, and I think he'll find the net again as QPR hit three again.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-3 (Sky Bet odds 33/1)

MK Dons v Millwall - League One, Saturday, 3pm

Millwall are going to do really well this season and I think they'll be automatically promoted. As for MK Dons, they do have quality, but having been relegated from the Championship, it's a big ask to bounce back.

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Highlights of Millwall's 3-0 win over Oldham in Sky Bet League One
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Do slow starts matter?

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They are a big club in Sky Bet League One now, and opponents lift themselves when they go to stadium:mk so I think they'll find it tough against Millwall, who have a great forward line and are on a roll.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-3 (Sky Bet odds 20/1)

Sheffield United v Rochdale - League One, Saturday, 3pm

Sheffield United have had a stinker of a start but I think they will bounce back with a win at home.

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Highlights of the EFL Cup match between Sheffield United and Crewe

That doesn't mean it will be an easy game because Rochdale are brilliant, but Sheffield United will start picking up points soon.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 7/1)

Luton v Yeovil - League Two, Saturday, 3pm

I'm giving Yeovil two goals, but I think Luton will get three! They are on a bit of a march at the moment, having beaten Villa after going a goal behind in midweek.

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Highlights of the EFL Cup match between Luton and Aston Villa

This one should be the most exciting game of the day and if I could pick any match to go to this weekend, it would be this.

I had Jake Gray at Palace and know he's a really good player, and I fancy him to get on the scoresheet again for the Hatters.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 3-2 (Sky Bet odds 28/1)

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