Friday 11 August 2017 16:29, UK
David Prutton returns with his latest round of Sky Bet EFL predictions ahead of another weekend of action in the Championship, League One and League Two.
But who is our expert tipping for victory? Read on to find out...
It was a wonderful opening day for Sheffield United, but not so good for Middlesbrough. Garry Monk's side have been hotly-tipped for promotion because of the money that's been spent, and they might need a win here already. The omens aren't all bad, though, as Newcastle lost their first two last season and still went on to win the title.
This could be a tough one for the Blades, but they've still got plenty of momentum and that should stand them in good stead.
Prutton predicts: 1-1 with Billy Sharp to score first (30/1 with Sky Bet)
Villa could have put Hull to bed at half-time last week but a few missed chances cost them, and it looks like they missed Jonathan Kodjia a bit. They got their first win in midweek but Cardiff will be a tough nut to crack.
Neil Warnock's side are many people's dark horses to be sniffing around the top six. He'll be saying they're underdogs but will know his side can give Villa a good game at home and I fancy them to nick a win.
Prutton predicts: 1-0 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
An intriguing one this. Wolves got off to a great start at Middlesbrough last week and also got a win in midweek. With the way they play they should give Derby plenty of food for thought.
Gary Rowett, meanwhile, has a very powerful team with plenty of strength in depth, and I can't split these two at Pride Park. I'm going for a high-scoring draw.
Prutton predicts: 2-2 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
Leeds have had a great week so far! They were impressive against Bolton on Sunday and had another good win in the Carabao Cup. Defensively they've got a few things to address but the hat-trick from the new boy Samu Saiz suggests that some of the pressure may be lifted from Chris Wood's shoulders this season, which can only be a good thing for them.
Preston got a good win in their first game under Alex Neil at the weekend, but were upset by Accrington in midweek, and that won't do their rhythm any good despite the fact they made changes. Home win for me.
Prutton predicts: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
A battle between two of the promoted sides. The Millwall front two of Lee Gregory and Steve Morison against Bolton's defence should make for a good game. Neil Harris' side were quite unlucky in their opener against Nottingham Forest and they'll want to put that right here and show they've got enough to compete in the Championship.
Bolton look a little stretched in terms of their squad and, for me, Millwall will shade this one.
Prutton predicts: 2-0 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
Fulham looked the better of these two sides on opening day but maybe haven't got the physicality of Reading, which came to the fore when these two sides met in the play-off semi-finals last season.
Still, though, the midfield pair of Oliver Norwood and Tom Cairney would cause anyone problems and I think they'll be key in helping Fulham nick a win. Jaap Stam sticks to his principles and has a very set way of playing, and it'll be interesting to see how they get on throughout the season.
The flatness of the league means either of these sides could be pushing the top two or end up out of the play-offs entirely.
Prutton predicts: 1-2 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
QPR have had a great start so far. They were impressive last Saturday and Conor Washington was very, very good. Ian Holloway's team often win and lose in streaks so a positive start was very important for them.
Sheffield Wednesday's midweek win will give Carlos Carvalhal something to think about, because he doesn't seem to know what his best combination is up top. I'm going for a draw here.
Prutton predicts: 2-2 (14/1 with Sky Bet)
It was a strange opening day for Norwich. Daniel Farke made a real impact by introducing the substitution that got them the point, but then there was the whole issue with Nelson Oliveira's celebration, which didn't sit right with me at all.
Fair play to Daniel for playing it down and saying it showed passion, but the Norwich team that got promoted was full of players that were all pulling in the same direction, and they'll need that mentality back.
Sunderland showed spells of quality against Derby in their opener, but they've entered the season on the back of a terrible relegation and they'll need some more time and some good results to shake that off.
Prutton predicts: 1-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
Both had good starts at the weekend, but Oxford would have been disappointed to be beaten by Cheltenham in extra-time in midweek in the Carabao Cup. Pep Clotet needed to be a No 1 somewhere and now he has been given that chance, he'll have a style of play and Portsmouth will be a good test for them.
In Kenny Jackett they're coming up against a man who knows how to get out of this division, he'll be a great appointment for Portsmouth and I fancy a draw here.
Prutton predicts: 2-2 (14/1 with Sky Bet)
Let's be honest, Yeovil need to pull a result out here. Last Saturday was an absolute disaster, a shocking, shocking start to the season. To think they were 1-0 up as well!
Accrington have started well and had a great result in midweek against Preston. It's a long journey down to Yeovil but I think it'll be a worthwhile trip for them.
Prutton predicts: 1-2 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
Don't miss the Sky Bet Championship clash between Middlesbrough and Sheffield United on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Football from 5.15pm
