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David Prutton's EFL predictions

Prutton's Predictions

David Prutton returns with his predictions ahead of this weekend's Sky Bet EFL matches and the Checkatrade Trophy final.

But who is he tipping for victory? Read on to find out...

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Norwich v Aston Villa, Saturday 12.30pm - Live on Sky Sports Football

Norwich were playing like a team already on the beach at QPR on Easter Monday, and Aston Villa will be hoping that it's that type of Canaries performance again on Saturday.

Villa rolled Reading over pretty comfortably on Tuesday, but it was important for them to get the win after their brief blip in form. They'll need maximum points between now and the end of the season if there's any chance of them gaining automatic promotion, and I think they'll get three points at Carrow Road.

Prutton predicts: 1-2 with Albert Adomah to score first (35/1 with Sky Bet)

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Checkatrade Trophy final: Lincoln v Shrewsbury, Sunday 3pm - Live on Sky Sports Football

The Checkatrade Trophy final is upon us! Both of these teams have got a weekend off from the stress of promotion to enjoy a day out at Wembley, and what a great occasion it should be.

Shrewsbury will be favourites because they're in a higher league, but Lincoln will fancy their chances of causing another big upset, as they have done so often in cup competitions over the past couple of years. I think the Shrews will sneak this one in normal time.

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Prutton predicts: 1-2 (8/1 with Sky Bet)

Live Checkatrade Trophy Final

Birmingham v Burton, Saturday 3pm

It was a tough start to life for Garry Monk with games against his former club Middlesbrough and then away at Cardiff, but since then they've had three eminently winnable games and won all of them without conceding a goal, which is all you can really do at this stage when you're trying to avoid relegation.

We're heading towards last-chance saloon time for Burton. They're eight points off Birmingham and safety, and anything but a win here will surely leave them with too much to do in their last five games of the season. This, however, is a Blues win for me.

Prutton predicts: 2-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)

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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship game between Bolton and Birmingham

Derby v Bolton, Saturday 3pm

It wasn't pretty at Deepdale by any means, but Derby got their first win in two months and they'll be feeling so much more positive about their chances of holding onto a play-off spot now.

Bolton looked like they were getting away from the bottom three, but back-to-back defeats has left them slipping down the table again, and they could get dragged right back into it if they lose on Saturday. I'm going to back a draw here, though.

Prutton predicts: 1-1 (6/1 with Sky Bet)

Millwall v Bristol City, Saturday 3pm

Milwall have been on an incredible run and they'll have no idea how they didn't make it five straight wins at Ipswich on Easter Monday.

Bristol City, meanwhile, were abject against Brentford and if they play like that again then they'll get turned over at The Den. This is a big tussle between two sides just outside the play-offs, and I fancy Neil Harris' side to edge it.

Prutton predicts: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)

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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship game between Ipswich and Derby

Sheffield Wednesday v Fulham, Saturday 3pm

Fulham just keep on going and they'll still have real belief of finishing in the top two, or at the very least they'll want to keep winning to carry this form into the play-offs.

This could prove a stumbling block. Sheffield Wednesday have three wins on the spin now and finally look to have woken up, although it's a bit late for them this season. It will be tough for them, but I think Fulham have the quality to see them through.

Prutton predicts: 0-1 (7/1 with Sky Bet)

Wigan v MK Dons, Saturday 3pm

Wigan came undone at Portsmouth on Easter Monday and another slip would be a massive boost to Blackburn and Shrewsbury. They've got games in hand on the sides above them but you can be sure that Paul Cook would rather have the points in the bank.

MK Dons pushed Blackburn close in their last game but they were beaten in the end and that ended their upturn in form under Dan Micciche. They're still in the relegation zone and they badly need a result, but I can't see them getting anything on Saturday.

Prutton predicts: 3-1 (11/1 with Sky Bet)

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Highlights of the Sky Bet League One game between Portsmouth and Wigan

Grimsby v Chesterfield, Saturday 3pm

Now this is a massive game near the foot of the Sky Bet League Two table. Four points separate Grimsby in 22nd and Chesterfield on the other side of the line in 23rd, but the Spireites do have three games in hand on their relegation rivals.

Games in hand are not wins, however, and Grimsby would feel fairly confident that if they could increase that gap to seven. But Michael Jolley's side have been on a dreadful run and I fancy Chesterfield to nick this one.

Prutton predicts: 0-1 (15/2 ith Sky Bet)

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