Friday 6 January 2017 20:29, UK
David Prutton returns with his weekend predictions in the Sky Bet League One and League Two as the Championship takes a break for the FA Cup.
There are 11 fixtures across the two leagues this weekend with plenty of representation in the cup competition, but there are still mouthwatering fixtures to be had.
League One leaders Sheffield United can extend their lead at the top as they travel to Southend with fellow promotion chasers Bradford and Scunthorpe also in action against Chesterfield and Bury respectively.
In League Two, current third place side Carlisle welcome Colchester - who themselves can sneak into the play-off places with a victory - while Notts County will be looking to pull away from the relegation places as they travel to Morecambe.
But who is Sky Sports pundit Prutton tipping for glory this weekend? Read on to see his tips for every Sky Bet EFL game this weekend...
They've been the draw specialists in recent weeks, Bradford. I think the addition of Alex Jones from Birmingham, who did well on loan at Port Vale, is a good one.
It's an addition that makes them, from an attacking point of view alongside Jordy Hiwula, very potent. For me it's a home win.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-0
After Northampton lost to Sheffield United and Bradford, and Bristol Rovers beating Wimbledon and then losing at Charlton, I think the hosts here had a better winter period.
With the Cobblers losing three on the bounce I'm going for a Bristol Rovers win.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-1
Inconsistent is probably the best way to describe Scunny in recent weeks, they seem to win, lose, draw then win, lose, draw.
I think this is where they return to winning ways, and although Bury are desperate for a win of some sorts, I just can't see them going to Scunny and getting anything.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-0
This will be an intriguing match-up. Southend are unbeaten in 13 in League One, obviously coming off the back of three draws, and look decent.
I do think Sheffield United have got into the kind of form that shows why they are top of the table, especially with that resilience they have got, going 1-0 down against Bury and then winning 3-1.
As good as Southend have been, I just think the Blades will be stronger.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 1-2
Again, two teams that aren't exactly flying high. Former Liverpool man Lawrence Vigouroux in the Swindon goal was in fine form in the draw against Southend, and I think his side will come out on top with a win.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-1
Colchester are flying, unbeaten in seven, but Carlisle are a good team. Their defeat by Grimsby last time out was their first defeat at home, which shows how well they've done this season.
And in Charlie Whyke, who has 12 goals, they've got someone capable of scoring too. I'm going for a high-scoring draw.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-2
It's a tough one for Hartlepool. Getting that late leveller against Accrington gives them a level of confidence going into this game, but I think in Grimsby, when you've got a player flying like Omar Bogle... it's an away win.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 0-2
It's another tough one for Orient after getting thumped 4-0 by Exeter. And with Barnet coming off the back of a 1-0 win over Plymouth, yes you'll get these two sides going into the game at different ends of the spectrum in a confidence point of view, but in a motivational point of view they're probably in the same place.
Orient will want a reaction, Barnet will want to keep the form going, but for me it smacks of an away win.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 1-3
Crewe are another team coming off the back of a good defensive display against Morecambe to earn a draw, while Mansfield beat Blackpool after five without a win under Steve Evans. I'm going for another draw here.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-2
I just think with Notts County, after John Sheridan was sacked and Alan Smith was put in caretaker charge, they might just get that 'new manager' bounce.
He's been around and knows the players, there could be that close-knit tightness about them. They need to get some form of season on track otherwise they are in trouble.
I've got a feeling they can go to Morecambe and get something, even though the odds are against them.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 1-2
Again two teams that aren't exactly in the rudest of health. Newport very much struggling - having lost their last seven in the league - and Stevenage are coming off the back of a couple of defeats.
But Stevenage will have too much for the visitors here.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-0
