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David Prutton's EFL predictions: Newcastle to beat Reading

David Prutton

David Prutton returns with his Sky Bet EFL predictions as the promotion race hots up in the Championship.

Newcastle put one foot in the Premier League with a huge victory over Huddersfield on Saturday - they'll look to build on that result away at play-off chasing Reading while Brighton will be expected to beat basement boys Rotherham and third-place Huddersfield take on Aston Villa.

So who's Prutton tipping? Read on to find out...

Reading v Newcastle (Tuesday, 8pm)

I tipped Brighton to beat Newcastle and Newcastle won. I tipped Huddersfield to beat Newcastle and Newcastle won. Sorry Toon fans, I'm tipping Newcastle this time as they look like champions.

They don't need to have the ball to win matches - they had 24 per cent possession but still won 3-1 at Huddersfield. Rafa's team are very comfortable without the ball and allowing the opposition to dominate the ball. Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey interchange very well in the central position, which makes it hard for the opposition.

It's games like this at this time of the season where champions win.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Huddersfield and Newcastle

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

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Rotherham v Brighton (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

It's a must win for Brighton if they're serious about going up automatically. Forest were very game against Brighton on Saturday and Christ Hughton's men couldn't deal with it. It was an aberration of a performance as David Stockldale also made an uncharacteristic error. Rotherham have been fighting an uphill battle all season. Hughton may be softly spoken but he'll be making sure in no uncertain terms that this is where Brighton get back to winning ways.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Nottingham Forest and Brighton

Prutton predicts: 0-2 (11/2 with Sky Bet)

Huddersfield v Aston Villa (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

I felt for Huddersfield against Newcastle. A couple of big calls went against them, especially the penalty where Nahki Wells didn't mean to clip Matt Ritchie. I fancy them to have too much pace and creativity for Villa, who will have a totally different proposition than they faced against Rotherham on Saturday.

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

Sheff Wed v Burton (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

For however bad Wednesday were against Leeds, they were fantastic against Norwich and must have taken plenty of confidence from that victory, where they scored some amazing goals. When all the big-game players click, there aren't many better teams in this division. Will they click here? I think so. Home win.

Prutton predicts: 3-0 (10/1 with Sky Bet)

Fulham v Leeds (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

If Leeds win at Fulham then I'd think their almost home and hosed for the play-offs. It would be a massive result and I think they can do it. Psychologically it would be a huge stepping stone for the squad.

Leeds can win games in an un-sexy fashion, like they did at Birmingham. It won't be easy against one of the best footballing teams in the division, but Chris Wood could just make the difference.

Prutton predicts: 1-2 (12/1 with Sky Bet)

Leeds United's Chris Wood celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at St Andrews, Birmingham.
Image: Chris Wood can make the difference at Fulham, says David Prutton

Derby v Preston (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

Preston achieve greater than the sum of their parts and Derby have some talented individuals but constantly underachieve. There are similarities between Derby and Aston Villa. They both should be in a much more advanced position than they currently are. The draw looks the call here.

Prutton predicts: 2-2 (16/1 with Sky Bet)

Bristol City v Norwich (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

City are one of a cluster of teams that are in serious danger of falling through the trap door. Lee Johnson has got enough in his locker to get them out of trouble, especially with the experience they have with Lee Tomlin and Gary O'Neil. Their whole focus now will be trying to get over the line. This will be a tough test though against Norwich, who are bound to react after their defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich

Prutton predicts: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

Ipswich v Wolves (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

This won't be the prettiest of games. Ipswich have drawn their last four games 1-1 and it could be five on the spin against a Wolves team who need to get moving up the table. They'll be looking to hold onto their Championship status by the skin of their teeth.

Prutton predicts: 1-1 (9/2 with Sky Bet)

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