David Prutton returns with his weekend predictions in the Sky Bet EFL
Saturday 28 January 2017 19:15, UK
David Prutton returns with his weekend predictions in the Sky Bet EFL, including Norwich v Birmingham and Reading v Cardiff.
The FA Cup is back this weekend but with matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, we've picked out a selection of clashes for Sky Sports' EFL pundit to cast his eye over.
But who is Prutton tipping for glory this weekend? Read on to see his weekend tips...
Norwich v Birmingham (Saturday, 3pm)
It was a good result for Norwich against Wolves after a tricky period for Alex Neil and his side. For Birmingham, it's just not clicked since Gianfranco Zola took over at the club. Whatever they've tried to do in regards to style of play hasn't quite come to fruition just yet so I think it's a really good time for Norwich to play Birmingham. That's why I think Neil's side can pick up a 2-0 win.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-0 - Sky Bet's odds: 13/2
Preston v Ipswich (Saturday, 3pm)
Preston are doing really well at the moment, beating Brighton and drawing with Aston Villa. It's been a funny old time for Ipswich. They are not travelling too well at the moment and with the way Preston are playing and the confidence they've got, it's going to be a tough place to go, especially after that win against Brighton.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-1 - Sky Bet's odds: 15/2
Reading v Cardiff (Saturday, 3pm)
Reading had a couple of surprising defeats before the Fulham game in midweek, where they were let off the hook by Chris Martin's last-gasp penalty miss. It will be a tough game for Jaap Stam's men against Cardiff. It may be a similar type of game to when QPR went to the Madejski Stadium. Reading saw a lot of the ball and I expect the same against Cardiff, who should expect to do a lot of defending. Cardiff may have lost to Brighton in midweek but they seem a lot more resolute. I feel Neil Warnock's side have got something about them and they can go to Reading and stifle the opposition.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 1-1 - Sky Bet's odds: 5/1
Rotherham v Barnsley (Saturday, 3pm)
It's an absolute exodus at Barnsley unfortunately. They've done so well to be where they are after such a wonderful season last season and they've carried on that momentum into this year. You've got to feel for them a bit, especially from a supporter's point of view. Obviously Sam Winnall's gone, Conor Hourihane and James Bree have gone and others are agitating after moves. From an ambition point of view for a footballer you can understand it but after a real feel-good story at Barnsley, you can't help but feel the next couple of months are going to be tricky for them. The players that are left have really got to pull up their bootstraps and get on with it. However, I can see them going to Rotherham and getting something. They have lost a talisman or two but it may be one of those where the manager pulls the squad together to get a result.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 1-2 - Sky Bet's odds: 17/2
QPR v Burton (Saturday, 3pm)
We spoke to Ian Holloway after QPR's 1-1 draw with Fulham and he seemed a little miffed. Fulham saw a lot of the ball but QPR have a lot more resilience about them since he's been in charge. They are unbeaten in four league games now. For Burton, after so much good work in the first half of the season, the momentum seems to have ground to a halt. It's looking ominous at the moment but there's still a lot to fight for. However, I can't see them going to QPR and getting something, especially with the way Ollie has got them going. QPR are a decent proposition.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-0 - Sky Bet's odds: 15/2
Scunthorpe v Port Vale (Saturday, 3pm)
Scunthorpe are free-scoring and have matched leaders Sheffield United for goals scored They are also very good at home. They have made Glanford Park a tough place for visiting teams to pick up points. Their match against Charlton was postponed and sometimes it can give players a good rest but when the momentum is there, it can disrupt things. It could have an affect but against a Port Vale side that's picked up just seven points on the road this season, I'll still side with Scunthorpe.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-0 - Sky Bet's odds: 11/2
Bolton v Charlton (Saturday, 3pm)
Both teams are coming into this one off the back of postponed games. It will be intriguing to see whether both sides hit the ground running or take some time to get up to speed. Bolton are coming into the back of this one following a defeat to Swindon and I can see Charlton going up to the Macron Stadium and grinding out a draw.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 1-1 - Sky Bet's odds: 5/1
Fleetwood v Southend (Saturday, 3pm)
Fleetwood are flying at the moment, they've won their last four and their performance at Sheffield United was a case of soaking up a lot of pressure, being well organised, defending well and hitting them on the counter-attack. Uwe Rosler seems to have found a way of playing which allows his players to express themselves. This game just feels like a home win. Southend did beat Rochdale last time out but after a postponement and groundsman gate, I'm backing Fleetwood to come out on top.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-0 - Sky Bet's odds: 9/1
Yeovil v Doncaster (Saturday, 3pm)
It's a tough game because it's a hell of a way to travel for Doncaster. They have hit the top and seem to be staying there with the pressure not getting to them just yet. They are comfortable with doing all the running and making the other teams chase. For Yeovil it seems like a season of consolidation as they look to avoid slipping down the leagues further. This one's an away win for me.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 0-1 - Sky Bet's odds: 6/1
Carlisle v Barnet (Saturday, 3pm)
This is one of the closest games you could look to call this weekend. Both teams are coming off the back of draws. With Keith Curle in charge, Carlisle are having the kind of season they've been needing to have for a fair few years. He seems to be getting something out of this team and the winning run they had at the start of the season has set them up nicely in third in the table. However, this is a close game and that will be reflected in the scoreline.
PRUTTON PREICTS: 2-1 - Sky Bet's odds: 6/1
