With Coventry City not playing until Monday, this weekend's betting preview focuses on the Football League, with some tempting prices courtesy of Sky Bet…
Coventry City take on high-flying Swindon Town at the Ricoh Arena on Monday night, therefore the stage is set for the Sky Blues' League One rivals to showcase their talents on Saturday.Aside from the Sky Blues, there is a full fixture programme on Saturday in League One, alongside some eagerly anticipated match ups across the divisions.
In the Championship it is second versus third in the early kick-off as Ipswich Town host Derby County. Both teams are pushing hard for promotion and are looking to turn up the heat on leaders Bournemouth.
Mick McCarthy's men have been stellar at home, conceding only seven goals and losing just once, whilst the Rams have scored the most goals outside of Bournemouth away from home.
However Steve McLaren's side have faltered recently, losing four out of their last five away games. The Tractor Boys are priced at 6/4, a price too big to ignore as they look to top the Championship table.
In League One all eyes are on Bramall Lane, as Sheffield United take on Preston North End in a crucial clash. Both teams have narrowly missed out in the play-offs in recent seasons and have been established Championship teams in the past.
The Blades' home form has been sketchy at best, easily the worst in the top six, scoring only 12 goals as well in the process. In contrast the Lilywhites boast the second best away form in the league and could go level on points with the current leaders Swindon with a win.
Simon Grayson's men are 2/1 to get the job done away from Deepdale again; expect them to do so and back them at a extremely tempting price.
In League Two, Southend face Plymouth with both teams on the fringes of the play-offs and looking to get a foothold in the top seven.
So far the Pilgrims have struggled on their long away days, winning only three times and scoring a paltry eight goals. The Shrimpers meanwhile have conceded just five goals at Roots Hall and are a team more than the sum of their parts, with ten different players scoring this season.
You can still get over evens for Southend to take all three points on Saturday, with SkyBet offering 11/10. At that price, it looks like the perfect way to boost your returns on those accumulators.
In a new feature, our resident Sky Blues Tipster will be placing a £10 bet on his Hot tip, as well as £10 to place on his long shot. We will be tracking his profits (or losses!) over the course of the season so you can see where you would be if you followed his tips!
The Tipster was unsuccessful in both his last attempts. After a Christmas break, can he get back to winning ways?
Winnings To date:
Hot Tip: Profit: £7.50
Longshot: Profit: £85.74
Combined Profit: £93.24
Hot tip:
Ipswich to beat Derby - 6/4
Preston to beat SheffieldUnited - 2-1
Southend to beat Plymouth - 11/10
£10 returns £157.50
Long Shot:
Birmingham to beat Wigan - 13/10
Brentford to beat Rotherham - 14/5
Barnsley to beat Yeovil - 7/5
Burton to beat Mansfield - 5/6
Newport County to beat Portsmouth - 21/20
£10 to return £373.43