Monday 22 April 2019 15:10, UK
David Prutton returns with his Sky Bet EFL predictions ahead of the Easter Monday fixtures, but who is he tipping for victory?
Dean Smith struggled to get the best of this Villa side when he took over in October, but in the last few months, he's taken them from mid-table mediocrity to fifth in the Championship table, aided by a the club-record equalling nine-match winning streak they are currently in the midst of.
The Lions - who do still have a game in hand - are fighting for their lives at the other end of the standings and will be a tough nut to crack. I think Villa will win comfortably, though, and set a new club record in the process.
Prutton predicts: 2-0 (7/1 with Sky Bet)
We've spoken all too many times, over the past five years or so, about Derby's constant ability to scupper their chances of promotion to the Premier League for the first time since the 2007/08 season, but this time I think Frank Lampard has led them to a point where they really are in with a shout.
That said, they are struggling to string wins together and haven't won more than one game in succession since early December. They should have enough at Pride Park, though.
Prutton predicts: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
I can hardly take our eyes off the battle for second in the Championship at the moment and, even at this stage, I can't choose between Leeds and the Blades to - seemingly - join Norwich in the automatic promotion spots.
Chris Wilder's side have wobbled against both Birmingham and Millwall in recent weeks, but though the Tigers' play-off hopes seem to have now faded, I can see the two sides sharing the spoils at the KCOM Stadium.
Prutton predicts: 1-1 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
Rotherham battled incredibly hard in their 4-3 defeat to Swansea last time out, and that's the thing about Paul Warne's squad; what they lack in star quality, they make up for with their unbreakable fighting break.
The recent nine-point deduction affect imposed upon Garry Monk's men has done little to affect some brilliant performances, though I just have a feeling the Millers - who are three points from safety ahead of kick-off - will sneak a valuable win.
Prutton predicts: 1-0 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
Daniel Farke's men huffed and puffed at times in their 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, but should they beat the Potters and both Leeds and Sheffield United lose on Monday, the Canaries will clinch the Championship title with two games to spare.
Stoke fans will be desperate to see the end of this season after a frustrating season of consolidation. Nathan Jones has previously stated his intent to create an atmosphere similar to the one he built at Luton, but that's for next season, and I can't see them taking anything here.
Prutton predicts: 1-2 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
This should be a cracker to finish off a packed weekend of EFL action. Leeds will be desperate to better, or at least match, Sheffield United's result after their shock defeat to Wigan at Elland Road on Good Friday, and despite Brentford's formidable home record this season, they have little to play for.
The Whites haven't won at Griffin Park since August 1950, but I'm backing them to take all three points on this occasion.
Prutton predicts: 1-2 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
There's no stopping Pompey at the moment - they've won seven games in succession in all competitions, and still have designs on beating Barnsley and Sunderland to automatic promotion in the four games they still have to play.
Amid their off-field issues, the Sky Blues are ticking along nicely, and I think they could be the side to halt the stunning run Kenny Jackett's side are on.
Prutton predicts: 2-2 (16/1 with Sky Bet)
Mansfield can tighten their grip on second with a win in this game at Boundary Park, but don't write off the Latics; there are still eight teams in with a chance of taking that final play-off spot in League Two. This will be a tight one.
Prutton predicts: 0-1 (13/2 with Sky Bet)
Blackburn vs Bolton: 1-1 (7/1)
Ipswich vs Swansea: 1-1 (6/1)
Nottingham Forest vs Middlesbrough: 0-1 (13/2)
Reading vs West Brom: 1-1 (11/2)
Sheffield Wednesday vs Bristol City: 2-2 (12/1)
Wigan vs Preston: 1-1 (11/2)
