EFL: Steve Davies's best Saturday football bets

Oxford v AFC Wimbledon

The Crazy Gang spirit has helped AFC Wimbledon hoist themselves towards Sky Bet League One safety but there could well be a bump in the road at another in-form side, Oxford.

Wally Downes’ men, who were tailed off not so long ago, have taken 20 points from ten matches and are now just a point away from salvation.

Only a handful of sides in the third tier are in better form – but one of those is Oxford.

They, too, were in trouble but a run of seven wins from eight have sent United soaring into mid-table.

Last weekend they won 3-1 at Walsall despite finishing the game with nine men. Marcus Browne’s absence is a blow though Jerome Sinclair, an excellent addition to Karl Robinson’s side, will come in.

The Dons have been riding their luck a little. Last Saturday they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Accrington, who missed a penalty and dominated the game.

Recommendation
Oxford United
2pts 11-10 bet365

Middlesbrough v Hull

There’s any amount of unease on Teesside where Boro diehards have seen their Sky Bet Championship promotion hopes take a pounding in recent weeks.

Tuesday night’s 2-0 win at a wretched Bolton at least stemmed the bleeding – they had lost six in a row before that – but Middlesbrough may well struggle to see off a resurgent Hull at a toxic Riverside.

There is just a point between the teams but they are poles apart in terms of body language, confidence and support with the Tigers holding all the aces.

Tony Pulis has lost his skipper George Friend to injury and he lost the club’s fans months ago, while Hull have won three in a row and are unbeaten in four.

Recommendation
Hull draw no bet
1pt 2-1 bet365

Sky Bet League Two standings

Scunthorpe v Burton

Only Rochdale have shipped more goals than Scunthorpe who have plunged into relegation trouble in Sky Bet League One.

Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Shrewsbury means they have gone nine games without a clean sheet and only one victory in that run.

That’s not the kind of form which will encourage the Iron at home to Burton, who have had a splendid week with a 3-1 win over Barnsley followed by a 1-1 draw at Sunderland. They have lost just twice in the league in the last three months.

The Albion strike force of Lukas Akins and Liam Boyce will need dealing with and it won’t help that experienced Scunny right-back Tony McMahon is out after picking up an injury against the Shrews.

Recommendation
Burton
1pt 6-4 Betway

Sunderland v Coventry

For a side who rarely get beaten, Sunderland are making ludicrously hard work of banking the second promotion spot in League One.

Jack Ross’s men are unbeaten in the league since a 3-1 reverse at Portsmouth in December. Of the subsequent 19 matches, though, they have drawn ten, including last time out at home to Burton.

They have had to come from behind in five of their last six to get anything from those games and the whole thing is a real struggle.

Teams seem to relish going to the Stadium of Light and frustrating the Wearsiders and that’s what Coventry are capable of doing.

Cov have lost only two of their last 11 and are unbeaten in five on their travels which includes trips to Luton and Barnsley.

Recommendation
Coventry & draw double chance
1pt 11-10 bet365

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport