Middlesbrough could get caught in a flap by new-look Owls

Middlesbrough v Sheffield Wednesday

Christmas came early in the eyes of some Sheffield Wednesday fans when unpopular manager Jos Luhukay parted company with the club on Friday, ending a largely unsuccessful 11 month spell in charge.

Wednesday responded with a 1-0 victory at home to Preston and can add at least another point when taking on fourth-placed Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

Boro are the warm odds-on favourites but are hard to trust because they do not score enough goals.

Their league tally of 25 is the fifth-lowest in the Championship and the lowest among the top 18 clubs.

Tony Pulis is planning a January recruitment drive but in the meantime Boro will attempt to grind out victories, in the manner of Saturday's 1-0 success at Reading.

That win was Boro's first in six games but the performance was ordinary and will not have struck fear into the hearts of Wednesday players.

The Owls are playing with a bit more freedom and belief since the end of the old regime and that is bad news for Boro, who have gone three home games without a win.

Recommendation
Sheffield Wednesday or draw double chance
2pts 6-4 general

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Preston v Hull

Hull are having their best spell of the season and can stretch their unbeaten sequence to six by beating Preston at Deepdale.

Heading into December the Tigers were in the relegation zone but they have responded with three wins and a draw which have lifted them eight points clear.

They came from behind to win 3-2 at home to Swansea on Saturday – scoring three second half goals in an amazing 11-minute spell – and should be targeting another victory against Preston, who are struggling with an injury crisis.

Seven of North End's first team squad were unavailable for Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, including eight-goal top scorer Callum Robinson.

Recommendation
Hull draw no bet
2pts 13-8 Betfred, Hills, Sky Bet

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Norwich v Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have sustained just one defeat in 11 Championship away games this season and their resilient streak could deny second-placed Norwich maximum points at Carrow Road.

Automatic promotion looks a real possibility for Norwich, who have dropped just four points in their last ten games.

But the Canaries have lost three of their four home games against top-ten teams and may find it hard to break down Forest, who are well set up to play on the road.

Forest have visited three of the top six teams, claiming two draws and a win, and can secure at least a point.

Recommendation
Nottingham Forest or draw double chance
2pts 10-11 bet365, Betway

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Scunthorpe v Luton

Second-placed Luton are flying in Sky Bet League One, winning six league games in succession, and look worthy odds-on favourites to defeat Scunthorpe at Glanford Park.

The Hatters are the highest scorers in the division with 45 goals and have the best goal difference (plus 23).

They should have far too much quality for Scunny, who have lost their last six games and scored just one goal in the process.

Recommendation
Luton
3pts 7-10 bet365

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Oxford v Southend

All of Oxford's six League One victories this season have come at the Kassam Stadium and another home success is on the cards against Southend.

Karl Robinson's free-scoring side have netted 15 goals in their last six games and will be on a high after scoring an injury-time equaliser in Saturday's 2-2 draw at promotion-chasing Doncaster.

They have an easier task against Southend, who have lost six of their last eight league matches.

Recommendation
Oxford
3pts 21-20 Coral

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Burton v Wycombe

Ninth-placed Wycombe will be delighted with their first half of the season in League One and can cement top-ten status by beating Burton at the Pirelli Stadium.

The Chairboys surprisingly lost 2-1 at home to basement boys Wimbledon on Saturday, ending a five-match unbeaten run. But they have a great chance to bounce back against the Brewers, who have lost four of their last five league fixtures.

Recommendation
Wycombe draw no bet
2pts 7-4 general

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

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