Countdown to Kick-Off: late football betting and team news

Stoke v Reading

Stoke are not bulldozing through teams but they have made themselves tough to beat under Nathan Jones and have not lost any of their last six Sky Bet Championship encounters.

Benik Afobe is on the bench after nursing a hamstring complaint, but the hosts can call on Sam Vokes, who starts after returning from injury, and they should have enough to see off sorry Reading.

The Royals, who were hammered at home by Leeds on Tuesday, are without midfielder Ovie Ejaria and key striker Nelson Oliveira (hamstring).

Recommendation
Stoke
2pts 5-6 Betfred

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Sheffield Wednesday v Blackburn

Sheffield Wednesday have not lost since Steve Bruce took the reins and he can build on his record of four wins and five draws from nine matches with a Championship victory over Blackburn.

The visitors are missing regular starters Charlie Mulgrew (hamstring) and Amari'i Bell.

The Owls are further boosted by Sam Winnall making his first start since August 2017 and they can inflict a third defeat in four matches on Tony Mowbray's out-of-sorts side.

Recommendation
Sheffield Wednesday
1pt 21-20 Betfred, Coral, Sky Bet

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

MK Dons v Stevenage

A 2-0 win over Swindon last time out was Stevenage's only clean sheet in their last six matches and their permeable defence could be breached by a returning MK Dons marksman.

Kieran Agard notched twice after coming off the bench in Tuesday's defeat to Morecambe and, having come into the starting 11 for this clash, he looks a value bet to score first.

Agard has 18 league strikes and has found the net in three of his last four starts.

Recommendation
K Agard to score first
0.5pt each-way 9-2 BoyleSports

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

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