Forest can find their scoring boots again to beat QPR

EFL picks, 3pm Saturday

Nottingham Forest v QPR

Promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest have gone two Sky Bet Championship games without scoring for the first time this season but there was a lot to like about their performance in a 0-0 draw at Derby on Monday and they can follow up by beating QPR at the City Ground.

Just four points separate the clubs but Forest look more likely to contest a top-six finish in the spring.

They invested heavily in the summer and it took a while for their new-look squad to settle down.

But their last 15 games have yielded 27 points, including eye-catching successes at Middlesbrough (2-0) and at home to Sheffield United (1-0).

Aitor Karanka's side went close to another notable victory at Derby, where they created the better chances.

Winger Joe Lolley looked a huge threat against the Rams but it was a quieter night for 14-goal striker Lewis Grabban, the division's top scorer.

The pair will be the main dangers to QPR, who have done extremely well to shrug off a miserable start to the season – four straight defeats – and haul themselves into mid-table.

Normally a team in their position – just five points outside the top six – would be eyeing up a promotion push but QPR are more likely to focus on the 12-point gap between themselves and the drop zone.

They are under a transfer embargo in January so are more vulnerable than most if the busy Christmas and New Year period takes a toll on the squad.

All of their last four victories have come at Loftus Road and their recent struggles on the road - four without a win – are set to continue.

Recommendation
Nottingham Forest
2pts 11-10 bet365, Betfred, 188Bet

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Crawley v Carlisle

Mid-table Carlisle have the third-best away record in Sky Bet League Two and another successful road trip is on the cards when the Cumbrians take on Crawley at Broadfield Stadium.

Since the end of October, Carlisle have been no lower than 16th and no higher than tenth and they will need greater consistency to push towards the playoffs.

However, manager Jon Sheridan will have been hugely encouraged by last Saturday's 4-0 success at home to Colchester, their best performance of the season.

They were also 4-0 victors at Swindon last month, showing a clinical edge in a game where they lost the shot count eight to six.

But the display against Colchester was far more convincing with Carlisle outclassing their highflying opponents in all departments.

The players should have taken lots of confidence out of the game and have an easier task against Crawley, who have been on the slide over the last two months (losing seven of nine games) and are without suspended top scorer Ollie Palmer.

Recommendation
Carlisle
2pts 5-4 bet365

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Blackpool v Barnsley

Barnsley have slipped out of the top six in Sky Bet League One after no win in their last four league games but can reaffirm their promotion credentials by beating Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

Every team has a dip during a 46-game season but Barnsley looked to be coming out of their mini-slump when drawing 1-1 at home to leaders Portsmouth last Saturday.

The Tykes came from behind to secure a point and probably should have taken all three after playing most of the game on the front foot and winning the shot-count 18 to nine.

Eighth-placed Blackpool are only two points below Barnsley but the game comes at a tough time.

On Tuesday they needed extra-time to complete a 3-2 victory at home to National League side Solihull Moors in an FA Cup second-round replay.

Consequently they might be carrying a few tired legs and minds going into a very demanding fixture.

Recommendation
Barnsley
2pts 13-10 bet365

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Southend v Rochdale

Southend overcame an injury crisis to win 3-0 at home to Accrington last Saturday but their threadbare squad could be exposed by Rochdale at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers numbers are boosted by the availability of centre-back Michael Turner but they are still without key trio Harry Bunn, Jason Demetriou and Ben Coker.

Dale are five points worse off but have only lost four of 11 away Sky Bet League One games this season and can take at least a point from their trip to the Essex coast.

Recommendation
Rochdale +0.25 on Asian handicap
2pts 10-11 188bet

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Read every day for no-nonsense previews and expert sports betting tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport