As Sunday approaches, football enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting day of EFL action, with several key matches set to kick off from midday. This weekend’s slate features significant encounters, and several bets stand out as particularly promising.
In the Championship clash, Birmingham will host Coventry City, where a draw is anticipated at odds of 12-5 in general markets. Coventry, currently sitting at the top of the league table, has shown some vulnerability lately, managing only two wins in their last seven matches. After being held to a 1-1 draw against Charlton on New Year’s Day, the Sky Blues may be feeling the pressure. Meanwhile, Birmingham is also struggling, having not secured a win in their last seven outings, including a 3-0 loss to Watford. Birmingham, however, has performed well at home, accumulating 23 points from 12 games and drawing their last three home matches.
In another fixture, Norwich City will welcome Stoke City to Carrow Road at 3 PM. Norwich, while still in the relegation zone, has seen a recent uplift with three wins in their last five games, boosting their hopes of survival. A victory here would be significant as they prevailed 2-1 against QPR on New Year’s Day. Stoke City, despite a recent win against Hull, has struggled on the road, experiencing a series of defeats prior to their trip to Hull and losing all of their last four matches at Norwich.
Reading will face Stockport County in what promises to be a crucial matchup for both teams. Reading has shown promising form, gaining ten points from their last four matches and remains tough to beat at home. On the other hand, Stockport’s recent performance has been disappointing, with their manager lamenting their lack of quality following a goalless draw with Northampton.
Lastly, Rotherham will be up against Mansfield Town. Rotherham’s nine-game winless run, which includes six straight defeats, puts them hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. In sharp contrast, Mansfield has been on a roll, securing three consecutive victories and climbing to tenth in the table. Rotherham’s manager, Matt Hamshaw, is under pressure and will need a turnaround quickly.
Additionally, for those looking to place first goalscorer bets, Anis Mehmeti from Bristol City is an appealing option against Preston, priced at 5-1 with bet365. Mehmeti has shown his scoring prowess with eight goals in 25 appearances this season.
These EFL matches promise thrilling action and potential betting opportunities, and fans are hopeful for surprising twists as the league continues to develop.