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Prutton’s Christmas predictions
- Updated: December 22, 2016
Fresh from his exploits covering 10 in 10, Sky Sports’ David Prutton returns to offer his predictions ahead of the busy EFL festive period.
Sky Bet Championship leaders Newcastle host Sheffield Wednesday in a tasty encounter on Boxing Day evening at St. James’ Park, with Rafa Benitez’s side looking to strengthen their bid to finish the year top of the table.
The action keeps on coming thick and fast as Brighton look to keep pace with the Magpies when they host QPR in the following day’s early kick-off, before Derby host Birmingham to complete our live festive offering.
But who is Prutton backing to give their fans some festive cheer? Here are the Sky Sports pundit’s Christmas predictions…
Newcastle v Sheffield Wednesday – Boxing Day, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 1 HD
It’s still undecided whether Jonjo Shelvey can feature before his five-game ban kicks into action so he could be available. But Newcastle enter the game having won four of their last five and they’ve got the depth of squad to fill the gap if Shelvey doesn’t feature.
Dwight Gayle has absolutely been on fire while Mohamed Diame will no doubt want to leave his mark before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations. Having said that, I feel Wednesday have the resilience to go to St. James’ Park and get something.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-2, Dwight Gayle first goalscorer (Sky Bet odds 50/1)
Brighton v Queens Park Rangers – Dec 27, 12.30pm, Sky Sports 1 HD
QPR’s game against Villa was decided by the brilliance of Kodjia but they were very much in the game. That’s been the general theme since Ian Holloway took charge; they do compete in games, they’ve just been lacking the clinical nature.
They come up against a Brighton team who are clinical, and some. They had the quality to edge past Birmingham, Anthony Knockaert and Glenn Murray with the goals. That will be an important theme I see continuing at the Amex.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-0, Glenn Murray first goalscorer (Sky Bet odds 13/1)
Derby v Birmingham – Dec 27, 3pm, Sky Sports 1 HD
This is another home win for me. Derby drew against Fulham but that was enough to extend their unbeaten run to eight games. Gianfranco Zola has had a few more days …
