Gradel expected to score to continue Leeds' impressive form

The Foxes have secured their best results on their own pitch, including the 5-1 drubbing of Doncaster a fortnight ago.

Midfielder Andy King is in fine goalscoring form and they have plenty of experience in attack with the additions of Roman Bednar and Darius Vassell. However, it is Leeds that have the momentum after putting together a superb run of results since the 4-0 home defeat to Cardiff.

Unbeaten in eight games, Simon Grayson's side have risen to second place and will be full of confidence following the 2-0 win over leaders QPR last week.

They are the better bet at 11-4, while there is certainly some mileage in backing Max Gradel to score at any time.

The pacy frontman has scored in four of the last five away games, helping United to remain unbeaten in that time.

Doncaster Rovers' fans received the best Christmas present they could hope for when manager Sean O'Driscoll turned down the chance to become Sheffield United's new boss in order to continue his excellent work at the Keepmoat.

On Sunday, they visit Derby County, who have hit a slump with a run of four straight defeats. However, the Rams are the top home scorers in the division while Rovers have one of the worst away defensive records.

It all points to plenty of opportunities for Derby's leading scorer Kris Commons to add to his 12 league goals for the season.

Burnley's inability to win away from home is costing them dear and Barnsley will hope to capitalise when the two teams meet at Oakwell.

The Tykes continue to do well at home where they have kept three clean sheets on the bounce, but they might have to settle for a draw from this game.

Sheffield United are clear favourites to beat Hull City at Bramall Lane, but it is the visitors who have been more difficult to beat lately and they arrive protecting a six-game unbeaten run. Indeed, the Tigers have lost only one of their last eight away games, making them worthy of a small interest here.

With Sheffield Wednesday not in action due to the adverse weather conditions, Huddersfield Town have the opportunity to move above them and into the automatic promotion places if they can beat Hartlepool at the Galpharm.

Huddersfield will be well supported to win this one based on league position alone, but Hartlepool's away record makes for impressive reading.

With four wins and only three defeats on the road, Pools have the best away defensive record, conceding just six goals in 10 games.

Breaking down that resolute defence is Huddersfield's challenge, but even after seven wins in eight home games it's a game to avoid adding to your festive coupon.

The best bets from a packed football league boxing day fixture list

Leicester v Leeds – Gradel to score

Barnsley v Burnley – Draw

Derby County v Doncaster Rovers – Commons to score

Barnsley v Burnley

Barnsley 6-4; Burnley 7-4; Draw 12-5

Derby v Doncaster

Derby Evens; Doncaster 11-4; Draw 12-5

Leicester v Leeds

Leicester Evens; Leeds 11-4; Draw 12-5

Sheffield United v Hull

Sheff Utd Evens; Hull 11-4; Draw 12-5

Huddersfield v Hartlepool

Huddersfield 4-6; Hartlepool 9-2; Draw 13-5