SkyBet: Expect Tigers to maintain push and Blades heading for drop

The Tigers are still relying on a slip from Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, but with four games left to play they are very much in the mix.

Few would have thought it possible after the start they made to the season, but a record-breaking unbeaten away run has propelled them up the table.

Only their struggles in front of their own supporters have held them back, but they were 3-1 winners over Doncaster last weekend and now face another side who have difficulty keeping a clean sheet.

Boro were unbeaten in seven games until their 3-1 collapse at Burnley in midweek and they appear to have eased off now they are safe from the threat of relegation.

Sheffield United’s relegation will not be confirmed today, although expect the Blades to drop into League One regardless of the outcome of their meeting with Bristol City.

Wins over Nottingham Forest and Leeds are now a distant memory because of a run of four straight defeats, including the crushing 3-1 reverse at Preston last weekend.

Micky Adams must now look to next season, which won’t include facing players of the calibre of Nicky Maynard.

Back the City striker to score at Bramall Lane.

Watford were involved in another high-scoring game last week against Leeds, although punters had to wait until the final 20 minutes for all four goals in their 2-2 draw.

Only United’s games have produced more goals than Watford’s, so expect more action when Barnsley visit Vicarage Road.

Walsall’s battle to avoid relegation from League One is leading to plenty of drama at the Banks’s Stadium.

Promoted Brighton won 3-1 by the M6 last weekend, a result which followed 5-2 and 3-2 wins for the Saddlers over Hartlepool and Brentford – two teams not renowned for conceding goals. Sheffield Wednesday are the visitors today and will fancy their chances of finding the net against a nervy defence, but it should be an open game with plenty of chances. Take both teams to score.

Accrington Stanley had been in tremendous goalscoring form at the Crown Ground prior to last weekend’s goalless draw with Oxford, scoring at least three goals in each of their six previous home games.

With promotion still a real possibility for John Coleman’s side, they should be well backed when they take on Bradford.

Keep an eye out for Stanley’s Phil Edwards, scorer of 11 penalties this season, including one at Valley Parade in November.

This weekend’s best bets...

Hull to beat Middlesbrough;

Sheff Utd v Bristol City – Nicky Maynard to score;

Watford v Barnsley – Over 3.5 Goals;

Sheffield Wednesday to beat Walsall – Over 2.5 Goals;

Accrington v Bradford – Phil Edwards to score.