Northern De-lights

The festive period is in full swing as Boxing Day football allows those will have overindulged on the big day to sit back, relax & enjoy a number of cracking matches. As usual we've looked through the leagues for the best bets available by searching through the stats & form & think we've found a few beauties this time around. Follow us on Twitter @likebuyingmoney to join in with the discussions & keep up to date with our latest posts.

(Robert Snodgrass has been a constant menace to Championship defences this season)

In the Championship, Derby County host Leeds United at Pride Park. The Rams after an impressive start to the season have fallen down the table in recent months thanks to only two wins in their last 14 league matches; including a run of five straight defeats in a row last month. Their home form this season reads five wins out of eleven matches but it's worth noting that all of these were against sides placed between 14th - 23rd in the league & three of them were in the first couple of months. They haven't kept a clean sheet in the league since September & have only scored six goals in last eight league games. Leeds are currently sat in the last play-off place & are reasonable form with four wins, one draw & three defeats in their last eight league matches. Their away form is in the top 3 of the division with five wins in their 11 games. They are also top scores away from home with 21 goals & have scored at least one goal in 91% of these. They have goal threat from all over the pitch but special mentions to Ross McCormack & Robert Snodgrass who have scored 18 goals between them this season. We feel good travellers Leeds Utd will outscore an average Derby County side & come away with the three points at the tasty price of 8/5 with Ladbrokes.

(Ched Evans has nine goals in his last eight matches - will he be celebrating again?)

On the 27th, live on Skysports, Sheffield United entertain Notts County at Bramall Lane. The Blades sit in 3rd place just below bitter rivals Wednesday whilst Notts County are mid table chasing a play-off place. United's current form is excellent with four league wins in a row & only one defeat in their last ten. Their home record this season reads seven wins, two draws & two defeats against top sides Huddersfield & Charlton in their 11 games. They have scored 38 league goals so far; thanks mainly to in form Ched Evans who has netted eight times & a 13 in all competitions. Visitors Notts County have only one victory in their last eight league games & have lost their last two against Yeovil & Leyton Orient. Whilst their home form is very good, they do struggle on the road with six defeats in their 11 league games which has seen them conceded 18 goals & at least one goal in each of their last nine matches. We feel that Sheffield United will outclass Notts County in their backyard as they look to jump into the automatic places at the best price of 5/6 with Victor Chandler.

Our final selection comes from the Premiership with Martin O'Neill's Sunderland up against Everton at the Stadium of Light. We are expecting a low scoring affair as both sides have struggled all season with only 38 goals between them in their 17 games; Sunderland have 12 in eight home games & Everton have just 8 in seven away games. A typical O'Neill side displays great togetherness, team spirit & are notoriosly sound defensively. All the early signs indicate Sunderland are heading in the right direction & he also seems to have installed confidence in attacking duo Nicklas Bendtner & Stephane Sessegnon. We are keen on Sunderland keeping up their momentum & beating goal shy Everton 2-0 at the odds of 11/1 with William Hill or Coral.

Selections:

Leeds Utd to beat Derby County at 8/5 (Ladbrokes)
Sheffield United to beat Notts County at 5/6 (Victor Chandler)
The above double pays 3.77/1

Sunderland to beat Everton 2-0 at odds of 11/1 (William Hill/Coral)