Nott'm Forest vs. Barnsley (Monday, 3.00pm)
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Relegation-threatened Barnsley travel to The City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest on Monday afternoon in the pair's first football action of 2022.
The visitors are above only the troubled Derby County and are on a long winless run, but the hosts themselves have lost two on the bounce.
We say: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Barnsley
With the return of Yates in defence and a point to prove at the other end of the pitch - after failing to score from 23 attempts against Huddersfield - we are backing the hosts to return to winning ways on Monday and to further deepen Barnsley's relegation troubles.
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Reading vs. Derby (Monday, 3.00pm)
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Reading welcome Derby County to the Madejski Stadium for a Championship relegation battle with a twist on Monday afternoon.
The hosts have slipped down the table after a poor run of form and then a spell with no games, whilst the visitors attempt to continue their recovery from two points deductions.
We say: Reading 1-1 Derby County
Reading are probably the stronger side on paper but will have to overcome some ring rustiness after such an extended break between games. Derby are also playing well and look determined to pull off the impossible this season, so on this occasion we are backing a tight game ending in a score draw.
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Stoke vs. Preston (Monday, 3.00pm)
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Stoke City play host to Preston North End on Monday afternoon looking for the victory that they require to remain within close proximity of the Championship playoffs.
Meanwhile, Preston make the trip to the bet365 Stadium having not played for three weeks, their last fixture taking place against Barnsley on December 11.
We say: Stoke City 2-1 Preston North End
Stoke failed to hit the ground running on their return to action against Derby, and we feel that the same could occur with Preston on Monday. While a competitive game should still play out in the Potteries, Stoke's extra sharpness may prove crucial.
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Barney Corkhill
