Monday Football Tips: Expect cards with play-off hopefuls

• Duo desperate for points in play-off push

• Top referee for cards appointed

• Both teams over 1.5 cards the bet

Referee Stroud infamous in the Championship

Time is running out for these two teams as they chase a play-off spot to keep their hopes of a return to the Premier League alive.

With just six games of the Championship season remaining, we're getting into must-win territory for Coventry and Watford, who sit three and six points outside the top six respectively. Easter Monday's showdown should therefore be highly competitive.

That desperate need for points could well lead to cards, especially with Keith Stroud the referee.

Of the officials who have taken charge of at least four matches this season, Stroud leads the Championship for cards per game, producing 5.14 yellows on average. He's also shown four reds in his 28 matches.

The two teams have also been decent for cards too.

Cards are on the.. cards

Watford sit fifth in the division in terms of yellow cards received (81) and while Coventry are actually in the bottom half of that table, they've collected only eight fewer cards.

Over 1.5 cards for each team looks the way to go at around even money.

It's a bet that has landed in nine of Stroud's last 13 matches and 16 of Watford's 19.

Coventry's figures aren't quite as strong - 14 of 23 - but that's still good enough for me to get involved given the referee and the current situation in the Championship table.

Simply use the Bet Builder tool to create the bet, adding 'home team total cards over 1.5' to 'away team total cards over 1.5'.

Read Jack Critchley's preview of Easter Monday's Championship action!