Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Dan Childs: Home form gives Rams hope

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Dan Childs's EFL predictions

Derby vs Sheffield United predictions

Derby and Sheffield United are two sizeable Championship clubs with very different aspirations for the remainder of the season. 

The Rams are 22nd and facing up to a relegation scrap whereas second-placed United have automatic promotion in their sights – but their meeting at Pride Park on Saturday could throw up a surprising result.

Staying up was always going to be the challenge for Derby but they had been going about their business quite nicely until a recent run of six successive defeats which has plunged them into the drop zone.

Rams manager Paul Warne is doing his best to strengthen his squad and saw his latest signing, Norwegian striker Lars-Jorgen Salvesen, score on debut in last weekend's 2-1 loss at Cardiff.

The last few days of the transfer window could have a major impact on Derby's survival hopes, but Warne's immediate focus will be on beating Sheffield United.

Six of Derby's seven league wins have come on home soil, including notable victories over top-six hopefuls Middlesbrough and West Brom, and the Rams may be facing the Blades at an opportune moment.

Chris Wilder's visitors delivered one of their worst performances of the season in last Friday's 3-0 home defeat to Hull and are still looking stretched in key areas, with Ollie Arblaster and Kieffer Moore injured and Gus Hamer suspended.

Hamer's drive and quality were sorely missed against the Tigers and his absence could open the door for Derby to snap their losing streak.

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Reading vs Bolton predictions

Steven Schumacher has been charged with overseeing Bolton's bid for promotion in the second half of the campaign and the Trotters can begin life under the 40-year-old with victory at top-six rivals Reading.

Schumacher, who was appointed on a three-and-a-half-year deal on Thursday, led Plymouth to the League One title two seasons ago but his immediate brief at Bolton is to steer them into the playoff positions.

He inherits a Trotters outfit on an upward curve following victories over Huddersfield and Northampton during Julian Darby's short but successful stint as caretaker manager, and another three points should be achievable against a faltering Reading side who have lost their last three league matches.

The Royals were beaten 3-1 by Stockport in their last home outing and may again come off second-best against a Bolton team eager to impress their new boss.

Wigan vs Lincoln predictions

Lincoln are another side taking aiming at a playoff berth in League One and the Imps can boost their chances with victory at inconsistent Wigan.

The Imps won just once in the third tier during November and December but recent wins over Northampton and Peterborough had given them renewed belief that they could challenge for the top six.

Tuesday's 2-0 loss at home to Blackpool was therefore a disappointment, but it was a tad harsh on Lincoln given the even nature of the contest.

There are still 18 games for Lincoln to improve their position and Saturday's trip to a Wigan side reeling from the recent sale of Thelo Aasgaard to Luton offers them a decent chance of three points.

The Latics got a taste of life without their star man in Tuesday's dismal 1-0 loss at Peterborough and they may not fare any better this weekend.

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Tranmere vs Colchester predictions

Mid-table Colchester have taken seven points from their last three League Two games and can build on their recent improvement at Tranmere on Saturday.

Danny Cowley's side should prove too strong for Rovers, who find themselves embroiled in a relegation fight after taking just one point from their last four fixtures.

Accumulator

Leeds 2-7, Bolton 11-10, Port Vale 17-20, Colchester 29-20
£1 acca returns £12.28 with Hills

First goalscorer

Dan Kemp Stevenage v Exeter
at 13-2 Coral, Ladbrokes

Stevenage's classy attacking midfielder has netted in each of the last three games and can land the first blow against injury-hit Exeter.

Read more EFL tips from our expert team:

Plymouth vs West Brom predictions: Buoyant Baggies can deliver in Devon 

Saturday's 12.30pm EFL tips including Oxford vs Bristol City 

Football accumulator tips for Saturday February 1 

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