Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Dan Childs
Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's EFL matches.
When to bet
Matches kick-off at 12.30pm and 3pm on Saturday. Further details below.
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Saturday's best EFL bets
Millwall draw no bet
3pm
3pts 8-11 bet365, BoyleSports
Middlesborough
3pm
2pts 8-13 Hills
Bolton
12.30pm
2pts 10-11 Coral, Hills, Ladbrokes
Colchester draw no bet
12.30pm
2pts 6-5 bet365
Dan Childs's EFL predictions
Millwall vs Sunderland
Millwall have grown accustomed to being a mid-table Championship side but they have shown promotion-chasing potential in recent weeks and can boost their top-six chances by defeating fellow highflyers Sunderland at the Den.
The last five seasons have seen Millwall post finishes ranging from eighth to 13th, which were all reasonable achievements for a club of their size.
However, expectations are starting to rise with the Londoners backing up a strong finish to last term with a promising start to the 2024-25 campaign.
Neil Harris's side are on a seven-match unbeaten run which has included 1-0 wins at home to Burnley and Leeds and they appear to be in excellent shape for the start of the next batch of games with Harris talking about the tough but welcome selection decisions he has to make.
The Lions are looking especially well-stocked in attack with four centre-forwards - Macaulay Langstaff, Mihailo Ivanovic, Josh Coburn and Tom Bradshaw - competing for striking positions.
And they have a deserved reputation for being defensively strong, having conceded only seven goals across their last 13 Championship fixtures.
Millwall are always a tougher proposition on home soil and Sunderland's task is made more difficult by the absences of several important players.
The Black Cats are without suspended duo Jobe Bellingham and Patrick Roberts and their persistently long injury list includes Alan Browne and Romaine Mundle, who were forced off during the 2-2 home draw with Coventry.
Sunderland are unbeaten since the end of September but they have drawn their last three matches and their visit to the capital could bring about a third league loss of the campaign.
Oxford vs Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough were getting performances rather than points from some of their early-season games but they have triumphed in their last two matches and can justify odds-on favouritism against Oxford at the Kassam Stadium.
There is still a disconnect between the metrics and the points tally for Boro, who remain outside of the playoff places despite being second best on expected goals for and against data.
However, Michael Carrick's side approached the international break with impressive wins away to QPR (4-1) and at home to Luton (5-1) and they will be keen to maintain those standards.
Carrick has a few issues to address in midfield with Aidan Morris sidelined and Hayden Hackney rated doubtful, but he should still come up with a winning formula against the Yellows, who are adjusting to the realisation that they have a relegation battle on their hands.
Oxford had some encouraging early-season results, but they have won just one of their last ten Championship games and approach the weekend only two points above the drop zone.
Des Buckingham's side are boosted by the news that key trio Cameron Brannagan, Matt Phillips and Przemysław Placheta are back in the squad, but they are going through a tough period and the visit of in-form Middlesbrough is unlikely to improve their situation.
Bolton vs Blackpool
League One promotion contenders Bolton were left stunned by a 5-0 loss at Stockport a fortnight ago but a response can be expected when they take on injury-hit Blackpool.
Ian Evatt's side had won six of eight league games before the debacle at Edgeley Park and they can sweep aside the Seasiders, who are without influential winger CJ Hamilton and have a doubt over key striker Kyle Joseph.
Grimsby vs Colchester
Lowly Colchester are the only League Two side without an away win but that could change when they take on Grimsby at Blundell Park.
The Essex side are looking much more of a threat now that key attackers Owura Edwards and Samson Tovide have worked their way back from injury issues.
They were unlucky to draw 1-1 at home to Bradford last Saturday and can get the better of Grimsby, who have a poor home record and are missing suspended midfielder Kieran Green.
Accumulator
Middlesbrough 8-13, Peterborough 10-11, Wrexham 4-5, Salford 5-4
£1 acca returns £12.53 with Hills
First goalscorer
Ronan Coughlan Fleetwood vs MK Dons
at 6-1 bet365
The Fleetwood forward has bagged six league goals this season but his xG (7.26) is even greater and he looks a likely deadlock breaker against MK Dons.
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