Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Dan Childs

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Click here to claim that offer with Betfair or read on for our predictions for all three 3pm matches.

When to bet

Kick-offs from 12.30pm

Best bets

Middlesbrough -1 on Asian handicap
Kick-off time 3pm
2pt Evs bet365

Burton
Kick-off time 12.30pm
2pts 6-5 Betfair, Hills

Charlton
Kick-off time 3pm
3pts 4-5 Coral

Blackpool or draw double chance
Kick-off time 3pm
2pts Evs Hills

Mansfield or draw double chance
Kick-off time 3pm
2pts 5-6 BoyleSports

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Dan Childs's EFL predictions

Middlesbrough vs Cardiff

Middlesbrough are among several Championship clubs seeking promotion in 2025 and they can boost their chances by defeating relegation-threatened Cardiff at the Riverside Stadium.

The final throes of 2024 were a slightly frustrating experience for Boro, who were held to draws away to Plymouth (3-3) and at home to Sheffield Wednesday (3-3) and Burnley (0-0), but their mood changed with the New Year's Day trip to Hull where substitute Alex Gilbert's injury-time goal secured a thoroughly merited 1-0 victory.

Boro went into the Hull game without nine injured players but looked strong from start to finish and there were important contributions off the bench, with Ben Doak impressing with his pace and trickery and Delano Burgzorg and Gilbert combining for the decisive goal.

Michael Carrick's side looked fresh despite the heavy schedule and they may be ready to cut loose against Cardiff, who are facing a tough battle against the drop.

Cardiff sprang a major surprise with last Sunday's 2-1 win at injury-hit Watford and followed with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at home to Coventry which was made more difficult by Callum Robinson's 47th minute red card.

They put a big effort into keeping Coventry at bay for most of the second half but are likely to pay the price against Boro, who could prevail by more than one goal.

Burton vs Northampton

Burton are in deep trouble at the foot of League One but can collect only their third league win of the season by defeating Northampton at the Pirelli Stadium.

The Brewers must be looking at the Northampton game as one that they need to win.

Nine points separate the rock-bottom hosts from their visitors but there is a great chance to reduce the gap due to a worsening injury crisis in the Cobblers' camp.

Captain Jon Guthrie, midfielder Cameron McGeehan and defender Nesta Guinness-Walker are the latest additions to a packed Northampton treatment room, making life really tough for the club's new manager, Kevin Nolan.

A depleted Cobblers side battled to a goalless draw at home to Stevenage on New Year's Day but they may struggle to avoid defeat against the Brewers, who are bolstered by Terence Vancooten's return from a one-game ban.

Charlton vs Reading

Charlton had a break from the busy schedule when their New Year's Day fixture at Crawley was postponed and their additional freshness could give them the edge over Reading in a battle between two playoff-chasing League One sides.

The Addicks approach the weekend on a three-game winning sequence and might have a bit too much power and energy for Reading, who triumphed 3-1 at second-bottom Cambridge on Wednesday despite losing the shot count 16-13.

Wycombe vs Blackpool

Mid-table Blackpool are eyeing a much-improved second half of the League One season and they can demonstrate their potential by avoiding defeat at leaders Wycombe.

The Tangerines often raise their game for the tougher challenges and had the better chances in a 0-0 draw at Birmingham on Sunday.

They will aim to be just as strong at Adams Park and can cause problems for the Chairboys, who have seen influential loanees Aaron Morley and Caleb Taylor recalled by parent clubs Bolton and West Brom.

Stockport vs Mansfield

Stockport are another League One team having to readjust after their star player, Louie Barry, was recalled by Aston Villa.

The Hatters drew 1-1 at home to Birmingham on New Year's Day but may struggle to defeat the Stags, who have won three of their last four fixtures.

Accumulator

Leeds 4-7, Middlesbrough 8-13, Charlton 4-5, Wrexham 13-20
£1 acca returns £7.51 with Coral

First goalscorer

Davis Keillor-Dunn Barnsley v Crawley
at 17-4 Coral, Ladbrokes

The classy Barnsley attacker has netted in each of the last three games and looks the most likely to start the scoring against injury-hit Crawley.

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