Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Dan Childs

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When to bet

Kick-offs from 1pm

Best bets

Mansfield draw no bet
Kick-off time 3pm
2pts 13-10 Hills

Carlisle
Kick-off time 3pm
3pts 10-11 Coral

Fleetwood
Kick-off time 3pm
2pts 13-8 Betfair, Hills

Notts County draw no bet
Kick-off time 3pm
2pts 11-10 Betfair, Power

Recommended

4/5

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Dan Childs's EFL predictions

Peterborough vs Mansfield

The day after Christmas is one of the most eagerly anticipated on the football calendar and there should be plenty of entertainment at the Weston Homes Stadium where Peterborough's defensive shortcomings may come to haunt them against Mansfield.

The Posh have a reputation for attacking football and have lived up to that billing by scoring 38 goals in 20 League One games.

However, they have also shipped 37 goals and their defensive problems need to be resolved if they are to get anywhere close to meeting pre-season expectations.

Darren Ferguson's side are 16th, which is a major disappointment for a club who have reached the playoffs in each of the last two campaigns.

They have not kept a League One clean sheet in 22 attempts and approach the Mansfield game in a vulnerable state having lost four of their last five league matches.

Defensive recruits are likely to be at the top of Ferguson's shopping list but he has limited short-term scope to switch things around and his team could be exposed by Mansfield, who have adjusted impressively since last season's promotion.

The Stags recently went seven games without a league win but they rose to tenth after Saturday's 1-0 triumph at home to Rotherham and look overpriced to collect another three points.

Carlisle vs Morecambe

Carlisle are fighting against the drop for a second successive season but they can give their long-suffering fans some cheer by defeating Morecambe in a crucial League Two basement battle.

The Cumbrians lost last season's battle against relegation but they should be capable of easing to safety this time.

There has been clear improvement from Mike Williamson's side, who have won one, drawn four and lost one of their last six fixtures.

They drew 0-0 at second-placed Port Vale on Saturday and left the venue frustrated after creating the better opportunities.

Wins have been hard to secure but a breakthrough should arrive against Morecambe, who are operating on a much lower budget and have less scope for improvement.

The cash-strapped Shrimps have suffered three defeats in succession and their dismal run looks likely to continue.

Fleetwood vs Chesterfield

Fleetwood have been getting dragged towards the lower end of the League Two table but they can snap a six-game winless run by beating fifth-placed Chesterfield at home.

Charlie Adam's 12-month spell as Fleetwood manager came to an end after Saturday's 2-0 loss at Barrow which left the Cod Army 18th in the table.

Chairman Jamie Pilley wants to see Fleetwood pushing for promotion and there is still plenty to play for with 27 games left and an eight-point gap to the top seven.

A positive Christmas period would help and Fleetwood can take a first step forward against Chesterfield, who are going through an injury crisis.

The Spireites battled to a 1-0 win at home to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday but they have lost three of their last four away games and may struggle on the Fylde coast.

MK Dons vs Notts County

Notts County jumped back into the League Two playoff places with Saturday's 3-0 victory at home to Bradford and they can further boost their promotion hopes with a victory at MK Dons.

The Magpies started their December schedule with losses at Walsall and Salford but they were close to their best at the weekend when star striker Alassana Jatta grabbed his eight and ninth league goals of the campaign.

County will be looking to push on in front of a large away following and they have every chance against the Dons, who followed a recent 1-0 loss at home to Gillingham with a dismal 6-3 reverse at Newport.

Accumulator

Norwich 6-5, Watford 17-20, Carlisle 20-23, Fleetwood 13-8
£1 acca returns £20.02 with Betfair

First goalscorer

Anis Mehmeti Bristol City vs Luton
at 7-1 BoyleSports, Coral

The Bristol City attacker has scored six Championship goals from 52 shots and has every chance of netting first against Luton, who have lost their last seven away games

Recommended

4/5

NEW CUSTOMER OFFER

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NEW CUSTOMER OFFER

• Great acca features, including the ability to edit a live accumulator

CLAIM OFFER

Tap for more details. 18+ T&Cs apply

• Sleek website design with a straightforward user interface
• Use #GetABet on Twitter for custom bets

18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 5x £5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. 

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