Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Dan Childs

How to watch

All EFL games on Saturday are live on Sky Sports+ at 3pm

Best bets

Colchester
2pts 11-10 general

Swindon or draw double chance
2pts 20-21 BoyleSports

Port Vale
2pts 23-20 bet365, Coral, Ladbrokes

Grimsby or draw double chance
1pt 13-10 Hills

Dan Childs's EFL predictions

Colchester vs Bromley

Colchester have had a mixed start to the League Two season, taking four points from as many games, and are 12-1 shots for promotion as result.

That may do United a disservice, though, and they could showcase their top-seven credentials with a home victory over newly promoted Bromley.

Last season was a battle for survival for the Essex outfit, who ended up just three points clear of the drop zone.

But they recruited aggressively in the summer – bringing in 12 permanent signings and two loanees– and added another new face this week with the acquisition of former Nottingham Forest midfielder Joel Thompson on a short-term contract.

There is an obvious desire for Colchester to make strides in their first full season under experienced manager Danny Cowley, who won the National League and League Two titles and EFL Trophy during a superb spell at Lincoln between 2016 and 2019.

Cowley was less successful in subsequent stints at Huddersfield and Portsmouth but he is excited by the potential and ambition of Colchester, who have clear designs on establishing themselves as a strong fourth-tier side.

The top half is also the aim for new boys Bromley, who are tenth with six points on the board.

The Ravens opened up with a pair of wins but some of their early confidence and enthusiasm has dissipated following recent defeats at Bradford (1-3) and at home to Crewe (1-2).

Bromley manager Andy Woodman remains level headed but his team are starting to realise that the step up in class might not be entirely straightforward.

Woodman's side have shipped eight goals in their last three games and their recent defensive struggles are sure to encourage Colchester, who look a solid bet to claim a second league win of the season.

Barrow vs Swindon

Second-bottom Swindon are one of three winless teams in League Two but they can add at least a point to their tally by avoiding defeat at highflying Barrow on Saturday.

There will be several clubs in false positions at such an early stage of the season and Swindon could be one of the teams with the greatest scope for improvement.

The Robins have revamped their squad, bringing in 13 permanent signings and four loan additions, and there have been some initial teething problems including a 4-0 loss to Walsall in their first home game.

However, the Wiltshire side were unlucky to lose 2-1 at home to Notts County last weekend and they may have better luck against a Cumbrian team weakened by injuries to several first-team players.

A patched-up Barrow outfit nicked a 1-0 win at Harrogate last weekend, but they face a tougher test against Swindon and look worth taking on.

Newport vs Port Vale

Port Vale will be disappointed to have taken just four points from their first four League Two fixtures but they still expect to push for promotion and can ease any jitters with an away win at Newport.

The Valiants showed a lot of ambition in pre-season and could deliver a much-needed victory against the Exiles, who look more vulnerable at the back without injured defender James Clarke.

Chesterfield vs Grimsby

National League champions Chesterfield were among the ante-post market leaders to win the League Two title but they have won only one of four games and may struggle to justify odds-on favouritism against Grimsby on Saturday.

Paul Cook's side are still adjusting to the step up to the Football League and could be frustrated by the Mariners, who upset the odds last weekend with a deserved 2-1 home victory over Bradford.

Accumulator

Wrexham 10-21, Cheltenham Evs, Colchester 11-10, Port Vale 23-20
£1 acca returns £13.36 with Coral, Ladbrokes

First goalscorer

Harry Clifton Doncaster v Gillingham
at 11-1 bet365

Harry Clifton has scored once from nine goal attempts since his summer switch from Grimsby to Doncaster and he can add to his League Two tally in the home match against Gillingham.

Click for free bets and betting offers from the Racing Post

Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing and sports betting.