Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Dan Childs

When to bet

Kick-offs from 12.30pm

Best bets

QPR draw no bet
1pt 6-5 general

Swindon
2pts 3-4 Betfair, Hills, Paddy Power

Grimsby
2pts 13-8 Coral

Notts County
1pt 6-4 Betfair, Hills, Paddy Power

Dan Childs's EFL predictions

Sheffield Wednesday v QPR

QPR have been one of the Championship's quiet success stories in 2024 and their steady progress can continue with a victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Last season was a tough slog for the Hoops, who won two of their first 17 games and spent the rest of the campaign digging themselves out of trouble.

However, the Londoners improved after the turn of the year – taking 35 points from 21 matches – and sealed safety with a game to spare with a superb 4-0 victory at home to Leeds.

QPR's revival was heavily influenced by head coach Marti Cifuentes, who arrived at the club in October. And they appear to be making further strides forward under the Spanish tactician, who has had a summer to reshape the squad.

Cifuentes's side have taken five points which is a decent return bearing in mind their tough run of fixtures.

Their away games were against relegated clubs and they handled them well, drawing 2-2 at Sheffield United and winning 2-1 at Luton.

QPR's travelling fans were delighted with both outcomes and they will fancy their team's chances against Wednesday, who have lost the last three games by an aggregate score of 9-0.

Wednesday succeeded in their relegation battle last season but have found it difficult to kick-on and recent performances present a headache for head coach Danny Rohl, who had hoped that the team's struggles were behind them.

The Owls were battered 3-0 at Millwall last time out, losing the shot count 18-4, and another setback looks probable against QPR, who look worth supporting at odds-against on the draw no bet.

Swindon v Newport

Swindon are one of three winless teams in League Two but they can take a step forward by defeating Newport at the County Ground.

A summer of change took place at Swindon with a new head coach, Mark Kennedy, and 16 players arriving at the club.

There were always likely to be teething problems but performances are improving and better results should follow.

Swindon were edged aside 2-1 by Notts County in the last home game despite winning the shot count 16-8.

Last Saturday they drew 1-1 draw at Barrow with the help of Dan Butterworth's injury-time strike against an outfield goalkeeper following a red card but a point was the least that they deserved following a largely dominant display.

Kennedy is convinced that his team are on the right track and he can guide them to victory over Newport, who were beaten 4-1 at home to Port Vale last weekend.

Newport have taken nine points from five games but they have already ridden their luck on a couple of occasions.

The Exiles have faced 95 shots and their xG (expected goals) against stands at 11.02 which is the highest in the division.

Nelson Jardim's side have generally struggled to protect overworked goalkeeper Nick Townsend and their back line is weakened by the absences of suspended defenders Ciaran Brennan and centre-back Kyle Jameson, who were sent off against Vale.

Grimsby v Barrow

Home comforts have been key for Grimsby, who can register a third straight Blundell Park success when taking on Barrow.

The Mariners were worthy 2-1 winners at home to Bradford a fortnight ago and look overpriced to overcome third-placed Barrow, who have registered only one away win in 2024.

Bromley v Notts County 

Notts County are one of two fourth-tier sides to remain unbeaten and their strong start can continue with a victory at newly-promoted Bromley.

The Magpies have gone six matches since their last defeat and look a little too strong for their mid-table hosts, who succumbed 2-1 to Crewe in their last League Two home fixture.

Accumulator

Stockport 8-11, Carlisle 13-10, Colchester 11-8, Salford 19-20
£1 acca returns £18.47 with Hills

First goalscorer

Davis Keillor-Dunn Stevenage v Barnsley
at 13-2 general

Keillor-Dunn notched on his Barnsley debut and could be a deadlock breaker for the Tykes on their tricky League One trip to Hertfordshire.

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