Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Aaron Ashley

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's EFL matches.

When to bet

3pm Saturday

Best bets

Millwall
2pts 20-23 Coral

Cambridge
1pt 5-4 BoyleSports, Betfred

Both to score & over 2.5 goals in Northampton v Doncaster
2pts 6-5 bet365

Carlisle
1pt 13-10 general

Millwall v Reading

Reading have surpassed all early-season expectations by taking nine points from their first five games in the Championship, but it should not be underestimated that all three victories were recorded at their Select Car Leasing Stadium home.

Home advantage can be a powerful tool when things are going positively, and although wins over Cardiff, Blackburn and Middlesbrough read well, the Royals haven’t been anywhere near as effective on their travels.

Paul Ince’s side, still struggling with injuries to some key first-team members, have been beaten 1-0 at Blackpool and 4-0 at Rotherham, suggesting they could also be found wanting at The Den.

The Lions, much like visitors Reading, tend to produce their best when armed with home advantage and Gary Rowett's men are a perfect two from two at their Bermondsey base this season following wins over Stoke and Coventry.

Only promoted pair Bournemouth and Fulham picked up more points than Millwall (45) at home last season as they lost just four of their 23 matches at The Den, and early evidence suggests they could make this place a fortress again.

Cambridge v Burton

Burton are rooted to the foot of the League One table with just one point to show from their first five games and the misery may continue at a well-drilled Cambridge outfit.

The Brewers have already shipped 14 goals this season, seven of which came on away trips at Wycombe and Accrington, while they were also beaten on their travels against League Two basement boys Rochdale in the EFL Cup.

And that doesn’t bode well for their visit to the Abbey Stadium, where Cambridge have already accounted for MK Dons and Exeter, as well as overcoming Championship side Millwall in the EFL Cup.

Cambridge are extremely well organised under manager Mark Bonner and they should be full of confidence having also claimed a point against Charlton at The Valley last weekend.

Northampton v Doncaster

Northampton and Doncaster are two of the four unbeaten teams left in League Two this season and the pair of playoff occupants can put on a show at Sixfields.

The Cobblers’ success last season was built around strong defensive foundations but this term, due to Fraser Horsfall's departure and an injury to Aaron McGowan, they have been relying on their ability to outscore opponents.

All five of Northampton’s games this season have seen both teams score and at least three goals. Manager Jon Brady would be pleased to see his team rack up 11 goals - seven of which have come from Sam Hoskins - yet must concerned by the fact they already have conceded eight.

However, that should only contribute to another high-scoring affair with Donny, who too have 11 points from five games and have seen the net bulge at both ends in their last four starts.

Carlisle v Gillingham

Things are yet to click for Gillingham following on from last season’s relegation from League One and a 330-mile trip to Carlisle is unlikely to improve their mood.

Gills have four points from five games but Scott Kashket’s strike in their 1-0 win over rock-bottom Rochdale remains their only league goal of the season.

Neil Harris’s men have fired blanks in defeats at Wimbledon and Tranmere this season and more misery may follow at Carlisle, who have taken four points from their two home games.

The Cumbrians won the shot count 23-6 in their 1-0 home win over Crawley and then had 19 shots in a 1-1 draw against Swindon.

Striker Kristian Dennis is in fine fettle with four goals in as many games and the Cumbrians may be too lively for their shot-shy visitors.

Accumulator

Millwall 17-20, Ipswich 8-13, Sheffield Wednesday 4-7, Leyton Orient 13-20. £1 acca returns £7.72 with bet365.

First scorer

Andy Cook Bradford v Crewe 3pm
at 5-1 bet365

Andy Cook has hit the ground running this season with six goals in seven appearances in all competitions and with that blistering form helping him wrestle a starting place from Vadaine Oliver, he could be the difference maker at home to Crewe.

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