Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Dan Childs

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

When to bet

Kick-offs from 2pm Saturday

Best bets

Mansfield
2pts 5-4 Coral, Ladbrokes

Carlisle draw no bet
1pt 11-8bet365, BoyleSports

Bristol Rovers
1pt 15-8 Coral

Crewe v Mansfield

Mansfield climbed to seventh in League Two after last Saturday's 2-0 success at Gillingham but they have their sights set on promotion and can edge closer to the top three by beating Crewe at Gresty Road.

Last season ended on a painful note for Mansfield, who were beaten 3-0 by Port Vale in the League Two playoff final.

And there were signs of a hangover when Nigel Clough's side lost two of their opening three league games this term.

However, there has been a response. Mansfield have taken 13 points from their last six games and head to Cheshire in seventh place, a point above their hosts.

Crewe have made a reasonable start since last season's relegation but nothing has come easily and they are hampered by the absence of midfielder Eli King and defender Zac Williams, who are on international duty.

The Railwaymen went five games without a win before last Saturday's hard-fought 1-0 success at home to Crawley and they may struggle to cope against Mansfield, who are targeting a third successive away league victory.

Newport v Carlisle

Carlisle are making quietly impressive progress under Paul Simpson and can extend their unbeaten sequence to five by defeating Newport at Rodney Parade.

The Cumbrians have not tasted defeat in the league since a 2-1 loss at Stevenage and they were 2-1 winners at home to Wimbledon last Saturday.

A further three points could be secured against Newport, who finished last season poorly and have continued to struggle, taking seven points from nine games.

Bristol Rovers v Accrington

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton selected a team without centre-backs last Saturday and watched them lose 6-3 to home to League One rivals Lincoln. But he has a stronger squad this weekend and can come up with a winning formula at home to Accrington.

On-loan Burnley defender Bobby Thomas returns from suspension for Rovers and he can contribute to a victory over Stanley, who have gone four away games without a win.

Accumulator

Barnsley 5-4, Bradford 4-5, Colchester 13-10, Sutton 7-5
£1 acca returns £22.36 with Coral

First scorer

Sam Smith Morecambe v Cambridge
at 6-1 Betfred

Progressive centre forward Sam Smith has scored 19 League One goals since the start of last season and looks a strong candidate to strike first in Cambridge's match at struggling Morecambe.

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