Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Dan Childs

Free football tips, best bets and expert accumulator advice for Saturday's EFL matches.

When to bet

Kick-offs from 12.30pm

Best bets

Middlesbrough
3pm
2pts 8-5 Betfair, Power

Burton
3pm
3pts Evsgeneral

Oldham or draw double chance
3pm
3pts 11-10 general

Colchester
3pm
2pts 13-10Betfair, Power

Millwall v Middlesbrough

Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough have been licking their wounds since Tuesday's 4-1 defeat at Sheffield United but they haven't gone successive league games without a victory since November and can underline their resilience with a win at Millwall.

Boro boss Chris Wilder admitted he didn't like what he saw from his team at Bramall Lane.

However, his players often respond well to setbacks and they have a good opportunity this weekend because Millwall are hampered by several injury concerns.

Manager Gary Rowett will be without three right-sided central defensive options with Dan Ballard joining Shaun Hutchinson and Ryan Leonard on the sidelines.

And if their patched-up backline is breached, they may struggle to recover.

The Lions drew 0-0 at Blackburn on Tuesday, when they failed to register a single shot.

They should offer a greater threat on home soil but it may not be enough to prevent Boro from returning to winning ways.

Burton v Fleetwood

Burton have gone through a rough patch in recent weeks, taking one point from the last five games, but they are 12 points clear of the League One drop zone and can ease any remote relegation worries by beating sixth-bottom Fleetwood at the Pirelli Stadium.

The Brewers can be pleased with their progress under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who was appointed on New Year's Day 2021 with the club bottom of League One.

Hasselbaink comfortably led Burton to safety last term and while this season has had a few ups and downs, there is an outside chance of a top half finish.

Fleetwood's final months of the season are likely to be much more nervy with the club perched one point above the drop zone.

Injuries are piling up and centre-back Zak Jules is suspended after he was sent off towards the end of Tuesday's 3-1 loss at Sunderland.

There were positive aspects to the Sunderland performance but the Cod Army have gone ten games without a win and could struggle again.

Swindon v Oldham

Oldham's League Two relegation fears were increased last Saturday by a 2-1 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Carlisle, but they went unbeaten in the previous seven games and have a great chance of taking at least a point from playoff-chasing Swindon at the County Ground.

The trip to Wiltshire has a special significance for Oldham manager John Sheridan, who was sacked by Swindon last April after taking the club to the brink of League One relegation.

Sheridan is faring much better with Oldham, where he is in his sixth spell, and can steer his team to a positive result against the Robins, who are hampered by injuries and a suspension for 15-goal top scorer Harry McKirdy.

Scunthorpe v Colchester

Colchester have boosted their League Two survival hopes by taking five points from their last three games and should beat basement boys Scunthorpe at Glanford Park.

The improving Essex side should have no fear of facing Scunny, who have taken five points from their last 13 fixtures.

Accumulator

Nottingham Forest 4-7, Sheffield Wednesday 8-15, Cheltenham 8-5, Walsall 17-10
£1 acca returns £16.86 with Betfred

First scorer

John Marquis Wimbledon v Lincoln
3pm
at 6-1 bet365

John Marquis has done well since his January switch from Portsmouth to Lincoln, scoring five goals in ten games for a struggling side, and he can strike first for the Imps against relegation rivals Wimbledon at Plough Lane.

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