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 3pm

Best bets

Sunderland draw no bet
3pts 21-20 BoyleSports

Huddersfield or draw double chance
2pts 3-4BoyleSports

Bristol Rovers draw no bet
2pts 7-5 Betfair, Power

Leyton Orient
2pts 10-11general

Hull v Sunderland

Sunderland are no different from several Championship sides as they strive for greater consistency but they are just four points outside the top six and can edge closer by beating relegation-threatened Hull at the MKM Stadium.

The Black Cats had a tough night on Monday, losing 2-1 at home to resurgent West Brom.

It was a disappointing result but there were positives to take from the first-half performance, which generated a well-deserved 1-0 lead, and Sunderland are set for another lift this weekend with key striker Ross Stewart hoping to join the travelling party.

Stewart's presence on the bench would be another boost for a side with an increasing wealth of attacking resources.

Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo has starred either side of the World Cup with five goals in his last seven appearances, while Ellis Simms, on loan from Everton, is in decent touch, having scored two goals in the last three games.

Sunderland are likely to score plenty of goals in the second half of the season and they should have too much firepower for fourth-bottom Hull.

The Tigers were satisfied with last Sunday's 0-0 draw at Watford but it was a missed opportunity against a depleted Hornets side ravaged by midfield injuries.

Hull have generally struggled at home, losing seven of 11 matches, and another defeat looks likely.

Huddersfield v Watford

Championship basement boys Huddersfield must guard against being cut off from relegation rivals and they can help their cause by taking at least a point at home to promotion-chasing Watford.

The Terriers went into the World Cup break with spirits raised after a 2-1 victory at QPR and a 0-0 draw at home to Swansea, and they are unlikely to have been too downhearted by last Saturday's 1-0 loss at highflying Sheffield United.

Mark Fotheringham's side finished on the front foot at Bramall Lane and can avoid a hard-luck story against the Hornets, who are without injured central midfielders Imran Louza, Tom Cleverley, Dan Gosling, Edo Kayembe and Hamza Choudhury.

Watford have snapped up free agent midfielder Leandro Bacuna but the new man will need some time to get up to speed.

Joao Pedro dropped into midfield for the majority of last Sunday's 0-0 draw at home to Hull, but his talents were sorely missed further up the pitch as Watford blanked for the third time in their last four matches.

Watford may address their problems in January but they look a team to oppose in the short term and are likely to drop points in Yorkshire.

Charlton v Bristol Rovers

Caretaker manager Anthony Hayes has been tasked with arresting Charlton's slump – they are winless in five League One games – but he may struggle to avoid further disappointment when his team take on fast-improving Bristol Rovers.

Confidence has been ebbing away in the Charlton dressing room and the Londoners' weaknesses could be ruthlessly exposed by Joey Barton's Rovers, who are chasing a third successive victory.

Leyton Orient v Sutton Utd

The freezing conditions mean a reduced League Two fixture list but leaders Leyton Orient can take advantage of the situation by defeating 16th-placed Sutton United at Brisbane Road.

Richie Wellens' side are the only top-three team in action this weekend and they should be too strong for Sutton, who have won just one of their ten away league games.