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

Sheffield Wednesday
3pm
3pts 4-6 general

Bolton
3pm
3pts 4-7general

Salford -1 on Asian handicap
3pm
3pts 41-40 bet365

Tranmere draw no bet
3pm
2pts 5-4BoyleSports

Gillingham v Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday remained outside the League One playoff places after drawing 1-1 at home to Accrington on Tuesday but they look a side destined to finish in the top six and should enhance their prospects with a win at fourth-bottom Gillingham.

The Owls were frustrated to drop two points this week but their clash with Accrington was always a tricky one due to Stanley's strength and never-say-die attitude.

Gillingham will be equally motivated as they strive to get out of the drop zone but they looked short of quality and senior players when succumbing to a 1-0 loss at Charlton on Tuesday.

Gills boss Neil Harris has got his team scrapping but his six substitutes at Charlton included four teenagers and defender Christian Maghoma, who has not featured for the club all season.

Options are severely limited and that lack of depth contrasts sharply with Sheffield Wednesday, who are getting important players fit for the run-in.

Key defenders Chey Dunkley and Dominic Iorfa are among the formerly injured players to be back in contention and their influence can help the Owls chalk up a ninth win in 12.

Crewe v Bolton

Bolton might have to win all of their remaining eight games to reach the League One playoffs but they can climb the first hurdle by defeating basement boys Crewe at Gresty Road.

The Trotters have looked a more potent side since the January acquisition of strikers Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Dion Charles, and they have taken 29 points from their last 14 matches.

Ian Evatt's side are certainly trending the right way but the same cannot be said for Crewe, who are likely to suffer their 12th loss in 13 matches.

Salford v Scunthorpe

Salford are ten points adrift of the League Two playoff spots with 11 games left to play but they have three home fixtures coming up, starting with Saturday's clash with Scunthorpe which should yield a comfortable three points.

The Ammies' dangerous front two of Matt Smith and Brandon Thomas-Asante could be key to sweeping aside Scunny, who are on a run of seven games without a win and sit bottom of the table.

Sutton v Tranmere

Tranmere's League Two promotion push is on track after back-to-back wins and another three points could be secured when they take on injury-hit Sutton United at Gander Green Lane.

Eighth-placed Sutton are also hoping to maintain a promotion challenge but they look ripe for opposing after ten senior players were absent for Tuesday's 2-1 loss at Swindon.

Accumulator

Swansea 19-20, MK Dons 19-20, Cheltenham Evs, Wigan 9-20
£1 acca returns £11.03 with Betfred

First scorer

Aaron Collins Northampton v Bristol Rovers
3pm
at 7-1 bet365

Bristol Rovers attacker Aaron Collins has grown in stature over the course of the season and he could break the deadlock in the Pirates' League Two promotion tussle at Northampton.

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