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 12.30pm

Best bets

Northampton 3pm
3pts 17-10 bet365, Coral

Oxford 3pm
2pts 5-4Coral

Carlisle 1pm
2pts 13-10 Coral

Salford 12.30pm
1pt 11-8Betfair

Northampton v Tranmere

Consistent Northampton have held a top-three position in League Two since September and look outstanding value to secure a victory over mid-table Tranmere at Sixfields Stadium.

Jon Brady's side remained third after an impressive 3-1 success at Bradford a fortnight ago which stretched their unbeaten league sequence to five games.

The Cobblers had a break last weekend due to the FA Cup and that downtime has worked in their favour with Brady reporting that only one player - long-term absentee Ali Koiki - has missed training this week.

Brady can also call on his top scorer Sam Hoskins, who has served a one-match ban, and should be able to come up with a successful formula.

Tranmere also hope to get involved in the promotion race but have slipped to mid-table after taking just four points from their last six matches.

Rovers manager Micky Mellon operates with a fairly small squad and has a few selection problems with central defenders Dynel Simeu and Jordan Turnbull suspended and Kyle Jameson, Kane Hemmings and Josh Hawkes suffering from illness.

A full-strength Tranmere would have faced a tough test against the Cobblers and it is hard to see their patched-up team taking any points.

Accrington v Oxford

Oxford have been one of the most improved teams in League One in recent weeks and they can stretch their unbeaten sequence to nine with a victory over struggling Accrington at the Wham Stadium.

Karl Robinson's side advanced to the FA Cup third round with a 4-1 victory at home to Exeter last Saturday but their main priority is to push towards the playoff places.

They are six points outside the top six but the clash against Stanley looks a great opportunity to gain some more ground.

Accrington stopped the rot with a 1-0 victory at Cambridge a fortnight ago, but they had lost six of their previous seven league games and may struggle to cope against a confident Oxford side.

Carlisle v Sutton Utd

Sixth-placed Carlisle are one of the surprise packages in the League Two promotion race but they are up there on merit and can collect another three points against struggling Sutton at Brunton Park.

Paul Simpson's Cumbrians have gone four games unbeaten and can see off Sutton, who have lost six of their last eight away fixtures.

Gillingham v Salford

The EFL's lowest scorers Gillingham continue to struggle in front of goal and their problems are likely to increase when they take on League Two promotion hopefuls Salford.

Neil Harris's Gills have not found the net in five league games and look ideal opponents for Salford, who should claim their first league win since October.

Accumulator

Forest Green 31-20, Oxford 5-4, Carlisle 13-10, Swindon Evs
£1 acca returns £26.39 with Coral

First scorer

Victor Adeboyejo MK Dons v Burton
at 13-2 bet365

The powerful Burton centre-forward has scored eight league goals this season and he could strike the first blow against relegation rivals MK Dons in a key League One encounter.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A 65" TV

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport