Dan Childs: predictions, betting previews and free tips for Saturday's matches

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's Championship and FA Cup first-round matches

When to bet

Kick-offs from 1pm

Best bets

Middlesbrough +0.5 on Asian handicap
1pt 26-25 bet365
Derby
1pt 6-4general
Forest Green or draw double chance
2pts 11-8bet365, Hills
Plymouth draw no bet
2pts 31-20Paddy Power

Brentford v Middlesbrough

The markets remain stubbornly supportive of Brentford but the Londoners have won just four of ten Championship fixtures and look vulnerable odds-on favourites at home to Middlesbrough.

There is plenty of respect for the Bees, who are just 9-2 to win the division and 11-8 to go up, but they may not be as strong as they were last term.

Summer signing Ivan Toney has been a huge success, scoring ten goals in ten league appearances, but the Bees have generally blown hot and cold and seem to be missing Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma.

Brenford picked up 1-1 draws in recent home games against Norwich and Swansea – they lost the shot count on both occasions – and cannot expect an easy ride from Boro, who are unbeaten in nine league games since a 1-0 loss at Watford on the opening weekend of the season.

Neil Warnock's side dominated their 0-0 draw at Blackburn on Tuesday, winning the shot count 20 to six, and if they play with as much intensity in west London, they will have a great chance of taking at least a point.

Derby v Barnsley

Derby are preparing for new ownership and the off-field developments may contribute to a stronger performance when the Rams take on Barnsley at Pride Park.

Sheikh Khaled – a cousin of Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour – is expected to invest heavily and there may be a response from the players, who could face a battle to remain a part of the club's future.

Whether or not Derby head coach Phillip Cocu is part of the new owners' plans remains to be seen.

Cocu's team slipped to second bottom after a 1-0 midweek defeat at home to QPR.

However, Derby have shown ability on occasions – winning 1-0 at Norwich and drawing 1-1 at Bournemouth – and could be too strong for Barnsley, who dropped to 18th after a 3-0 loss at Cardiff on Wednesday.

Lincoln v Forest Green

A surprise result could be on the cards at Sincil Bank where League One highflyers Lincoln host League Two promotion chasers Forest Green in the FA Cup first round.

Forest Green have won six of their last eight games and can topple the Imps, who are substantially weakened by the absence of injured first choice centre-backs Joe Walsh (knee) and Lewis Montsma (groin).

Charlton v Plymouth

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has hinted at making wholesale changes for the FA Cup and his fringe players could be exposed by divisional rivals Plymouth at the Valley.

Argyle have won four of their last six matches and look value to advance to the second round.

Accumulator

Watford (4-6), Peterborough (13-10), Crewe (11-10), Colchester (2-9)
£1 acca returns 9.84 with Betfred

First scorer

John Marquis Ipswich v Portsmouth
at 11-2 bet365

Portsmouth centre-forward John Marquis has bagged seven goals in his last five appearances and looks the main danger to FA Cup first round hosts Ipswich, who have lost three of their last five matches.

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