EFL Trophy and National League predictions, betting odds and tips: Stevenage's strong start can continue

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EFL Trophy and National League predictions

Stevenage are off to a flying start in League One with five wins from six games and they can make a positive first impression in the EFL Trophy by beating divisional rivals AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane Stadium.

There are some big clubs battling to get out of the third tier but Stevenage are showing that there is always scope for a surprise package in the promotion race.

They were the only League One team to win their opening four league games and are heading to Wimbledon in high spirits after a well-deserved 1-0 weekend win at home to Wycombe.

AFC Wimbledon have made a decent start to their league campaign – winning three and losing three – although manager Johnnie Jackson was disappointed with Saturday's 3-2 loss at Bradford after watching his team hit the front twice and fail to take any points.

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The Londoners face another tough away trip to Bolton this weekend and that may come into Jackson's thinking when he selects his midweek starting line-up.

Jackson is likely to make wholesale changes and that may open the door for Stevenage, who have no game at the weekend due to the postponement of their scheduled trip to Barnsley.

Another team with a blank weekend are Reading, who look a solid wager to start their EFL Trophy campaign with a victory at League Two highflyers Swindon.

Reading are recovering from a slow start in League One and climbed six places to 17th after Saturday's 1-0 win at home to Port Vale.

The Royals are unbeaten in four games and will be looking to maintain the positive vibe at the expense of a local rival.

Swindon are keen to compete in all competitions but they have a League Two trip to Barrow at the weekend and that may come into the thinking of experienced manager Ian Holloway, whose main focus is to push for promotion.

Scunthorpe are unbeaten in the National League – winning three games and drawing two – and they look the likelier winners on their midweek trip to ninth-placed Eastleigh.

The Iron have bagged away wins at Tamworth and Sutton and may have the edge over the Spitfires, who are two points worse off having played one game more.

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