Friday's expert EFL Predictions and football betting tips from Dan Childs

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Friday's EFL games.

When to bet

Kick-offs 7.45pm Friday

Best bets

Bristol Rovers or draw double chance
2pts 11-10 Betfred, BoyleSports

Barnsley draw no bet
1pt 6-4bet365

Newport
1pt 31-20 bet365, Coral, Ladbrokes

Bolton v Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers bowed out of the FA Cup last weekend with a 2-0 loss at home to National League side Boreham Wood, but they have lost just one of their last nine League One fixtures and look a decent bet to take at least a point from their trip to Bolton.

Joey Barton's Rovers were promoted from League Two in dramatic fashion – winning 7-0 at home to Scunthorpe on the final day of the campaign – and it took them a while to adjust to the higher level.

They were in the relegation zone after ten games but have performed much better over the last two months and are up to 15th, just six points adrift of the playoff places.

The Gas would rather be looking up than over their shoulder in the new year and they have an excellent opportunity to test themselves against fifth-placed Bolton, who have been either inside or just outside the top six for most of the season.

However, Bolton have won just three of their last eight fixtures and were beaten 3-1 by Oxford in their latest home league encounter.

In-form Rovers look capable of achieving another positive result.

Peterborough v Barnsley

Sixth-placed Barnsley are flying under the radar in the League One promotion race, but they have won three league matches in a row and can climb at least another position by defeating fourth-placed Peterborough at London Road.

The Tykes are a well-organised side with a decent defensive record (15 goals conceded), so it should not be a surprise that they have a good away record. Four of their nine league wins have come on the road, including a superb 2-0 success at Sheffield Wednesday.

Michael Duff's side were also impressive 2-1 winners at Bolton in the FA Cup first round and are likely to fancy their chances against the Posh, who are going through a difficult spell.

Peterborough have lost four of their last five games – including league losses at Exeter (2-3) and Bristol Rovers (0-1) - and their mini-slump could continue.

Crewe v Newport

Newport have looked a stronger side since appointing Graham Coughlan in October and they can ease their League Two relegation fears with victory over Crewe at Gresty Road.

The Exiles have lost just one of their last five league games and can take maximum points against the mid-table Railwaymen, who are the joint lowest scorers (17 goals) outside of the bottom four.

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