Expert weekend predictions and football betting tips from Steve Davies

Free football tips, bets and analysis for this weekend's Premier League and EFL action.

Best bets

Gillingham to beat Shrewsbury
2pts 21-10 Betfred, BoyleSports, Hills

Barrow to beat Bristol Rovers
2pts 13-10 general

Forest Green to beat Port Vale
2pts 23-20 Hills

Shrewsbury v Gillingham

Saturday 3pm

Shrewsbury boss Steve Cotterill is clinging on to past glories at Cheltenham for believing his Shrews team will soon turn the corner.

Cotterill took Cheltenham up to the third tier in 2001-02 after a dismal start to that season so remains both defiant and bullish despite seeing his side lose their opening four games.

However, the fact is they look like a side devoid of confidence and goals - they are yet to score a league goal this season - and are worth taking on against Gillingham.

And the Shrews' spirits slipped another notch on Tuesday when they were dumped out of the EFL Cup at home by League Two Rochdale. They also had centre-back Matt Pennington sent off – he's been one of their better players this term and will miss the visit of the Gills.

Gillingham have been struggling to win games – they've drawn four of their six outings – but they did get on the board last Saturday with a hard-fought 2-1 success over in-form Morecambe.

Barrow v Bristol Rovers

Saturday 3pm

For false dawns, look no further than Bristol Rovers' 1-0 win over Oldham ten days ago.

Yes, the Latics are dire but after three straight defeats, relegated Rovers needed the victory to kickstart their campaign and begin the surge towards the promotion places which is expected of Joey Barton's Gas.

Or that was the thought process. Just a few days later, however, it was back to square one for Rovers, who were battered 4-1 at Exeter and are showing - for now at least - little in the way of being competitive.

Rovers' diehards will be praying they are merely emulating Bolton of last season; a big fish who slipped through the net into the bottom tier, took time to adjust but ended up getting promoted.

That's the theory but for now Rovers look worth opposing anywhere they go, including at Barrow, who have had an solid start to their league season and will be better for having been taught a lesson by Aston Villa in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.

Forest Green v Port Vale

Saturday 3pm

There is no stopping Forest Green at the moment and the League Two pacesetters can continue on their merry way by taking Port Vale apart at the Lawn.

Sixteen goals scored in six matches and good enough to give Brentford an almighty scare in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, the Green are flying with Matt Stevens (5), Jamille Matt (4) and Nicky Cadden (4) all among the goals.

Their 100 percent record will be put to the test by Vale, but the Valiants lack any firepower having found the net just once in four games.

You would imagine that if Rovers score twice – as they've proved they are more than capable of doing – it will be game over.

Weekend accumulators

Banker
Forest Green
Rovers have turned on the goalscoring taps this season and should have way too much firepower for a Vale side who can't buy a goal.

Blowout
Charlton
The Addicks have lost four in a row and not scored a goal in three games at The Valley, which hardly inspires confidence even against an equally poor Crewe.

Accumulator
West Ham 11-20, Forest Green 23-20, Ipswich 11-10, Sunderland Evs. £1 fourfold returns £14 with Hills.

Both teams to score
Games at Brighton 19-20, Hull 5-6, Oxford 4-5. £1 treble returns £6.43 with bet365.

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