Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Dan Childs

When to bet

Kick-offs from 7.45pm

Best bets

Bristol Rovers or draw double chance
2pts 4-5 bet365

Lincoln draw no bet
2pts Evs general

Gillingham draw no bet
2pts 21-20 Hills

Mansfield
2pts Evs general

Dan Childs's EFL predictions

Bristol Rovers were the only League One team to draw both of their opening two fixtures and they look a solid bet to take at least a point from their midweek clash with Charlton at The Valley.

Joey Barton's side are not attracting much attention in the third-tier promotion markets but that could change as the season unfolds.

The Pirates have plundered a pair of 1-1 draws from tough fixtures against fancied duo Portsmouth and Barnsley, and they will likely be eyeing up a maximum return against injury-hit Charlton, who lost 1-0 at Peterborough on Saturday.

Charlton are eager to improve on last season's tenth-placed finish, but Addicks boss Dean Holden is having to deal with an early-season injury crisis and his stretched squad may struggle to avoid a second successive defeat.

Lincoln posted their first points of 2023-24 courtesy of a fine 3-0 weekend win at home to Wycombe and they will be targeting another victory on their trip to Northampton.

Third-tier football is proving to be a tricky challenge for Northampton, who have sustained losses at home to Stevenage (0-1) and away to Wigan (1-2).

And further disappointment may be in store for the Cobblers against the Imps, who are chasing a third successive win.

Gillingham are one of three League Two teams who boast a 100 per cent record and they could continue their perfect start at Sutton.

Neil Harris's powerful Gills look serious promotion contenders and they should be a little fresher than their hosts, who had striker Harry Smith sent off in the 13th minute of Saturday's 2-1 loss at Barrow.

Fourth-placed Mansfield are another fourth-tier side capable of a strong season and the Stags can take their tally to seven points from three games by beating basement boys Doncaster.

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