Dan Childs: match predictions and free tips for the EFL and FA Cup

Free football tips, best bets and predictions for Saturday's EFL and FA Cup second round matches.

When to bet

From 1pm Saturday

Best bets

Bournemouth
3pts 5-6 Betfred, Betway
Blackburn
3pts 19-20Betfred, Hills
Charlton draw no bet
2pts 21-20Betway, Hills
Newport
1pt 8-5Hills

Rotherham v Bournemouth

Bournemouth are on a run of three successive victories for the first time since relegation from the Premier League and their quest for an immediate return to the top flight could be boosted further by a victory over Rotherham at the New York Stadium.

Relegated teams are often unsettled by departures but the delayed transfer window seems to have benefited the Cherries, who kept the bulk of last season's squad.

Top scorer Callum Wilson and centre-back Nathan Ake were notable departures but lots of talented players were retained and most seem fully committed to the cause.

Welsh international winger David Brooks has responded to a summer of speculation by starring in recent victories at home to Reading (4-2) and Nottingham Forest (2-0) and fellow attackers Arnaud Danjuma and Dominic Solanke are relishing the extra responsibility thrust upon their shoulders.

The goals are flowing and Bournemouth look nice and solid in defence thanks to a strong spine featuring experienced goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, long-serving centre-back Steve Cook and powerhouse midfielder Jefferson Lerma.

Jason Tindall's side have a nice mix and are unlikely to be knocked off course by the Millers, who are 19th having lost four of their last five fixtures.

Blackburn v Barnsley

Blackburn are tenth in the Championship after a roller-coaster three months but have the potential to climb higher and can take a step forward by defeating Barnsley at Ewood Park.

Just two points separate Blackburn from the 14th-placed Tykes, who had won four of five games before a 1-0 loss at home to Brentford on Tuesday.

However, while Blackburn – the division's top scorers - have scope to do a lot better, Barnsley have probably over-performed and may still be looking over their shoulder at the teams below.

Barnsley have looked less impressive on the road and their solitary away win (a 2-0 success at Derby) came against a side having a miserable campaign.

They will be tested more seriously by Tony Mowbray's Rovers, who are playing some of the best football in the division.

Blackburn have suffered from a lot of injury problems, making it difficult for Mowbray to balance his team, but the return from suspension of key midfielder Bradley Johnson is a major boost.

Johnson's knowhow and experience are key elements in a talented young side and can help Rovers chalk up back-to-back wins for only the second time this season.

Ipswich v Charlton

Charlton's 4-2 loss at Burton on Tuesday was one of the shock results of the night but Lee Bowyer's side can respond by defeating promotion rivals Ipswich at Portman Road.

Bowyer had centre-backs Jason Pearce and Deji Oshilaja back on the bench at Burton and the return of either would stiffen the Addicks' back-line.

Charlton have posted four away league wins, including a notable 2-0 success at Portsmouth, and can see off the injury-hit Tractor Boys, who lost 3-0 at home to Hull on Tuesday.

Newport v Salford

Newport have accumulated 19 points at home this season, the higest tally in the EFL, and fortress Rodney Parade is unlikely to be breached by Salford in the FA Cup.

Mike Flynn's side remained top of League Two despite a 1-1 draw at home to Walsall on Tuesday and they are seven points superior to Salford, who sneaked into the playoffs with a hard-fought 2-1 success at home to Morecambe.

Salford have high expectations but have lost three of their last four away games and their FA Cup dreams may evaporate in south Wales.

Accumulator

Watford (Evs), Bolton (4-7), Blackpool (11-10), Portsmouth (1-4)
£1 acca returns 8.24 with Hills

First scorer

Danny Rowe Bradford v Oldham
at 11-2 bet365

Most strikers thrive on confidence and Oldham's Danny Rowe will be buzzing after scoring three goals in the last two matches. He looks the main danger to Bradford in the FA Cup second round tie at Valley Parade.

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