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Opinion

Expert EFL Predictions and football betting tips from Dan Childs

Expect Grecians to continue winning run

Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke
Bournemouth's Dominic SolankeCredit: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth

Free football tips, best bets and expert accumulator advice for this weekend's EFL matches.

When to bet

Kick-offs 3pm Saturday

Best bets

Exeter draw no bet
3pts 11-10 general

Bournemouth
2pts 4-6Betfred, BoyleSports

Oxford
2pts 3-4 general

Leyton Orient
2pts 5-4BoyleSports, Hills

Hartlepool v Exeter

Hartlepool are holding on to the last remaining 100 per cent home record in League Two but it could bite the dust at the hands of fast-improving Exeter, who look a solid wager to post a third successive victory.

Having to deal with long away trips is an occupational hazard for Exeter, but the Devonians have been getting on with the job and head to Victoria Park on a seven-match unbeaten run.

They held their own on August trips to Barrow and Harrogate, drawing 0-0 and 1-1, and were 4-0 victors at Scunthorpe a fortnight ago.

The Grecians will be anticipating a stern test but they approach the game in excellent shape with midfield pair Josh Coley and Archie Collins free from injury and hoping to lend their help to a side perched fifth in the fourth tier and intent on climbing higher.

Sixth-placed Hartlepool are below Exeter on goal difference but they appear to be hampered by a mounting injury list.

Midfielder Gary Liddle has joined top scorer Tyler Burey and key midfielder Gavan Holohan on the sidelines, and there are doubts over the fitness of wing-back David Ferguson, who is nursing a calf strain.

Patched up Pools were clearly below their best when drawing 0-0 at basement boys Oldham last weekend and a failure to improve on that effort could leave them vulnerable against one of the division's form teams.

Bournemouth v Luton

Bournemouth reached the Championship summit after a well-deserved 1-0 victory at Cardiff last Saturday and can stay there for at least a few more days by defeating Luton.

Scott Parker's side have won their last three matches and seem to be improving with every performance.

Dominic Solanke has led the line superbly, scoring five goals in eight league appearances, and the Cherries' first-choice midfield of Phil Billing, Ben Pearson and Jefferson Lerma look as strong as anything in the division.

Bournemouth have a strong spine and plenty of quality and pace in wide areas thanks to the emergence of talented left-back Jordan Zemura and exciting winger Jaiden Anthony.

Parker has assembled a nice mix and his ambition will be nothing less than automatic promotion although that will be a tough challenge with relegated trio Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United likely to provide stiff opposition.

Bournemouth's home results will need to be rock solid but they should have too much quality for Luton, who are progressing nicely without looking ready for a promotion push.

The Hatters gave up a 3-0 lead when drawing 3-3 at home to Swansea last Saturday and their suspect defence could cost them on the south coast.

Oxford v Gillingham

September has been a disappointing month for Oxford, who have taken one point from three games, but it could take a turn for the better with a home victory over injury-hit Gillingham.

Oxford have looked far more convincing at the Kassam Stadium, where they have taken ten points from a possible 12, and their slick passing style could run rings around the Gills, who extended their winless run to four league games with a 1-1 draw at home to fellow strugglers Charlton on Tuesday.

Gillingham haven't won on their League One travels in five attempts and are unlikely to fare any better at the Kassam where they have lost on their last five visits.

Leyton Orient v Mansfield

Leyton Orient are up to second in League Two after last Saturday's comfortable 3-1 win at Bristol Rovers and their promotion charge can continue with a home victory over fifth-bottom Mansfield.

The trip to London looks a tough one for the struggling Stags, who have taken just one point from their last five games.

Accumulator

Fulham 3-4, Sheffield United 13-20, Plymouth 10-11, Rotherham 1-2
£1 acca pays £8.27 with Hills

First scorer

Macauley Bonne Ipswich v Sheff Wed
at 6-1 bet365

The best is yet to come for several of Ipswich's new signings but QPR loanee Macauley Bonne has hit the ground running with five goals in six appearances and can bag the opener against Sheffield Wednesday at Portman Road.


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