Saturday's EFL football betting tips from Dan Childs

3pm Saturday

Hull v Stoke

Stoke are running out of time to make a push towards the Sky Bet Championship playoff places but they can edge a little closer by beating injury-hit Hull at the KCOM Stadium.

At no stage this season have Stoke been able to win more than two games in succession but they might look at this weekend's opposition as a source of inspiration.

Hull went into December in the relegation zone but went on an amazing run – taking 22 points from eight games – and transformed their season.

Now the Tigers are eyeing up a promotion challenge but injuries have started to bite, leaving Nigel Adkins without three centre-backs - Ondrej Mazuch (Achilles), Jordy De Wijs (calf) and Reece Burke (knee) - for the Stoke game.

Hull's defensive problems contributed to last Saturday's 3-0 loss at Blackburn and might cost them against Stoke, who have reinforced their attack with the deadline day signing of striker Sam Vokes from Burnley.

Recommendation
Stoke draw no bet
2pts 11-10 Betfair, Power

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Wycombe v Bradford

Sky Bet League One strugglers Bradford have been much more competitive in December and January – banking 17 points from ten games – and can take a least a point from playoff chasing Wycombe at Adams Park.

The Bantams dug out a deserved 1-1 draw at Burton last Saturday and followed up with a thrilling 4-3 home success over Shrewsbury on Tuesday.

They are inside the drop zone on goal difference but their quest for survival was boosted on deadline day by the acquisition of striker Billy Clarke (from Charlton) and midfielder Jacob Butterfield (on loan from Derby).

Wycombe added midfielder Charlie Owens from QPR as they bid to continue an unlikely push towards the top six.

However, Gareth Ainsworth's side were on the back foot for large parts of a 2-2 draw at Blackpool on Tuesday and look opposable this weekend.

Recommendation
Bradford +0.25 on Asian handicap
2pts Evs bet365

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Grimsby v Newport

Newport are revelling in an exciting FA Cup run for the second successive season but their Sky Bet League Two playoffs hopes are fading fast and could suffer another blow with a loss to Grimsby at Blundell Park.

Seven points separate Newport from the top seven but their supporters are far more concerned about next Tuesday's FA Cup fourth-round replay at home to Middlesbrough which stands between the Welsh minnows and a fifth-round tie at home to Manchester City.

Manager Mike Flynn will do his best to keep his players focused on Grimsby but even his mind may be drifting to the Middlesbrough contest which will have a massive bearing on the club's finances.

Flynn has added a couple of players to help cope with the workload, snapping up Ade Azeez from Cambridge and loan signings Ben Kennedy and Harry McKirdy from Stevenage and Aston Villa.

But talented loanee Antoine Semenyo has been recalled by Bristol City and was sorely missed as Newport drew 0-0 at home to Port Vale on Tuesday.

Grimsby have had a free week to bask in last Saturday's 1-0 success at home to MK Dons and should fancy their chances of getting another victory.

Recommendation
Grimsby draw no bet
3pts 21-20 Hills

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Swindon v Forest Green

Forest Green are on the charge in Sky Bet League Two – winning six, drawing three and losing one of their last ten games – and should be too strong for Swindon at the County Ground.

Home advantage hasn't been particularly helpful to Swindon, who have registered just four league wins on their own patch this season.

Robins supporters have voiced their disapproval on several occasions and their frustrations could be increased by Forest Green, who are unbeaten in seven away matches.

Recommendation
Forest Green
2pts 6-4 bet365

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

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