We’re back to a full billing of Football League action this weekend, and EFL pundit Gab Sutton has picked his selections from an extensive slate across the Championship, League One and League Two.
Gab Sutton's EFL tips & predictions
- Lincoln City - Draw No Bet v Sheffield United @ 11/8
- Bradford City to beat Leyton Orient @ 8/11
- Leicester City to win -1 Handicap v Peterborough @ 11/8
- Walsall - Draw No Bet v Fleetwood @ 11/10
- Cheltenham Town/Draw - Double Chance v Salford @ 10/11
As an accumulator, pays at 38/1
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Lincoln Draw No Bet – 11/8
Sheffield United v Lincoln City
There’s a lot of frustration brewing at Sheffield United, after Chris Wilder’s side went into the international break off the back of three consecutive defeats in all competitions.
It’s simmered away for three weeks and I do think a home game against Lincoln, minnows in terms of stature, is more likely to bring out that frustration if things don’t start well, than it is to bring people together.
I think the Imps have played on that very well so far, away from home, having won four on their travels in all competitions this season, under the stewardship of Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw.
The visitors are extremely well-organised, and they have a Great Dane up top: 6’7” target man Mikkel Ladefoged could be a handful for the Blades, who have missed some aerial dominance in their defence since Harry Souttar got injured on Boxing Day 2024.
Bradford to Win @ 8/11
Bradford City v Leyton Orient
Michael Duff, I think is a terrific appointment for Bradford City. His teams play with a back-three, an aggressive, pressing style, and a thirst to play forward early with quality and positivity, and that’s exactly what the Bantams were doing under Graham Alexander.
He’s his own man, of course, but I’m anticipating a seamless transition at Valley Parade, and I believe Duff will keep the Bantams in promotion contention – starting with victory over Leyton Orient.
The O’s haven’t quite had the instant transformation from last season’s underperformance that they were looking for just yet, albeit with some eye-catching results and individual performances from the likes of Yusuf Akhamrich.
I don’t think they’re quite ready to compete with one of the best teams in the league.
Leicester -1 Handicap – 11/8
Leicester City v Peterborough United
I really can’t see the logic in Peterborough appointing Robbie Savage as manager. The hierarchy have justified it by billing it as a risk-worth-taking, a low-floor, ‘no-ceiling’ appointment, as opposed to a manager who could stabilise things but then not do much more.
Even if we accept the logic that there’s such a thing as safe appointments and risky ones with a greater pay-off, which I think is a veiled excuse for impulsive decision-making, I don’t think being 23rd in the table is the moment to take such risks.
Savage is charismatic, sure, but I don’t think he’s a particularly structured coach, his Forest Green team were absolute chaos, and I’ve heard one or two anecdotes about his man management that concern me slightly.
So, I’m expecting defeat for the Welshman, in his first game in charge, at the hands of Leicester, who have picked up lately with seven points from four, putting the top six back within striking distance.
Walsall Draw No Bet @ 11/10
Fleetwood Town v Walsall
I’m amazed that Walsall are as big as 19/10 for victory at Highbury, given that Lee Grant’s side are still unbeaten with 14 points from their first eight games.
The Saddlers have had challenges converting draws into wins, but they are rock solid, with the best defensive record in the division and the league’s top defensive midfielder in Sven Sprangler, they play good football, and they create chances.
Fleetwood are a club I don’t have a huge amount of faith in, and I see Matt Lawlor’s side finishing in the bottom half this season, particularly after three consecutive league defeats.
The Cods relied on a hint of fortune early on in the season, and it hasn’t been entirely sustainable, whereas I think the way Walsall are playing will see them tick over points at a consistent rate – I’d be surprised if they lose on the Fylde Coast.
Double Chance: Cheltenham/Draw - 10/11
Cheltenham Town v Salford City
Cheltenham are priced at 3/1 with bet365 traders, despite being 4th in the table and only a point worse off than their visitors: the odds are probably a reflection on the fact they’ve had a bit of luck with recent results, on the balance of play, they have numerous big absentees, including Charlie McCann, and are facing the leaders.
If it was me setting the price, though, I’d probably put them at 2/1 rather than 3s because they have got a great goalkeeper in Wyll Stanway who can save them points, and they have got a wide forward in Jake Evans, who can be extremely productive in isolated moments.
Plus, Steve Cotterill knows how to create a siege mentality at the clubs he manages, and I think the way his teams play will probably suit facing possession-heavy opposition.
I’m not going to back Cheltenham to win outright – Salford are good so I want a bit of leeway to be in profit if this ends in a draw – but I’m delighted to get nearly evens on a bet that lands me in profit with two outcomes out of three, including a home win.
All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
