Odds correct at 16:55 BST (20/08/26)
MIDDLESBROUGH needed a late winner to beat Lincoln last weekend but were dominant in that game and created more than enough chances to warrant that victory. Blackburn played well against Wolves in their opener but struggled at Ewood Park last season - only Sheffield Wednesday picked up fewer home points.
Boro were heavy odds-on in this fixture in March, and it can be argued that the gap between the sides has only become bigger since, making the visitors value.
Stoke could be a team to oppose early on this season. The Potters were turned over at home by Swansea last weekend, mustering just six shots in the match, effectively picking up from where they left off in May - they would finish the campaign ranked as the fourth worst side on expected points (xP).
They travel to face a SOUTHAMPTON side who lost for the first time in 21 league games in their opener, although they created more than enough to deserve a point at Watford and will enjoy being back in the comfort of St. Mary's, where they finished last season unbeaten in 12 in all competitions, winning eight.
Colchester were a big eye-catcher for all the wrong reasons last weekend. They may have drawn 2-2 with Accrington, but they were thoroughly outplayed by a side who are among the favourites for relegation. Colchester lost the shot count (19-7), the xG battle (2.77-0.74) and their hosts had four times as many touches in the opposition box than they did (44-11).
It won't be any easier this weekend as they host an OLDHAM team who started the new season by impressively swatting aside one of the League Two promotion favourites Port Vale 2-0.
Odds correct at 16:55 BST (20/08/26)
BARNET began to cash in some of their expected goals (xG) underperformance at the back end of last season and they’ve seemingly carried it into the new campaign with three goals coming in an opening weekend victory over Salford, followed by five as they thrashed Arsenal under-21s in the EFL Trophy.
It’s the opposite end of the scale for Shrewsbury who were woeful in attack. They managed to net just four across their final ten games and started the new season with a 2-0 loss at Tranmere.
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