Free betting tips: Preview for the Sky Bet EFL fixtures on September 1
After the weekend preview returning profit yet again, Tom Carnduff finds 9/5, 11/2 and 15/2 best bets in the Sky Bet EFL.
Recommended EFL bets
1pt James McClean to score anytime in West Brom v Stoke at 15/2
2pts Scunthorpe to win and both teams to score at 11/2
2pts Oldham to win and over 1.5 goals at 9/5
For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
Brentford v Nottingham Forest
Griffin Park, Saturday, 1500 BST
Brentford's storming start to the season has taken a slight hit in recent weeks as seven points from a possible nine in their first three games has been followed up by a draw and defeat.
They welcome a Nottingham Forest side who are unbeaten this season, although four of their five league encounters have ended in a draw.
The Bees will be a tough side to beat in front of their own supporters this season and I prefer to bank on goals when it comes to finding a best bet.
Both sides are capable of scoring, especially in the second-half with this season's track record highlighting how dangerous both are as games develop.
In the four games that Brentford have scored in this season, one or more of their goals have come in the second-half of each. You can boost that number to five if you include the Carabao Cup win over Southend.
On the other side, Forest have scored in the second-half of all seven games they've played across all competitions this season. Aitor Karanka's men have had to be patient to find the net, but have found a way past the opposition defence in every encounter.
Neal Maupay may be suspended for the hosts, but the likes of Ollie Watkins and Sergi Canos have proved that they can provide the attacking prowess.
At a best-price of 21/10, backing both teams to score in the second-half seems a great price based on what they've shown already this season.
West Brom v Stoke
The Hawthorns, Saturday, 1500 BST
It's a Midlands derby at the Hawthorns between two sides who were recently relegated from the Premier League as West Brom welcome Stoke.
Darren Moore's Albion have turned around form that saw them take just one point from a possible six, with a 4-3 win over Norwich and a 7-1 hammering of QPR showing that they are a team capable of competing at the top.
The Potters meanwhile, had to wait until midweek to get their first win of the season, although they've also followed it up with a 2-0 victory against Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup.
Stoke look like a team who have started to get to grips with the division and they could potentially cause a bit of an upset here.
I'm more interested in goals though, with West Brom a side who have registered a high tally in both the for and against column.
The Baggies are the second top-scorers in the division, but have the joint-worst defensive record of any side in the top 14 and that points to issues at the back.
That's why there may be value in backing a Stoke player to strike and 15/2 about James McClean to score anytime seems overpriced given his impact in attacking positions.
The 29-year-old has already got one on his tally this season despite Stoke's slow start, and he's also played the full 90 minutes in all but one game this season.
Occupying that left-wing role, McClean is a key part of City's approach going forward and he gets himself in the right places to find the net.
Best bet: James McClean to score anytime at 15/2
Accrington v Scunthorpe
Wham Stadium, Saturday, 1500 BST
They may have reached the play-offs last season, but Scunthorpe's poor start to the current campaign has seen a managerial change made already.
Nick Daws, only made permanent boss in the summer, has been replaced by Stuart McCall, and optimism will be high following the arrival of the former Bradford man.
New manager bounce could be key for the visitors here, and they'll want to kick off a new era with victory at an Accrington side who continue to defy expectations.
They sit eighth in the standings with eight points from five games. They're unbeaten in their last three, although just one of those games has been a win.
I like the look of goals in this game, with Accrington sitting on a level goal difference having score seven and conceded seven so far.
Scunthorpe's defence has been poor, with 12 goals conceded and just five scored.
However, a new manager means new ideas - and the Iron have looked to strengthen before the loan deadline by bringing in forward Ike Ugbo and goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.
I'm willing to put my faith in a Scunthorpe revival, and one in which they score more than once in what should be a cracker.
Oldham v Crawley
Boundary Park, Saturday, 1500 BST
The managerial merry-go-round is in full swing in the Sky Bet EFL, and Crawley could find themselves victims of it.
Notts County have identified Town boss Harry Kewell as the man they want to take the position there after they sacked Kevin Nolan just five games in.
Kewell is expected to accept the job after a compensation package was agreed between the two clubs, and that has firmly disrupted Crawley's preparations for the weekend.
They travel to take on an Oldham side who sit just outside the play-off spots at this early stage and who haven't lost since their opening-day defeat to MK Dons.
Two of their last three games have been victories, and given the events happening at Crawley, it's a bit surprising that Oldham are odds-against here.
In those victories, Oldham have scored at least two and that's why it is worth backing a home victory with a couple of goals.
They've already hit seven this season so they are a side who know where the net is, while Crawley have struggled at times at the back and conceded eight already.
A best price of 9/5 on an Oldham victory with over 1.5 goals seems value with the factors surrounding this game.
Best bet: Oldham to win and over 1.5 goals at 9/5
Preview posted and odds correct at 1500 BST on 30/08/18
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