Sky Bet EFL: Match previews and best bets for fixtures on Saturday August 3
The first weekend of the Sky Bet EFL season is here. Tom Carnduff takes a look at a few of the games taking place.
Recommended bets
2pts Borja Baston to score anytime in Swansea v Hull at 23/10
1pt Peterborough to win and over 3.5 goals in the match at 5/1
For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
Swansea v Hull
The Tigers are set for a campaign that will see them battling to avoid the drop, and that campaign should also start in defeat.
Swansea have experienced significant change this summer, more so than Hull, with manager Graham Potter departing for Brighton, while winger Dan James has gone to Manchester United.
Star striker Oli McBurnie is on the verge of completing a move to Sheffield United, with Sporting Life exclusively revealing a bid was accepted on Tuesday.
What that does mean this weekend though is that someone will have to fill that void up front, and the responsibility could fall on previously forgotten man Borja Baston.
The striker hit five goals, despite injuries, for Deportivo Alavés in LaLiga last season and was expected to depart the club again this summer.
However, Steve Cooper has included Baston in his preparations, and with McBurnie an absence, the forward is set to feature.
Against a poor Hull side who have many problems of their own, Baston can start the campaign with a goal.
Best bet: Borja Baston to score anytime at 23/10
Peterborough v Fleetwood
I have Peterborough as the winners of Sky Bet League One this season and hold a lot of optimism that they can start in winning fashion.
Darren Ferguson has built a side that looks strong in all areas, with a positive transfer window boosting a squad that probably should have performed better last season.
Mo Eisa has joined from Bristol City to add quality to an already competitive front line. He endured a difficult season at Bristol City, but his efforts for Cheltenham shows how this is a statement of intent signing.
The addition of Christy Pym from Exeter should be applauded too. He was the best performing goalkeeper in League Two last season.
Mark Beevers' arrival brings some experience to the back line, while Frankie Kent earned the plaudits for his efforts with Colchester.
Of course, on top of all that is George Boyd. A legend at the club already, he possesses the ability of a player who should still be playing in the division above.
They possess so much quality going forward and it wouldn't be the worst shout to say that Posh could finish as the top scorers in this division.
The London Road faithful will be hoping that they demonstrate that on opening day, with goals expected from the home side.
Best bet: Peterborough to win and over 3.5 goals in the match at 5/1
Crewe v Plymouth
Plymouth look like they have a great opportunity to bounce straight back into Sky Bet League One after the arrival of Ryan Lowe as manager.
Lowe led Bury to England's third tier under incredibly difficult circumstances last season, playing an eye-catching, attacking brand of football that got results.
The 82 goals scored was the highest tally in the division and they finished six points behind winners Lincoln. Considering the circumstances surrounding the club, that outcome was nothing short of exceptional.
Five of that promotion-winning squad have joined Lowe in making the switch to the Pilgrims. Danny Mayor is the stand-out, but he'll be alongside Will Aimson, Dom Telford, Callum McFadzean and Byron Moore.
Given a spine of a team now familiar with working under Lowe, we should see a similar style of football which is what the new Pilgrims boss wants.
It may take a couple of weeks to perfect that style, along with finding a replacement for Freddie Ladapo who has since departed for Rotherham, but the opening day fixture away at Crewe should bring goals.
Best bet: Over 2.5 goals in the match at 21/20
EFL 2019/20 Season Guide
Odds correct at 0930 BST (02/08/19)
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