EFL WEEKEND: The EFL continues this weekend and we preview one game from each of the three divisions below, alongside some of our recommended BETDAQ bets.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Preston v Plymouth – Saturday 15:00
Preston are one of only two teams that remain unbeaten in the Championship after five games and they will be looking to continue their good form when Plymouth visit Deepdale on Saturday. After a draw in their opening game, Ryan Lowe’s side have won their last four, including a 2-0 win over Stoke most recently. It would be hard to say Preston dominated that game, as they had 30% possession and only four shots on goal. However, they were clinical when needing to be, with Will Keane’s second half brace enough to secure another win. While they certainly haven’t blown teams away so far this season, Preston have developed a canny knack of finding a way to win and that sees them sit on top of the Championship table.
Plymouth are back in the Championship after a 13-year break and have started the season in solid fashion, with two wins, two losses and a draw leaving them in 10th position after five games. These sides haven’t met since 2010, when they drew 1-1, and with Plymouth also coming here full of confidence following a thumping 3-0 defeat of Blackburn last time, this could be another tight encounter. However, it’s hard to argue with the start that Preston have made and with Plymouth shipping goals in all but one of their games so far, it’s likely the Lancashire side will find a way to maintain their winning streak at 1.97.
LEAGUE ONE
Peterborough v Leyton Orient – Saturday 15:00
Peterborough and Leyton Orient haven’t met since 2015 and both find themselves in mid-table in League One, with nine and seven points respectively. Peterborough began the season in fine form, winning their first three games but their progress has stalled with three defeats following most recently. They threw away a goal lead to succumb 3-1 to Portsmouth in their last league game, but will have taken confidence from their recent win over Cambridge United in the EFL Trophy. A leaky defence seems to be a problem for Darragh MacAnthony’s side, who have conceded nine times in their six games to date.
Newly-promoted Orient have also struggled defensively, conceding 12 in their seven games to date, the most in the league. The east London side have fallen to heavy defeats to Portsmouth and most recently Stevenage this season and have at times struggled for inspiration in front of goal too, scoring only six times. On that basis, it’s no surprise to see Peterborough as favourites for this clash at the Weston Homes Stadium, but Orient were better most recently in their 2-1 win over Exeter and may be able to get a result on their travels. A draw at 3.7 looks to offer the most value here.
Peterborough v Leyton Orient markets
LEAGUE TWO
Wrexham v Grimsby Town – 15:00 Saturday
Wrexham’s star looks still to be in the ascendency in League Two this season, as after an opening day 5-3 defeat at the hands of MK Dons, the Welsh side have gone six games unbeaten and currently sit in seventh place, three points off top spot. Goals don’t seem to be the problem for Phil Parkinson’s side as they have notched 17 in their seven games to date – the second most in the division – with Elliot Lee top scoring with six strikes so far. However, defensively things aren’t in such good shape, as they have conceded 15 times, including five goals in a game twice.
It will be interesting to see how Wrexham fare against a Grimsby Town side that have one of the best defensive records in the league, with only six goals against them in their seven games. Grimsby did also manage to inflict a 2-0 defeat on league leaders Gillingham three games ago, showing that they are a side capable of trading blows with the best in the league. With Wrexham’s tendency to ship goals, it’s not inconceivable that Grimsby could take the lead and then attempt to shut up shop. They could be worth supporting at 5.
