EFL WEEKEND: The EFL returns to action this weekend after a two-week break to accommodate the FA Cup third round. We preview the best of the action below, alongside some of our recommended BETDAQ bets.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Preston North End vs Norwich City – Saturday 15:00
Having incredibly drawn five of their opening Championship fixtures, all with a 0-0 scoreline, Preston haven’t tasted a stalemate in the league in 15 fixtures, with a 93rd minute winner against Stoke a fortnight ago at least halting their three-game losing streak. That run has somewhat sobered the Lilywhites’ push for a playoff position, though they remain just two points behind Millwall in sixth.
They welcome a Norwich side on Saturday who they leapfrogged in the most recent matchweek, with the Canaries succumbing to a late 1-0 loss at home to Watford – the fourth time in five games they have conceded a decisive goal in the 83rd minute or later. New manager Neil Wagner will have to arrest his side’s startling slump in domestic form – winning just three of their last 15 games – if they are to compose a genuine push for promotion.
Both sides find themselves in indifferent form coming into this one, although Norwich have actually won two of their last three games on the road despite their slide down the division, with Preston losing each of their last three at home. A new manager bounce could also be on the cards for the Canaries, so we’re backing Norwich at 2.62 to get their domestic campaign back on track.
Preston North End vs Norwich City markets
Luton Town vs West Bromwich Albion – Saturday 15:00
Luton won a third successive league game for the first time since February 2022 with a late 2-1 victory against Huddersfield on New Year’s Day. The result keeps them level on points with Millwall and Middlesbrough in the playoff positions, though they have a game in hand on the men from the North East, with another playoff finish very much on the cards for the Hatters.
West Brom continue to rise under Carlos Corberán, with a 1-0 win over Reading in their most recent Championship fixture serving as their eighth win in nine league games. The Baggies must wish they’d displayed this current form at the beginning of their domestic campaign, although the fact they are in the conversation for a playoff finish considering their early season results is an achievement in itself.
A win for either side will serve as a colossal boost for their retrospective promotion hopes. Not many teams win away at Luton – the Hatters haven’t lost at Kenilworth Road in nine games across all competitions – but West Brom look really strong at this moment in time. Backing the Baggies at 2.52 to continue their good run is the play here.
Luton Town vs West Bromwich Albion markets
LEAGUE ONE
Ipswich Town vs Plymouth Argyle – Saturday 15:00
Arguably the tie of the weekend sees League One leaders Plymouth Argyle travel to Ipswich Town in a huge first-versus-second showdown. The Tractor Boys have had to rely on some late recent equalisers to avoid away defeats to Portsmouth and Lincoln City but remain one of the most formidable sides at home in the division – their only loss at Portman Road coming in October.
Plymouth continue to be the pace-setters of the division, despite a 0-0 stalemate against Bolton last weekend that ended their four-game winning streak. The Pilgrims remain five points clear of Sheffield Wednesday at the summit, though they have to face trips to both Ipswich and Wednesday in their next four games. You feel this is a pivotal next month in the context of the League One season.
Despite being top of the league, Plymouth are massively valued at 6.6 for victory on Saturday, which is perhaps a testament to Ipswich’s impressive home record. Whilst it would be bold to back the Pilgrims for an outright victory, they should have enough to come away with at least a draw against a side who have won just once in their last four league games. Laying Ipswich at 1.6 is the selection for this one.
Ipswich Town vs Plymouth Argyle markets
LEAGUE TWO
Harrogate Town vs Stevenage – Saturday 15:00
Having composed a three-game winning run to commemorate Boxing Day – the first time they’d achieved that feat since August 2021 – Harrogate have begun to slip back into old habits after a 3-1 loss at home to fellow strugglers Colchester United last weekend. The north Yorkshire side are now winless in three and hover just four points above the relegation zone, having kept just one clean sheet in their last 15 league games.
Stevenage are fresh off the back of a sensational victory against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, and will be hoping to use that momentum to push on domestically. The Boro are unbeaten in their last nine games and sit just five points adrift of league leaders Leyton Orient with a game in hand, so there is plenty to be optimistic about for fans of the Hertfordshire side.
Two of Harrogate’s recent three wins came at Wetherby Road, so they find themselves in decent nick in front of their own supporters, but Stevenage will most likely have too much for their hosts, especially given their recent conquest at Villa Park. Backing the away side at 1.92 looks like reasonable value.
Harrogate Town vs Stevenage markets
