* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
12.30pm: Bournemouth v Reading: Over 2.5 Goals
Bournemouth could replace out-of-sorts Reading at the top of The Championship (for a few hours, at least) in Saturday’s early televised game. And, on recent form, you certainly wouldn’t bet against it. The Royals have lost their last three after winning seven and drawing one of their first eight games. Despite that run they still cling onto 1st place with 22 points from 11 games.
Saturday 12.30pm: Bournemouth v Reading
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Bournemouth are in fourth and lost their unbeaten record two games back, but they have had too many draws for their liking so far this season. They have 20 points from five wins, five draws and one defeat. They have been taking a safety-first approach and their desire to keep it tight has been blunting their many glittering attacking weapons.
Reading’s defence has completely gone to pot recently but there’s clearly a good team in there somewhere as the early-season form showed. It’s hard to completely discount them getting a result in this one despite their current struggles, so Over 2.5 Goals is the way to go. It’s only landed once in Bournemouth’s last five, but it’s come off in 100% of Reading’s games over the same period and, with the way they are defending right now, there’s a good chance that run could extend to six.
1pm: Gillingham v Charlton: Charlton to Win
This fixture was originally scheduled for 3pm but has been brought forward two hours, presumably so Gillingham can get it over and done with and get on with the rest of their weekend. They face England’s form team who are making the short trip to Priestfield on the back of six straight wins in the league. The Addicks have risen to 4th in the third tier with 22 points from 10 games ending in seven wins, one draw and two losses.
Gillingham, on the other hand, have had a very tough run but lost five on the bounce before recording a win against Crewe in their last League One fixture back at the start of the month. They were probably relieved that their match against Lincoln was postponed last weekend due to international call ups. They’re 16th after 11 games, racking up 13 points as a result of four wins, one draw and six losses.
Until that win over The Railwaymen on November 3rd, The Gills hadn’t scored in five and were completely out of form. Lee Bowyer’s side have been brushing aside all who dare to challenge them and everything is pointing towards another Charlton Win on Saturday.
3pm: QPR v Watford: Watford to Win
Back to The Championship for the 3pm kick offs and we’re siding with another away team who are flying high. Watford could themselves go top of the division with a win in this one if Reading don’t beat Bournemouth earlier in the day.
The Hornets have recovered from a mini wobble at the end of last month which saw them lose to Barnsley and draw with Wycombe to go on and win their two most-recent outings. They’re 2nd with 21 points from six wins, three draws and two losses. Their hosts on Saturday, QPR, are 18th after 11 games with three wins, four draws and four losses giving them 13 points.
QPR are improving a little and two of their three wins have come in their last three against lowly Derby and the inconsistent Cardiff. The Hornets look to be back on track, however, and at decent odds we’re backing Watford to Win at Loftus Road and continue their assault on the top spot.
3pm: Southend v Cambridge: Cambridge (-1)
Southend recorded a long awaited first win of the season last week following a dramatic finish in their trip to Walsall. The Saddlers missed an 81st minute penalty before Southend struck in the 88th to get their first three points since March, courtesy of a 1-0 triumph.
However, we’re expecting that joy to be short lived as they host 2nd-placed Cambridge who have 24 points from seven wins, three draws and two losses in their 12 games. Southend, as you may have guessed, are rock bottom with five points from one win, two draws and nine defeats.
Cambridge have scored the league’s most goals with 25, the same number as what the division’s leakiest team, Southend, have let in. Saturday’s visitors to Roots Hall can be a bit inconsistent at times, but they should get the three points with ease and it’s well worth backing Cambridge (-1) on the handicap.
Tips for Saturday’s EFL action
12.30pm: Bournemouth v Reading: Over 2.5 Goals
1pm: Gillingham v Charlton: Charlton to Win
3pm: QPR v Watford: Watford to Win
3pm: Southend v Cambridge: Cambridge (-1)
These four selections in an acca-insured four fold will give you odds of around 30/1 with Paddy Power.
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Top tips for Saturday’s Premier League footy:
- 12.30pm: Timo to terrify Toon but Newcastle to grab draw with Chelsea
- 3pm: Brighton to stun Aston Villa – but Watkins to score
- 5.30pm: Kane and Jesus to shine in this Spurs v Man City 43/1 Same Game Multi
- 8pm: Bruno Fernandes the key for Man Utd in this 14/1 Same Game Multi for West Brom clash
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