* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
We’re getting into the swing of things now as we head into the fourth round of fixtures in the EFL this season. This Saturday it’s QPR hosting Barnsley on the telly at 12.30pm in what will be a true test of The R’s early-season promotion credentials.
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Elsewhere I’ll serve up four potential options for your Saturday 3pm EFL acca and I’m still on cloud nine after firing in a 24/1 four-fold last weekend. So, buckle up and let’s find out if we can continue this rich vein of early-season form.
12.30pm: QPR v Barnsley
Can it be true? Are QPR the real deal? They’ve been fancied in some circles to have a good chance of mounting a playoff charge this season and they’ve certainly started well. They’ve got seven points from their three games, drawing at home to Millwall before racking up impressive away wins at Hull and Middlesbrough, notching seven goals in the process.
For The Tykes it was always going to be difficult this year but they do have a perfect record so far. Well, of sorts. They’ve won one, drawn one and lost one with Coventry beaten, Luton taking the spoils and a stalemate with Cardiff in game week one. But where’s the smart money in your early kick-off?
Saturday 12.30pm: QPR v Barnsley
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Safe Bet: QPR to Win
I think the belief around Loftus Road is justified. For now, at least. They’re unbeaten and have been smashing the goals in as they sit third in The Championship early doors. Despite this there has to be concerns about their lack of depth up top.
Barnsley, on the other hand, have won just one of their four games which includes a 1-1 draw with League Two Leyton Orient in the EFL Cup. There’s no doubt the hosts have started the season in a nice groove and everything’s pointing towards a QPR Win here.
Value Play: QPR to Win and Over 2.5 Goals
In QPR’s four games, including an EFL Cup match, there have been 12 goals, an average of three a game, and they’ve scored eight of them. Barnsley have only scored twice in four games, firing a blank 50% of the time they’ve taken to the field this season.
I think QPR will dominate here and run the game how they fancy and that means goals – as we saw with West Brom’s demolition of the previously tight Sheffield United on Wednesday. At a nice price your value punt is QPR to Win and Over 2.5 Goals.
Long Shot: Rob Dickie to Score First
Centre back turned goal machine Rob Dickie might not have expected to be The R’s top scorer after four games in all competitions but here we are. The 25-year-old has three in four in games and is reportedly attracting interest from the Premier League.
He’s a big price here but three goals in four games for a centre back is quite a remarkable feat. This is called the long shot punt for a reason and, at a healthy price, you need look no further than Rob Dickie to Score First if you fancy a speculative punt on Saturday.
3pm Acca tips
The below picks in a Paddy Power Acca will give you odds of around 16/1. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Blackburn v West Brom – West Brom to Win
West Brom have set their stall for promotion out early and they currently occupy top spot heading into game week four. Their lead is a slender one, just pipping Fulham on goals scored. Here they travel to an in-form side in Blackburn.
Rovers have started well and are 6th with two wins and a draw, the same record as West Brom. However, The Baggies are my favourites to win the league. They’ve started well and at a good price I think it’s worth backing West Brom to Win.
Cambridge v Burton – Burton to Win
Burton might be preparing to surprise some people this season. The Brewers are 2nd, only kept off top spot by Portsmouth’s superior goal difference. They’ve won all three of their games this season, including the impressive scalps of Ipswich and Sunderland.
They travel to League One new boys Cambridge who won promotion from the fourth tier last term and have started with two draws and a loss. It’s well worth siding with the form side, especially at the price, so we’re on the Burton Win here.
Doncaster v Portsmouth – Portsmouth to Win
Like Burton, Pompey have a flawless record in League One this season and they sit atop the third tier after three games. In stark contrast, Doncaster, who faded badly last season, have played three and lost three.
It’s not going to take a genius to guess which way we’re going here. Pompey are yet to concede in the league this season while Rovers have only scored once. At a tremendous price, Portsmouth to Win is an absolute must in any accas this weekend.
Forest Green v Crawley – Forest Green to Win
League Two is already a bit of a mish-mash with some teams having played one and others playing three. One of the teams who have played three is Forest Green and they’ve got a 100% win record so far. Crawley have only played two, winning one and losing one.
They’re 14th while FGR are top at this early stage. Crawley have lost their only away game so far this term and with FGR winning one at home and an impressive two on the road we have to round off with Forest Green to Win.
Saturday EFL tips
12.30pm: QPR v Barnsley
Safe Bet: QPR to Win
Value Play: QPR to Win and Over 2.5 Goals
Long Shot: Rob Dickie to Score Anytime
Saturday 3pm Acca
Blackburn v West Brom – West Brom to Win
Cambridge v Burton – Burton to Win
Doncaster v Portsmouth – Portsmouth to Win
Forest Green v Crawley – Forest Green to Win
These selections in an acca-insured four-fold will give you odds of around 16/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
ACCA INSURANCE
If one leg of your 4+ fold Acca lets you down, you get up to £/€10 back as a free bet. Customers can qualify for 1 Acca Insurance per day up to £/€10. The free bets will be credited by 12pm the following day.
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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