Early Bird EFL Acca Tips: Three Openers and Three Points

The return of the EFL on Friday, August 4th, will be a welcome sight for many. In my debut EFL piece, a selection from the Championship, League 1, and League 2 are included. Three odds-against selections that present serious value have caught my eye to make up a juicy 11.13 odds acca.

• Plymouth vs Huddersfield: Plymouth win
• Charlton vs Leyton Orient: Charlton Win
• Doncaster vs Harrogate: Doncaster win

Acca odds: 11.13

Odds via bet365 as at 08:40, 31st July. Odds may now differ.

Plymouth vs Huddersfield: Pilgrims to make it uncomfortable travelling for The Terriers

England, Championship, Saturday, August 5th, 15:00 (UK)

Embarking on their first Championship season since 2010, Plymouth opens with a game at Home Park against a Huddersfield side expected to struggle.

Steven Schumacher’s Argyle side defied expectations last season, topping the league with 101 points ahead of a very strong Ipswich side. A significant factor in this fantastic season was the Pilgrims’ home form, gaining 61 points from a possible 68. They also ended the season like a steam train, winning nine of the final ten games.

Huddersfield, on the other hand, endured a tough season, with the Terriers finishing 18th thanks to the mid-season appointment of Neil Warnock. However, their away form left a lot to be desired, as they finished 21st in games away from the Kirklees stadium, picking up only 20 points from 23 games.

Both have had opposing fortunes in the transfer window. Plymouth have been ambitious, breaking their transfer record twice and signing talent from abroad, such as Julio Pleguezuelo. Warnock’s side have only signed two players: backup goalkeeper Chris Maxwell from Blackpool and Tom Edwards on loan from Stoke.

With a sold-out Home Park cheering the side on, I expect Plymouth to carry last season’s momentum into this game and beat Huddersfield.

• Selection: Plymouth Win
• Best Odds: 2.25
• Bookmaker: bet365

More Plymouth vs Huddersfield Tips

Charlton vs Leyton Orient: A rejuvenated Charlton to beat London rivals

England, League One, Saturday, August 5th, 15:00 (UK)

After an uninspiring midtable finish, Charlton head into this campaign much more prepared. The Addicks have looked like a better side since the appointment of Dean Holden mid-season, and an ambitious transfer window has fans of the South-East London side feeling giddy. Leyton Orient enjoyed a tremendous season, winning League 2 with 91 points.

After the takeover of the club by SE7 partners was confirmed, Charlton supporters could start dreaming of promotion again.  Adding to an already solid squad are Cambridge player of the year Lloyd Jones, quick full-back Tayo Edun, talented midfielder Terry Taylor, powerful runner Panutche Camara, and the prolific Alfie May. May, in particular, is a real coup, scoring 20 goals for an unfancied Cheltenham side last year. This Charlton side is full of goals, and the additions of Camara, Jones, and Taylor will augment the leaky defence. I’m a fan, and you’ll find me just as bullish in bettingexpert’s ante-post League 1 betting preview.

While Leyton Orient enjoyed a fruitful season in winning the League 2 title, the step up to League 1 will take some adjusting. The O’s also struggled away at the top sides, losing to Northampton, Gillingham, and Stevenage away in 2023.

A boisterous Valley is expected, as good times look set to return to SE7. A winning start to the season would set up Charlton’s promotion push nicely.

• Selection: Charlton Win
• Best Odds: 2.20
• Bookmaker: bet365

More Charlton vs Leyton Orient Tips

Doncaster vs Harrogate: Winning start expected at Keepmoat

England, League One, Saturday, August 5th, 15:00 (UK)

The final selection comes from Yorkshire, as Doncaster hosts Harrogate. Donny endured a miserable campaign, finishing 18th, but the return of Grant McCann and some promising signings have seen a spike in optimism in South Yorkshire.

As expected, McCann has overseen a squad overhaul, signing 10 players and releasing six thus far. The signings have been a mix of young loans, non-league talent, and experienced players from around the EFL. 37-year-old centre back Richard Wood signs after having amassed over 550 EFL appearances and improving a leaky defence that conceded 65 goals last year. Joe Ironside only scored six goals in League One for Cambridge, so it is hoped a drop in level will help him replicate the two previous 14-goal seasons. Ironside is seen as a facilitator for other forwards, so the clinical George Miller will relish the opportunity to partner the 29-year-old.

Harrogate suffered the blow of losing box-to-box midfielder Alex Pattison to Bradford. The North Yorkshire outfit finished 19th, one position behind Doncaster. Simon Weaver’s side picked up 24 points from 23 away games last season, only winning six on the road.

With Doncaster looking much stronger heading into this campaign, don’t be surprised to see ‘Donny’ emerge victorious over Harrogate.

• Selection: Doncaster Win
• Best Odds: 2.25
• Bookmaker: bet365

More Doncaster vs Harrogate Tips

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