EFL Early Bird Acca Tips: Cheltenham Are In Real Trouble

After an action-packed midweek special across the EFL, I am back with my EFL Early Bird acca tips ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.

Thirty-four matches will play on Saturday 19th August, across the Championship, League 1, and League 2. The two lower leagues take my fancy, with a treble at just over 5.00.

Derby, Pompey and Crew – let’s get to it.

• Derby vs Fleetwood: Derby Win and Under 4.5 Goals
• Portsmouth vs Cheltenham: Portsmouth Win and Over 1.5 Goals
• Crewe vs Walsall: Over 2.25 Asian Goals

Acca odds: 5.37

Odds via bet365 as at 18:00 14.08.23 2023. Odds may now differ.

Derby vs Fleetwood: Cod Army to continue to struggle

England, League 1, Saturday, 19th August, 15:00 (UK)

Pre-season title favourites Derby hosts Fleetwood at Pride Park.

The Rams started the season with a surprise 2-1 loss at home to Wigan but followed this up with a relentless 3-0 victory at local rivals Burton Albion. It was an efficient performance from early on, with James Collins opening the scoring after seven minutes before Conor Hourihane and Conor Washington sealed the deal late on.

It was a performance of polar opposites from the opening-day defeat to the Latics, with the Rams only recording eight shots against Burton compared to 20 against Wigan. Paul Warne will be delighted with the clinical nature from his side but will be disappointed at the lack of creativity.

Derby were solid defensively last campaign, only conceding 46 goals (20 at home). The signings of Sonny Bradley, Curtis Nelson, Joe Ward, and Callum Elder have augmented an already resolute defence.

Fleetwood, on the other hand, have started the season poorly. A 2-0 home defeat to relegation favourites Cambridge highlighted Fleetwood’s lack of a cutting edge, only generating a 0.43xG from 65% possession.

With the Rams boasting a tremendous defence and a lack of inventiveness, they should beat Fleetwood with a low goal count.

• Selection: Derby Win and Under 4.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365

More Derby vs Fleetwood Tips and Predictions from our Community

Portsmouth vs Cheltenham: Portsmouth to Rock the Robins

England, League 1, Saturday 19th August, 15:00 (UK)

Fratton Park plays host to a match between promotion-chasing Portsmouth and relegation-battling Cheltenham.

Portsmouth followed up a 1-1 draw against Bristol Rovers with a 4-0 dismantling of Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road. New signing Kusini Yengi has scored four in less than 90 minutes of action and looks like a shrewd acquisition.

John Mousinho’s attack will be the envy of many in the league. The aforementioned Yengi has looked very strong so far, while Colby Bishop will be hoping to replicate last season’s 20-goal tally. Winger Gavin Whyte is averaging a chance created every 34 minutes and is a real creative lynchpin in this side.

Cheltenham have started the season with three defeats in all competitions, failing to score thus far. The 3-0 defeat at home to Bolton epitomised Wade Elliot’s side’s struggles, only scoring five goals, recording just five attempts, and conceding 17 shots. The 1-0 loss to Shrewsbury on the opening weekend was another bad performance, allowing 1.59xG against.

With Portsmouth looking potent in attack and Cheltenham looking weak, Portsmouth win and over 1.5 goals is my next selection.

• Selection: Portsmouth Win and Over 1.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 1.66
• Bookmaker: bet365

More Portsmouth vs Cheltenham Tips and Predictions from our Community

Crewe vs Walsall: Goal Gluttonous Crewe

England, League 2, Saturday, 19th August 15:00 (UK)

We drop down to League 2 for the final selection as Crewe hosts Walsall at the MornFlake Stadium.

Crewe have had an adventurous start to their league campaign, drawing 2-2 with Mansfield and Swindon before dismantling Newport 4-2 at home.

Lee Bell’s side are carrying on where they left off at home last season. The Railwaymen won their last five home games of last season, with four out of five seeing over 2.5 goals land.

A fully fit Chris Long and Courtney Baker-Richardson will be a considerable boost and add extra impetus to the attack. Young midfielder Joel Tabiner has also showcased his creativity, laying on an assist for Mickey Demetriou in Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Newport County.

Walsall, like Crewe, have also started the season in fine goalscoring form, scoring five goals in three games. However, Michael Flynn’s side has also shown their defensive fragility, conceding seven in this time span.

An opening day 2-1 defeat at Morecambe was followed up by a 2-1 victory over Stockport before losing 4-2 at Wrexham. The prolific Danny Johnson is back at the Saddlers, firing the goals, scoring two in three.

This selection has landed in all three league games for both Crewe and Walsall, so it presents serious value.

• Selection: Over 2.25 Asian Goal Line
• Best Odds: 1.85
• Bookmaker: bet365

More Crewe vs Walsall Tips and Predictions from our Community

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