EFL Acca: Select Orient and Northampton to keep winning in League Two

The English Football League remains as eventful as ever. In his regular column, Jack Goddard helps you find some value accumulator selections for Saturday’s games.

Preston North End v Sheffield United

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Preston have gone goal-crazy of late as four goals have been scored in their last three games - two for and two against. In fact, their midweek match with Burnley became the first North End game this season in which both teams found the net.

It is worth bearing in mind, however, that Preston have still scored just three goals in total this campaign, and Jordan Storey’s equaliser on Tuesday was their first successful strike at home.

Sheffield United have conceded fewer goals than anyone other than Preston, although their recent defensive record is even more impressive than that of the Lilywhites: The Blades have now kept three consecutive clean sheets, and the last two have come on the road.

Considering North End’s struggles in front of goal so far this term and that they are facing an organised defensive unit, a Sheffield United shutout at 2.62 looks the way to go.

Selection: Sheffield United clean sheet: Yes @ 2.62

Burnley v Bristol City

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Bristol City could be this year’s surprise promotion contenders in the Championship. after an eight-match unbeaten run ultimately came to an end at Norwich - who have the best home record in the league - on Wednesday.

The Robins were unlucky to lose. Tommy Conway notched his fifth league goal of the season to further emphasise his quality in the second tier, while 19-year-old midfielder Alex Scott already appears too good for this level. Their two goals in defeat ensured they remain the division’s highest scorers on the road, with 10 scored and 11 conceded in five games.

Burnley’s matches at Turf Moor this season have seen an average of three goals per game. Furthermore, both teams have scored in six of the Clarets’ last seven matches, so there seems to be little chance that Vincent Kompany’s side will be able to keep out a formidable Robins attack.

Selection: Both teams to score @ 1.76

Portsmouth v Plymouth Argyle

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Plymouth have made a terrific start to the season, winning all their home games so far without conceding a single goal and netting in every single away fixture.

They are the joint-highest scorers on the road in League One, with eight goals to their name after four games, but it’s worth noting that they have also conceded the second-most (nine).

Pompey sit third behind Argyle and Cambridge in the home table after dropping just two points at Fratton Park all season, and they are also the league’s joint-highest scorers at home. 75% of Portsmouth’s games at Fratton Park, and 100% of Plymouth’s away matches, have resulted in over 2.5 goals this season. Those trends should continue here.

Selection: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.71

Leyton Orient v Walsall

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Early front-runners Leyton Orient remain top of League Two, with a comfortable victory over bottom-side Rochdale in midweek maintaining their unbeaten start

Orient can now be considered genuine promotion contenders, as their fourth consecutive triumph pushed them five points clear of the play-off places. Richie Wellens’ side have also won all four of their home games so far this term.

That spells bad news for Walsall, who have now gone six games without victory. The Saddlers have, however, kept things pretty tight on the road so far in this campaign, conceding just once per game on average. 

As such, Leyton Orient and under 3.5 goals at 2.36 looks a good price, but a win by any means may be the best bet for your acca. 

Selection: Leyton Orient to win @ 1.87

Northampton Town v Rochdale

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Northampton have bounced back well from the disappointment of last season and are beginning to establish themselves as not only a promotion favourite, but one of the most entertaining sides in the division.

Cobblers fans have witnessed 26 goals so far this term - 16 for and 10 against - more than any other team in the fourth tier. This can mainly be attributed to midfielder Sam Hoskins, who has netted half of Northampton’s goals so far - although he has expectedly slowed down a bit in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Rochdale managed to secure their first point on their travels at mid-table Carlisle in their last away match - although they did still squander a two-goal lead to eventually draw 3-3. With that collapse in mind, and the three away defeats before it, they might succumb to an in-form Northampton side.

Selection: Northampton to win @ 1.91

Recommended bets

Preston v Sheffield United: Sheffield United clean sheet: Yes @ 2.62
Burnley v Bristol City: Both teams to score @ 1.76
Portsmouth v Plymouth: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.71
Leyton Orient v Walsall: Leyton Orient to win @ 1.87
Northampton v Rochdale: Northampton to win @ 1.91