EFL Betting Tips: Who will come out on top in the battle for South Wales

After three wins and one refund from the last EFL Tipsheet, I am back with four more selections. In the Championship, a feisty clash is expected in South Wales, while West Brom are expected to continue their fine form. We also look at the most in-form team in League One and the most out-of-form team in League Two. 

Swansea vs Cardiff

Kick Off: 12:30

The South-Wales Derby is one of the country’s most hostile and they face off again this Saturday in the Championship’s early kick off. 

Unsurprisingly, it has been as tight and unpredictable as ever, with Swansea only five points clear of the bottom three, despite sitting in 15th place. 

Their bitter rivals, Cardiff, are four places and ten points clear and will feel they have an outside shot of the playoffs after four wins on the bounce. 

In terms of yellow cards, Swansea have picked up 36 in 18 games for an average of two per game, while their opponents are averaging 2.37 cards per game when playing at the Swansea.com Stadium. The Swans have received 2+ cards in 13/21 home games, drawing 2+ in 16/21. 

Cardiff have picked up 42 cards in 18 away games for an average of 2.33 per game. This average is much higher than that of their home where they have picked up just 1.42 per game – the third lowest in the league. This suggests Erol Bulut sets the Bluebirds up to frustrate when away from home.  Their opponents average two cards per game when Cardiff are away.  

The fact that Cardiff have only recorded more possession than their opponent on three occasions away from home backs this up, and I expect more of the same against a possession-hungry Swansea side

Bulut’s side have picked up 2+ cards in 14/21 away games, with their opponents booked twice or more on 11 occasions.  

The referee for this affair is David Webb who averages over four cards per game.

With Swansea battling to survive and Cardiff chasing a late playoff push, coupled with hatred between the fanbases, a fiery affair is expected in South Wales. 

Prediction: Both Teams To receive 2+ cards @ 1.78

West Brom vs Bristol City

Kick Off: 15:00

West Brom currently sit fifth in the league, at least 10 points off the four in front of them and five clear of the chasing pack behind them. 

Carlos Corberan’s side are currently unbeaten in five after a superb second-half comeback saw them defeat Huddersfield 1-4 away from home. Their home form has been crucial to their strong season, with the Baggies picking up 39 points from 18 at home. 

The Baggies have won six of their last seven league games at the Hawthorns and will be looking to continue this form against an out-of-form Bristol City. 

Liam Manning’s side have nothing to play for – barring a miracle, as they sit nine points off the playoffs and nine off relegation. A scrappy 1-0 win over Swansea halted a four-game losing streak, with two of these losses against teams in the relegation zone at the time. 

They’ve struggled greatly on the road, picking up just 20 points from 18. With not much riding on the game for Bristol City and a tough trip to the Hawthorns, expect West Brom to run out comfortable winners and cement their playoff place. 

Prediction: West Brom To Win @ 1.78

Lincoln vs Bristol Rovers

Kick Off: 15:00

There always seems to be one team in the EFL that comes out of nowhere to sneak into the playoffs and Lincoln could be the team this year. 

Michael Skubala’s side are now ninth just three points off Stevenage in sixth. They are most certainly the most in-form team in the league and are unbeaten in 12. 

Defensively, their 33 goals conceded is the second lowest in the league. The Imps have also added goals to their games, winning their last two games 1-5 (against promotion chasing Barnsley) and beating Cambridge 6-0. 

The visitors to the LNER Stadium are a Bristol Rovers side who are currently 11th in the league – 16 clear of the relegation zone and 12 off the playoffs. 

Matt Taylor’s side have a respectable away record with 24 points but face a tough task travelling to a Lincoln side who have conceded just one home goal in 2024.

Prediction: Lincoln to win @ 1.70

Accrington Stanley vs Notts County

Kick Off: 15:00

Accrington Stanley have made the news recently for the wrong reasons after their harsh treatment of longstanding manager John Coleman.

On the pitch, Stanley are currently 15th as they look to consolidate in their first season back in League 2 after relegation. A dismal run of four straight league runs was halted with an impressive 2-1 win at Swindon to restore clarity in a panicking fanbase. 

Their home form has been solid enough, picking up 30 points from 19 games at the WHAM stadium. 

Notts County had a strong start on their return to League 2 and looked good to challenge for back-to-back promotions. Their impressive start to the season didn’t go unnoticed and attracted the attention of Championship side Swansea, who appointed Luke Williams as manager. 

Since his departure things have gone downhill for the Magpies. Stuart Maynard was the man trusted to take over but the former Wealdstone manager has flattered to deceive thus far. 

Since his arrival, Notts County have lost six, drawn one and won one of his eight games in charge, including five on the bounce which has seen his side drop all the way down to 17th. 

With 70 goals conceded, Notts have the joint worst defensive record in the league. They also rank 18th away from home, losing 10 of their 18 away games, conceding 38 in the process. 

Notts County look devoid of any confidence or form, so Accrington certainly look a tempting price. 

Prediction: Accrington Stanley to win @ 2.78

Recommended Bets:

Back Both Teams To Receive 2+ Cards in Swansea vs Cardiff @ 1.78
Back West Brom to Beat Bristol City @ 1.78
Back Lincoln to beat Bristol Rovers @ 1.70
Back Accrington Stanley to beat Notts County @ 2.78