EFL Betting Tips: Ipswich Town’s credentials tested as Barnsley look to end the chaos

With the international break already a fog in the back of the minds of football fans across the country, the time has come for a return to the 3pm kickoffs of domestic football.

England were underwhelming but got the job done for Euro 2024, but for many it’s all about a return to stadiums this weekend as they head back to cheer on their local team once again.

As always we’ve selected one game from each of the English Football League’s divisions, and there is no doubt plenty of drama to come in the coming days… 

Championship:

West Bromwich Albion v Ipswich Town

Kick off: 3pm Saturday

It’s a big chance, once again, for Ipswich to test their promotion credentials. Every week people talk about their bubble bursting, of their luck running out, but after 16 games they don’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing up. 

Kieran McKenna’s team have still lost only once in the Championship since promotion, and a victory over Swansea City in their last game got them back to winning ways after two draws on the bounce. Both teams are at 2.76 for victory in this one, and it’s certainly a tough one to call.

One thing that does seem almost certain, however, is that the Tractor Boys will score… You have to go all the way back to February to find the last time they didn’t - in any competition - which is why a home clean sheet is seen as unlikely (3.65). 

It’s worth noting, though, that Baggies goalkeeper, Alex Palmer, has kept the most shutouts of any stopper in the division (7) – and four of them have come in their last five matches at the Hawthorns. Three points for either team against this opposition would be huge.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.91

League One:

Lincoln City v Barnsley

Kick off: 3pm Saturday

November has been a horror show for the Reds. Firstly they drew with Isthmian League Premier Division outfit, Horsham FC, in the FA Cup, then they were hammered by Derby County in League One.

 Victory in their cup replay would be for nought after they embarrassingly fielded an ineligible player and were kicked out of the competition, and earlier this week they got a 5-1 battering by Bradford City in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

They’re favourites at 2.5 away in Lincoln, and Neill Collins will be desperate to try and end the recent chaos by picking up three point for the first time in over a month. Both teams do have a goal in them – hence it being at 1.69 for both teams to score – but the Imps’ home form has been very hit and miss of late.

Prediction: Barnsley to win and under 4.5 goals @ 2.7

League Two:

Swindon Town v Mansfield Town

Kick off: 3pm Saturday

If you’d asked Nigel Clough if he’d take second place and still unbeaten heading into the final weekend of November then he’d probably have snatched your hand off…

But that’s exactly where the Stags find themselves as they head to Swindon, looking to make it 19 games without defeat in League Two and possibly close the gap on league leaders, Stockport County, to just three points.

The Robins are, of course, the outsiders at 3.65, and it’s seen as even more unlikely that they’ll get a clean sheet – that’s at 5.7. The hosts, despite being 11th in the division, have only been outscored by two teams in the third tier though, and only three teams have stopped them scoring in league fixtures so far.

Prediction: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 1.88

Recommended Bets

Back over 2.5 goals in West Brom v Ipswich @ 1.91
Back Barnsley to beat Lincoln and under 4.5 goals @ 2.7
Back BTTS and over 2.5 goals in Swindon v Mansfield @ 1.88