English Football League Betting Tips: Across the pyramid as clubs stake promotion claims

It’s still very early doors in the English Football League as teams across the country look to get themselves settled, but there is still a chance to set out their stalls.

There were some big scorelines on the opening weekend, with a few upsets, a handful of routs and plenty of goals across the board.

Now, with gameweek two upon us, all of the same clubs are seeking to build on or bounce back from whatever happened to them a week ago. There’ll be drama ahead once more.

Football expert, Joe Crann, is here and has picked one game from each division to take a look at.

Ipswich Town vs Stoke City

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

To say that Ipswich could be a surprise package this season is probably unfair to them. They blew teams away in the second half of their promotion charge last season, have signed well, and it was no surprise to see them beat Sunderland 2-1 on the opening day.

They’re at 2.2 as favourites for the game against a Stoke City side that find themselves in a bit of a transition period, but the Potters have had new signing, André Vidigal, start like a house on fire with three goals in two games – he might be worth a look as anytime goalscorer. Stoke stuck four past Rotherham United on the opening day.

Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys haven’t lost a single home game in any competition since back in November and have won nine consecutive competitive games at Portman Road, keeping clean sheets in eight of them.

Prediction: Ipswich to win at 2.2

Burton Albion vs Derby County

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

A bit of a local derby, this one, and there’s already a bit of pressure ramping up on Paul Warne after his Derby side lost their first two games in 2023/24 – against Wigan Athletic in the league and Blackpool in the Carabao Cup.

They’re favourites for this one, with Burton at 4.2 to win, and you’d think they could be due a win as they make the short trip to the Pirelli Stadium to face a Burton side that aren’t expected to do anything more than finish mid-table this season.

The Rams aren’t particularly good travellers, though, with just six wins in their last 15 on the road – but in general their games do have goals in them.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.87

Gillingham vs Accrington Stanley

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Both the Gills and Accrington enjoyed strong opening days last weekend, beating Stockport County and Newport County respectively, but midweek offered an extra boost for the hosts as they put Championship side, Southampton, to the sword with a 3-0 win in the Carabao Cup.

Robbie McKenzie has already bettered his tally from last season after getting three goals in those two matches despite being a defender, and it appears he could be a threat from set pieces for Neil Harris’ outfit.

At 2.08 they’re the favourites against the recently relegated 'Owd Reds, and the Gills’ home form should stand them in good stead. They’ve won nine of their last 13 at Priestfield Stadium.

Prediction: Gillingham to win and under 3.5 goals @ 2.6

Recommended bets

Ipswich Town vs Stoke City: Ipswich to win at 2.2
Burton Albion vs Derby County: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.87
Gillingham vs Accrington Stanley:  Gillingham to win and under 3.5 goals @ 2.6