Sky Bet League One has not disappointed in the opening weeks of the season. Sporting Life’s Tom Carnduff previews gameday five in England’s third tier, alongside a priced boosted accumulator from the EFL’s title sponsors.
There’s two teams left battling for the 100% start to the EFL season tag, and they both sit at the top end of Sky Bet League One.
Steve Evans’ Peterborough have kicked things off in perfect fashion as they have four wins in as many games.
Victories over Bristol Rovers, Charlton, Luton and Rochdale mean they find themselves top after four games, and they’ll be aiming to maintain their unscratched record when they travel to Plymouth on Saturday.
One goal behind them is Portsmouth, who also join Posh with twelve points from a possible twelve.
Kenny Jackett’s side may face a tricky test at the Keepmoat against Doncaster, although they’ll be full of confidence after gaining maximum points against Blackpool, Bristol Rovers, Luton and Oxford.
Both of these sides know where the net is, and given Pompey have conceded in their last encounter, Sky Bet’s Portsmouth win and Both Teams to Score enhanced offerseems a tempting bet.
Rovers were held last time out by a Shrewsbury team who are starting to add to their tally after a slow start.
Salop have bounced back from defeats to Bradford and Charlton by picking up points against Blackpool and Doncaster. They welcome Luton to Shropshire, with the Hatters picking up their first win of the season against Southend.
Chris Powell’s Southend will aim to respond when they take on Bristol Rovers, who themselves were beaten in their last encounter.
Rovers can be confident though, given the fact that Southend haven’t beaten them on their own turf since 2005 – with eight meetings occurring since then.
Pre-season favourites Sunderland have started strongly and they are on the road at AFC Wimbledon who have endured a mixed opening four games.
Wimbledon were beaten by Walsall in mid-week, who have won an impressive ten points from their first four games. Check out odds on Dale's game against Walsall this Saturday.
Accrington’s start to life in the third tier has been very positive, with two wins and one draw to their name.
They may have been beaten by Gillingham on opening day, but they’ve responded well by picking up maximum points against Bristol Rovers and Oxford with a draw against Charlton in between.
Stanley travel to Blackpool this weekend, where caretaker boss Terry McPhillips has galvanised his group of players following Gary Bowyer’s early season departure.
Bradford City will be aiming for two wins in a row as they host Wycombe. Michael Collins’ men may have been beaten by Southend and Barnsley, but a midweek win over Burton propels them into 9th in the standings.
Elsewhere, Gillingham welcome Coventry who were defeated by Blackpool on Tuesday night while the impressive Barnsley look to keep their unbeaten run going when they travel to face Scunthorpe.
Sporting Life has a fortnightly Championship podcast where we discuss all things to do with the division. This week’s episode sees Tom Carnduff and Gareth Jones joined by former Derby, Leeds, Millwall and Middlesbrough striker Noel Whelan. You can listen to this week’s episode by heading here.
Alongside that, Sky Bet have enhanced the odds of a four-fold accumulator for this week’s EFL action. Back Aston Villa, Peterborough, Carlisle and Mansfield all to win at 16/1 by heading here.
DALE VS WALSALL MATCH ODDS
Rochdale are 23/20 with Sky Bet to take all three points against Walsall on Saturday.
The Saddlers are priced at 12/5, while the draw is at 23/10.
Fancy both teams to score? Yes – 8/11; No – EVENS.
Dale's leading scorer Ian Henderson is at 4/1 to open the scoring at the weekend and 6/4 to score anytime.
Odds correct at time of writing. For full match odds, visit Sky Bet's website HERE.
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