Gab Sutton EFL Predictions & Betting Tips
Gab Sutton 
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EFL expert Gabriel Sutton will continue to bring you his betting tips and EFL predictions for every round of the new season here on Freebets.
His knowledge and insight on everything from the Championship to League One and League Two is unrivalled, so expect detailed betting tips and analysis from all three competitions.
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Gab Sutton’s EFL Predictions & Betting Tips
EFL pundit Gab Sutton picks his best bets ahead of the final day, and he’s ventured into the outright market, which you can use alongside our range of football betting sites ahead of the weekend.
Burnley to win the Championship title
- Burnley to win the Championship title
Leeds are understandably favourites to win the Championship title, with their +13 superior goal difference meaning they effectively need to simply match or better Burnley’s result at home to Millwall, when they travel to a Plymouth Argyle side set for relegation.
The Pilgrims, though, are finishing the season in good form with four wins in six, with the damage having been done earlier in the campaign, and the form of their relegation rivals means their resurgence has counted for nothing in the end (baring an unrealistic sequence of events).
One of the unusual quirks of Argyle’s season, though, is their record against top-10 opposition at Home Park: won six, drew two, lost one – 20 points from nine.
Plus, it’s been top half form for the Devonians since Miron Muslic took charge in January, in which time Ryan Hardie and Mustaphu Bundu have come to finish the season as two of the Championship’s form strikers.
Argyle will be keen to go down fighting, as they look ahead to a rebuild under Muslic in League One, and give the Green Army something to smile about.
So, this could be a trickier game for visitors Leeds than maybe the odds suggest, and while Burnley’s hosting of Play-Off candidates Millwall will be no cakewalk, Scott Parker’s side are unbeaten at home all season, and have only dropped points at Turf Moor once since January.
Preston to be relegated from the Championship
- Preston to be relegated from the Championship
The 11/4 on Preston North End to be relegated on the final day looks a huge price, given that Paul Heckingbottom’s side have lost their last four.
Their manager had publicly questioned his side’s mentality, stating the need for a drastic summer overhaul, at a stage where it looked like the club would be safe and results would be inconsequential – whereas now ‘Hecky’ must be wishing he’d kept his powder dry.
North End have one of the toughest possible final day fixtures, too, away to a Bristol City side who can clinch a Play-Off spot with a win, regardless of results elsewhere.
And, if the Lancashire outfit fall at Ashton Gate, they’ll be relegated if Hull and Luton avoid defeat in their more favourable trips, to Portsmouth and West Brom respectively.
PNE are winless in seven, and while the fight in their team is in doubt, one of the few players who has shown it, in spades, is typically on the bench.
Leyton Orient to reach the League One Play-Offs
- Leyton Orient to reach the League One Play-Offs
Just when Leyton Orient’s Play-Off bid looked to be losing steam with five straight defeats, Richie Wellens’ side have put themselves right back in the driving seat at the business end with a winning run of the same number.
The O’s had got a bit unlucky in that time – for instance, they started superbly at Birmingham before Jack Currie got harshly sent off in a 2-0 defeat to the leaders, and shipped two late goals to Charlton having been the better side over the 90 minutes – so perhaps their recent run acts as a reversal of that misfortune.
Either way, victory at Huddersfield will see the East Londoners extend their campaign into the post-season, as they look to match or better Reading’s result at home to Barnsley.
The irony is that it’s their hosts who would’ve expected to be in their position, but the Terriers’ form dipped under Michael Duff to drop out of the top six, before the Northern Irishman was replaced by caretaker Jon Worthington, who has overseen seven defeats in nine.
Town are itching to get to the summer, when they have a lot of players out of contract and can therefore have the extensive rebuild that Duff couldn’t be granted last year.
So, they could be the perfect opponents for Orient, who have benefited from the form of Ethan Galbraith, Jamie Donley and Charlie Kelman in their recovery from a tough start.
Port Vale to win the League Two title
- Port Vale to win the League Two title
The traders across the board make Doncaster favourites to secure top spot on Saturday, which makes sense given the permutations.
Rovers can secure the title if they match or better Port Vale’s result, or even if they lose a point’s ground on their rivals, so long as the defeat comes by a margin of fewer than three goals.
A reason to think the trophy might go to Vale Park, however, is that Grant McCann’s side go to a Notts County team who would themselves get into the top three with a win, if Bradford lose to Fleetwood and Walsall fail to win at Crewe (plausible, given that both contenders are out of form).
Whereas, the Valiants host a Gillingham outfit set for a 17th-place finish, as attention turns to the summer rebuild under Gareth Ainsworth.
Darren Moore’s men have the feel-good factor in Burslem, and have the capacity to knock a few goals past their visitors in front of their home fans.
In Doncaster’s case, they have a section of fans at Meadow Lane but the prevailing atmosphere will be centred around their hosts, and their own ambitions.
So, there’s a reasonable chance that Rovers fail to win in Nottinghamshire, and Vale finish with a swagger with forwards Jayden Stockley and Lorent Tolaj bang in form, along with wing-backs Mitch Clark and Jaheim Headley.
Grimsby to reach the League Two Play-Offs
- Grimsby to reach the League Two Play-Offs
Grimsby’s fate is in their own hands.
Victory for the Mariners over AFC Wimbledon will guarantee them a Play-Off spot, whether that’s at the expense of their 6th-placed opponents, or 7th-placed Salford, who travel to Carlisle.
A draw, though, could also be enough for David Artell’s side, if the Ammies lose at Brunton Park, where the Cumbrians play out their last Football League fixture for now.
In the previous six full seasons of the EFL, none of the 12 teams relegated into non-league have lost their final home game: seven wins and five draws, with in most cases the outcome confirmed beforehand.
So, there’s something compelling about playing a final EFL home game, that brings a different atmosphere to clubs – almost like a wake, to sombrely remember what’s gone before.
With Carlisle sporting director Rob Clarkson leaving this week, the chances of popular boss Mark Hughes remaining in Cumbria increases – and there’ll be support for him from the stands in the hope that he remains to lead them to promotion from the National League next season.
So, there’s a chance that the hosts finish with a result and performance to give the Blue Army something to smile about, even on a sad day.
And, conversely, they’re facing a Salford side who have plenty of ability, but can be found wanting on the intangibles in some quarters, and could struggle to deliver under pressure.
So, on two accounts, there’s a good case to make that Grimsby will get into the Play-Offs, given the huge strides they’ve made this season, as they look to contributions from key men like Cameron McJannet, Denver Hume and George McEachran to inspire them to a crucial victory.
The Biggest EFL Matches This Week
Here are the biggest matches to keep an eye on in the EFL this week:
- Thursday - Bristol City v Sheffield United (Championship Semi-Final)
- Friday - Coventry v Sunderland (Championship Semi-Final)
- Saturday - Leyton Orieng v Stockport (League One Semi-Final), Notts County v Wimbledon (League Two Semi-Final)
- Sunday - Wycombe v Charlton (League One Semi-Final), Chesterfield v Walsall (League Two Semi-Final)
Gab Sutton’s EFL 2024/25 Antepost Picks
Following the opening weekend of 2024-25′s EFL action, EFL pundit Gab Sutton gives us his five tips…
Championship
Promotion
Despite being held to a 3-3 draw by Portsmouth on the opening day, Leeds are favourites for promotion and can be backed at Evens, although Daniel Farke’s side are without the prodigious talents of Archie Gray and the individual craft of Crysencio Summerville, now both have left for London.
Elsewhere, Burnley are into 5/4 after that statement 4-1 opening day victory at Luton on Monday, thanks to an incisive, clinical display from Scott Parker’s men.
The Hatters, themselves, are down to 13/5 after their disappointing start, while Middlesbrough, West Brom and Sunderland are up to 3/1, 7/2 and 4/1 respectively after opening day victories.
For Boro, it’s all about Emmanuel Latte Lath, who built on his stunning form from the last quarter of last season by getting off the mark against Swansea, and could be among the top goalscorers in the division this term.
The Baggies may have a goalscorer of their own, though, in Josh Maja, who displayed impeccable poaching instincts to bag a hat-trick in the 3-1 victory at QPR.
Sunderland need a marksman, but they have pretty much everything else if Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke hit top form.
The one to watch, though, is Sheffield Wednesday, after Danny Rohl’s side stormed to a 4-0 opening day victory over Plymouth Argyle.
Bigger tests are surely to come for the Owls, but in terms of pressing, patterns of play, co-ordination of movement, organisation, pace and guile, they had it all and could be a serious bet at 8/1 in some places.
Relegation
Argyle look vulnerable after that trouncing at Hillsborough, and while it’s only day one, it was hard to see what they were trying to do – it’s not as if they were pressing high, or looking after the ball well, or being aggressive in their defensive third then flying forward on the counter.
It was difficult to see a discernible game plan from Wayne Rooney’s side, who could be a bet for the drop at 7/4.
Oxford were favourites before the season began but their convincing 2-0 victory over play-off aspirants Norwich has nudged them to 6/4, the same price as Argyle, and those odds will lengthen with more performances like that – especially with the likes of Cameron Brannagan and Mark Harris making the step up seamless on early evidence.
Cardiff have shortened to 3/1, perhaps surprisingly, after that 2-0 defeat to Sunderland, despite signing the likes of Calum Chambers and Anwar El Ghazi.
Millwall, meanwhile, are 10/3 for the drop after losing 3-2 to Watford: the Lions will need a target man if they want to play the way Neil Harris likes.
Preston North End, though, look value at 10/3 after parting company with manager Ryan Lowe after the opening night’s 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United – for the Lilywhites, it all hangs on who they appoint next.
Derby are a bet at 7/2 after producing one of the worst performances of the opening weekend in their 4-2 loss at Blackburn, who are now up to 9/2, following a summer of trepidation.
League One
Promotion
Despite dropping points on the opening day, with a 1-1 draw with Reading, Birmingham remain firm favourites for promotion at 4/6: understandable, with the quality of their squad and resources.
Bolton are 23/10 second-favourite after beginning with a 2-1 victory at Leyton Orient, although Ian Evatt’s side will need to improve their performance levels, after relying on goalkeeper Nathan Baxter to bail them out at Brisbane Road.
Rotherham are 3/1 despite an opening day 1-0 defeat at Exeter, while Wrexham are fourth favourites at 16/5 following the 3-2 triumph over Wycombe, but neither of those quite look the value picks.
Instead, Huddersfield at 10/3 hold appeal after a statement victory at recent play-off competitors Peterborough and, with so many moving parts of the squad, Michael Duff has shown his managerial class to deliver such a commanding opening day performance.
Charlton can also be backed at 10/3 after a great start under Nathan Jones, winning 1-0 at Wigan, while Lincoln look the value play at 11/2, under a fine coach in Michael Skubala.
It looks highly competitive, though, with so many teams aiming to be in the mix.
Relegation
Crawley Town remain 8/11 for the drop despite beginning with a 2-1 victory over Blackpool.
11/10 second-favourites are Paul Hurst’s Shrewsbury, who opened with a 1-0 defeat at Stevenage and will rely squarely on Aston Villa loanee Tommi O’Reilly for any sort of creativity.
Cambridge are also short in that regard, and could be vulnerable after two close shaves with the drop – the U’s are 11/8 to fall at the third hurdle.
Northampton enjoyed a safe, midtable season last year, after winning promotion from League Two, but could suffer from the losses of Sam Sherring, Marc Leonard and Kieron Bowie in defence, midfield and attack respectively, and are 13/8 to plummet.
We think Burton (9/4), Leyton Orient (5/2) and Stevenage (3/1) will all be fine this season, while Mansfield and Exeter (also 3/1) have boosted their chances by getting three points on the board nice and early.
League Two
Promotion
MK Dons have widened to 6/4 for promotion with Betfair after a 2-1 loss to Bradford, but they remain favourites and, having played well in that game and created a lot of chances, with Liam Kelly pulling the strings in midfield, Mike Williamson’s side should find form very soon.
Fellow Play-Off Semi-Finalists of last year, Doncaster continued their sumptuous form from the final quarter of 2023-24 into this campaign, and after a ruthless 4-1 victory over Accrington Stanley, including fine strikes from Luke Molyneux (x2), Jordan Gibson and Billy Sharp, they look a threat at 13/8.
Also 4-1 victors at the weekend were Gillingham, who swept aside fellow promotion aspirants Carlisle with a clinical attacking showing, something we haven’t associated with the Kent outfit prior to Mark Bonner’s summer appointment – they’re 2/1 to reach League One.
Chesterfield are 9/5 to attain back-to-back promotions, although Paul Cook’s star-studded squad could only manage a 1-1 draw with Swindon on opening night.
Port Vale are ones to watch at 11/5 after beginning with a 2-1 victory at Salford, as Darren Moore’s side benefit from the higher-level pedigree of George Byers in midfield.
Elsewhere, Notts County are 16/5 for promotion after being one of the best attacking sides in the league last season, and they’re hoping to remain that if Alassana Jatta can replace talisman Macaulay Langstaff, while they’ve strengthened defensively with fine additions like Jacob Bedeau.
Relegation
Morecambe are unfortunately a value play at 5/2 with Betfair for the drop because, while they do have their greatest ever manager in Derek Adams at the helm, they’re also plagued by financial uncertainty which has compromised the standard of their recruitment, and may yet incur a points deduction.
Harrogate Town, however, could be vulnerable, too, at 7/2, with question marks over the spine for Simon Weaver’s side, who aren’t expecting to be active in the remainder of the transfer window.
Accrington Stanley, on the other hand, look to be in for a struggle at 11/2 with bet365, with the mood around the club suffering from the careless treatment of legendary manager John Coleman – that mood may sour with a poor start.
Newport are 4/1 to drop through the EFL’s trapdoor under an unknown quantity in Nelson Jardim, although there can be some encouragement taken their performance in the 3-2 loss at Cheltenham, which deserved at least a point.
Swindon meanwhile, could be ones to plummet at 11/2, after ownership and structural issues led to their lowest ever finish last year – there’s a chance they could implode.
EFL Betting Tips from Gabriel Sutton
About Gab Sutton
Known for offering an expert opinion on all things EFL, Gab Sutton is a man to listen to when he talks about the Football League.
Every week, he brings his best picks in the form of Sutton’s Acca to mark your card for the weekend action.
On top of this, Gab also delivers a huge amount of insight into the EFL via his Twitter feed, so if you want to keep on top of what’s happening away from the Premier League then give Gab a follow on Twitter.
What is the EFL?
The EFL covers three of the four English leagues, consisting of the Championship, League One and League Two.
Each league has promotion and relegation, with the main goal for clubs being to get out of the Championship and up into the Premier League.
Coverage of the Premier League is everywhere, but here at Freebets, we want to focus on more than just top flight football. Thanks to the incredible knowledge Gabriel has, we’ve got an expert on hand to guide us through the Championship, League One and League Two every week of the season.
From battles at the bottom to those fighting for promotion, with three leagues, there is sure to be plenty of excitement in the 2024/25 season.
Championship Betting Tips
The second tier of English football, and the league often referred to as the toughest to gain promotion from in the world.
The prize is big, a place in the Premier League, arguably the greatest football league in the world.
But of course, everyone wants to get there. That makes the Championship highly competitive, and the 2024/25 season could well be the most competitive ever given the line up we have.
League One Betting Tips
League One comes in the middle of the pack, but has been home to a number of bigger names in recent years, and the coming season is no different.
The likes of Birmingham, Bolton, Barnsley, Charlton, Reading and Peterborough have records that show they can compete much higher, so once again, a tight finish to the season is expected.
League Two Betting Tips
League Two almost always offers a competitive environment at the top, with four teams promoted up into League One.
There’s plenty of focus points, but of course, the entire world will have eyes on Wrexham, finally back in the football league, with Hollywood ownership and ambitions to make it back-to-back promotions, they will grab 99% of the attention on this league, for sure.
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