Burnley vs Preston
Burnley are well-positioned to secure a win against Preston North End on Saturday, thanks to their solid form and the tactical improvements under new manager Scott Parker. Burnley have been controlling games effectively, providing a platform for attackers like Jaidon Anthony, Luca Koleosho, and Lyle Foster to create and capitalize on opportunities.
Preston’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially away from home, make it likely they will struggle to handle Burnley’s offensive power.
Burnley’s home form has been excellent this season, boasting an unbeaten record at Turf Moor (W3-D1-L0) while scoring eight goals and conceding just two. Their defence has been particularly strong, allowing only one goal in their last four matches, and they rank fourth in the Championship for xGA at 0.63.
At home, this number drops further to an impressive 0.57, indicating Burnley’s defensive solidity, which will make it difficult for Preston to break them down.
Preston, by contrast, have been inconsistent, especially on the road, and have struggled to score. Prior to their midweek match against Watford, they had won just one of their last 12 Championship games and failed to score in eight of those. With an away expected goals (xG) of just 0.70 and an xGA of 1.40, Preston's attacking problems are evident.
Given Burnley’s strong defence and Preston’s lack of offensive firepower, this match is likely to see Burnley secure a win with fewer than five goals being scored overall.
- Best Bet: Burnley win & under 5 goals at 1.85 with Ladbrokes
Wycombe vs Crawley
Wycombe head into Saturday’s clash against Crawley in great form, with four wins, two draws, and two losses from their opening League One fixtures. Their only defeats came against Wrexham, where they were slightly unlucky, winning the xG battle 1.28 to 1.14, and against a strong Birmingham side. Wycombe have shown impressive attacking prowess, scoring two or more goals in every game this season, although they have only kept one clean sheet.
Manager Matt Bloomfield has overseen a sharp offensive display, with Wycombe currently ranking third for xPTS and second for non-penalty xG ratio over the last four matches.
They also lead the league in open play xG during this period. Wycombe’s ability to create chances and generate shots inside the box has made them a constant attacking threat, and they remain the only team across England’s top four divisions to score at least two goals in every league match this season.
Crawley, meanwhile, are enduring a rough patch. After winning their first two games, they are winless in their last six league matches, failing to score in four of those. Their struggles place them twenty-third for xPTS and non-penalty xG ratio, with the lowest xG (0.35) in the league over the last four games.
With Crawley’s recent managerial change too fresh to have an impact and several key players departing over the summer, their form has yet to improve. Wycombe’s attacking firepower, combined with Crawley’s defensive issues, suggests Wycombe are well-positioned to win, with at least two goals expected in the match.
- Best Bet: Wycombe win and over 1.5 goals at 1.83 with Bet365
Bolton vs Shrewsbury
After a strong resurgence, Bolton Wanderers head into Saturday’s clash against Shrewsbury Town with plenty of momentum. Despite a slow start to the season, winning just one of their first five games, Bolton have found their form, winning their last three matches and netting 11 goals with the goals spread out between John McAtee, Kyle Dempsey, and Dion Charles.
Over the last four games, they have risen to eight for xPTS and rank fourth in open play xG. Their attacking strength is clear, with only two teams registering more shots in the box during this stretch.
Bolton’s confidence was on full display in their midweek 4-0 victory over Northampton. The squad’s depth allowed Ian Evatt to rotate, meaning they should be fresh for this game. Now, back at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, Bolton look well-placed to continue their winning run.
Shrewsbury, on the other hand, are struggling, having lost seven of their first nine games, including all four away matches. They have managed just one away goal and are ranked 24th for xPTS, with the lowest non-penalty xG on the road. Shrewsbury’s attacking threat is minimal, with the fewest shots in the box and on target in away games, while their defence has been leaky.
Adding value to the bet, Bolton to win, with over 1.5 goals and at least three corners, boosts the odds to 1.80. Bolton have hit three or more corners in 19 of their last 20 home games, and given their recent form, they are clear favourites to claim another win on Saturday.
- Best Bet: Bolton win, over one goals and Bolton to win three or more corners at 1.80 with Bet365.
