Sky Bet EFL: Match previews and best bets for fixtures on Saturday September 7

By Tom Carnduff

Football

Sat September 07, 2019 · 5y ago

The international break doesn't stop the action in Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two. Tom Carnduff picks out two best bets.

Recommended bets

1pt Callum Brittain to score anytime in MK Dons v AFC Wimbledon at 19/2

2pts James Hanson to score anytime in Grimsby v Crewe at 11/5

For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record

MK Dons v AFC Wimbledon

David Kasumu celebrates his goal against AFC Wimbledon

The second meeting between these two sides this season, with MK Dons securing bragging rights with victory in the Carabao Cup.

They get the Sky Sports treatment with it being the international break and the home side will fancy their chances of another win here.

Milton Keynes are odds-on, despite three defeats in their last four outings, and should have enough to get past a Wimbledon side who have failed to win in any of their six games so far.

A bigger-priced selection to consider is that of Callum Brittain scoring anytime in this contest.

The MK wide man has one on his tally already, that coming in their 2-1 victory over Lincoln, and has proved himself to be a key member of this side.

His attacking qualities are clear despite lining up on the right side of midfield. He's been averaging just over a shot per game, a great return given his position and his side's fortunes so far.

A best price of 19/2 is available on a goal - and it's value worth taking in Saturday's televised game.

Best bet: Callum Brittain to score anytime at 19/2

Opta facts

The last two meetings between MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon in all competitions have finished level – a 0-0 draw at Stadium MK in January 2018 and a 2-2 draw last month in a League Cup match at the Cherry Reds Records Stadium – a match which saw MK Dons progress on penalties.
AFC Wimbledon have managed just one victory in five previous visits to MK Dons in all competitions (P5 W1 D1 L3), a 3-2 victory back in October 2014 in a Football League Trophy encounter.
MK Dons have lost three of their last four league games (W1), as many as they had done in their previous 10.
Wimbledon have only won one of their last 12 League One outings (D7 L4), with a current winless run of seven games (D3 L4).
Wimbledon have conceded five goals from corners in League One this season; two more than any other side in the division.

Grimsby v Crewe

James Hanson (right) looks to win the ball

It's been an exceptional opening month of the season for Grimsby striker James Hanson, scoring five goals and assisting a further three in six games.

He netted two last time out in a 3-1 victory over Walsall, while also having direct involvement in three goals as the Mariners comfortable dispatched of Port Vale in a 5-2 thriller.

Hanson's fortunes are no fluke either. Only Crawley's Beryly Lubala and James Vaughan have taken more shots in Sky Bet League Two so far but Hanson boasts a much better goal conversion rate.

This should be a highly-entertaining game given the fortunes of these two sides so far. Crewe may have lost two but their four wins puts them on 12 points, one points above Grimsby.

Grimsby's 13 goals though make them the division's top goalscorers. They're also one of only a handful of teams to have hit double figures for goals at this point.

You'd expect that to continue given their recent form. The fact that eight of those goals have come at Blundell Park just highlights their ability to play at home; a crucial trait for any team hopeful of success.

There is a best price of 11/5 available on Hanson to net anytime in this game. That seems fantastic value given the circumstances heading into this game.

Best bet: James Hanson to score anytime at 11/5

Opta facts

Since four consecutive draws between September 1998 and January 2000, none of the last 12 Football League meetings between Grimsby and Crewe have ended level, with three wins for Grimsby and nine victories for Crewe during this period.
Crewe have kept six clean sheets in their last nine matches against Grimsby in the Football League (W7 D0 L2), however they lost the last such contest 0-2 last season – the Railwaymen last lost back to back matches against the Mariners in November 1977.
Grimsby have scored three or more goals in each of their last two league games (5 v Port Vale and 3 v Walsall) – the Mariners last scored 3+ goals in three consecutive league games back in September 1958 (run of five).
Crewe’s run of 15 matches without a draw (W10 L5), is the longest such run of sides currently in the top four tiers of English Football.
Crewe have gained nine points from losing positions across the opening six matchdays – more than any other League Two side.

Odds correct at 1705 BST (05/09/19)