VIDEO: Watch our first EFL Betting Show of the season!

Football

Betting

Fri, 14 Aug 2026

The new English Football League season kicks off this weekend – and with it comes the return of Odds Now's popular EFL Betting Show.

All 72 EFL clubs begin their league campaigns across the opening weekend, with a packed slate of Championship, League One and League Two action for punters to get stuck into.

In the hosting chairs this season are Matt Hill and Felix Morson-Pate, who Odds Now viewers will have seen plenty of during our extensive coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Each weekend, Matt and Felix will delve into the EFL coupon and pick out their three strongest betting selections – a NAP, Next Best and Longshot – alongside plenty of analysis and discussion from across all three divisions.

And the lads have pulled no punches with their predictions for Matchday One!

2026/27 EFL Betting Show – Opening Weekend

Matt's strongest fancy comes in League Two, where he is keen on Grimsby Town to make a winning start against relegated Exeter City.

Felix heads to League One for his NAP and believes Leyton Orient can make life difficult for Sheffield Wednesday, taking the hosts with the safety net of draw no bet.

There are a couple of bigger-priced away wins on the pair's radar too.

Matt believes Bristol Rovers are capable of spoiling York City's return to the EFL, with 12/5 available about the Gas leaving North Yorkshire with all three points.

Felix, meanwhile, thinks Derby County can make a winning start to their Championship campaign away at Charlton and is happy to chance the Rams at 7/4.

And when it comes to the longshots, goals are very much the order of the day.

Felix is backing Oldham to beat Port Vale with both teams scoring, while Matt is hoping for fireworks at Meadow Lane, taking Leicester to beat Notts County in a game featuring at least four goals.

Watch the full show above for Matt and Felix's reasoning behind all six selections, alongside their wider thoughts ahead of the opening weekend of the 2026/27 EFL season.

Matt Hill and Felix Morson-Pate's EFL best bets

Matt's NAP

Grimsby to beat Exeter – 4/5 (various)

Felix's NAP

Leyton Orient draw no bet vs Sheffield Wednesday – 23/20 (BoyleSports)

Matt's Next Best

Bristol Rovers to beat York – 12/5 (Betfred)

Felix's Next Best

Derby to beat Charlton – 7/4 (BetMGM)

Matt's Longshot

Leicester to beat Notts County & over 3.5 goals – 11/2 (Sky Bet)

Felix's Longshot

Oldham to beat Port Vale & both teams to score – 9/2 (various)

All prices correct at time of publication and subject to change.

Be sure to subscribe to the Odds Now YouTube channel for weekly EFL betting tips throughout the 2026/27 season!

Matt Hill

Darts

Football

Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.

Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.

He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.

When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.

Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.

When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.