STAR FOOTBALL PREVIEW: EFL Weekend Betting Tips – 15–18 October 2026

Another set of EFL fixtures gets underway on Thursday night, with plenty of interesting fixtures across all three divisions, writes LOUIE TRUMAN.

I’ve picked out three selections from the Championship, League One and League Two, including a 4/1 fancy at Turf Moor.

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CHAMPIONSHIP

Championship action gets underway on Friday night under the lights at Turf Moor, where Burnley host Wolves (8pm Friday, Sky Sports Football). In my opinion, Burnley to win and both teams to score offers some value.

The Clarets come into this match having picked up five points from their last three league games. Burnley secured an impressive 4-0 win away at Watford, before a 2-2 draw against Charlton on Tuesday night. Nicky Hayen’s side have also managed to find the back of the net in each of their last five matches.

Wolves haven’t been at their best recently. The visitors have lost their last three Championship matches against Middlesbrough, Bolton, and Cardiff. Their defensive performances have been a concern. Another defeat on Friday would make it three consecutive league losses.

However, Burnley haven’t been great defensively. Despite their recent improvement in results, the Clarets conceded twice against Charlton in midweek, so they’ve still got problems at the back.

With Burnley finding some form in front of goal and Wolves struggling to pick up results, I fancy the hosts to come out on top. However, given Burnley’s defensive record, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the visitors get on the scoresheet.

Burnley to win and both teams to score is currently priced at 4/1 with starsports.bet. For me, that is the bet of the weekend.

⭐️ BURNLEY VS WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS MARKETS ⭐️

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LEAGUE ONE

Mansfield Town welcome Oxford United to the One Call Stadium tonight, with both sides looking to build momentum.

Mansfield currently sit 14th in the table with 11 points from eight matches. Nigel Clough’s side remains unbeaten at home this season and haven’t lost a league match at home since February.

Oxford have started well since dropping down from the Championship. The visitors have won four of their opening seven matches, including three of their four away fixtures. That includes an impressive 4-0 win against Leicester City. The U’s are currently averaging 2.55 goals per 90 minutes away from home.

 

Mansfield have several injury concerns, with Baily Cargill, Lucas Akins and Deji Oshilaja unavailable or unlikely to feature. David McGoldrick is also doubtful. Oxford will be without Jamie McDonnell, Ruben Roosken, Aidomo Emakhu and Jin Woo Jeon.

When looking at recent encounters between the two sides it’s fairly even, with Oxford winning 14 of the previous 32 meetings compared to Mansfield’s 12. Their last match finished 2-2 in 2016.

I think Oxford have enough quality in attack to cause Mansfield problems, particularly given their away record. However, the hosts have been difficult to beat at home, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them get on the scoresheet. Star Sports are currently offering 8/11 on over 2.5 goals. It’s a short price, but that’s the bet for me.

⭐️ MANSFIELD TOWN VS OXFORD UNITED MARKETS ⭐️

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LEAGUE TWO

Fleetwood look a good price to pick up all three points against Rotherham this weekend. Their league position doesn’t tell the full story, with seven of their opening nine matches coming against teams in the top half of the table.

They put in a good performance last weekend against Walsall and have generally looked better when playing at home. I think Fleetwood has a good chance of picking up three points this weekend.

Rotherham has struggled defensively in recent matches. They conceded four against Bradford in the EFL Trophy and conceded four against Gillingham, which will be a concern heading into this fixture.

Fleetwood have looked stronger at home, while Rotherham have been conceding far too many goals, I fancy the hosts to come away with the three points. At 23/20 with starsports.bet, Fleetwood to win looks like a strong bet.

⭐️ FLEETWOOD TOWN VS ROTHERHAM MARKETS ⭐️

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RECOMMENDED BETS
BACK Burnley to win & BTTS 1pt at 4/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)
BACK Mansfield vs Oxford Over 2.5 Goals 1pt at 8/11 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)
BACK Fleetwood to win 1pt at 23/20 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)
BACK Weekend Accumulator: Burnley to win & BTTS, Mansfield vs Oxford Over 2.5 Goals, Fleetwood to win 0.5pt at 17.57/1 with starsports.bet

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