EFL 28/5 Acca – Gab Sutton

Clear ante-post title favourites, Ipswich have had an unexpectedly lukewarm start to their Championship campaign, with draws against much-fancied Birmingham and Southampton followed by a 1-0 loss at Preston North End.

They did create enough chances to win last time out however, while their hosts mustered just two shots all game, so while Kieran McKenna’s side need to improve, they’re not a million miles off.

The signing of Kasey McAteer should help the Tractor Boys’ cause because, to complement a flair winger, such as a Jack Clarke or a Jaden Philogene, they may need somebody more selflessly industrious on the other side to provide balance.

So, with the right tweaks, Town should get the victory they need to kick-start their season, against an injury-hit Derby side that may need the first international break to regather themselves and get some players back.

Cardiff have enjoyed a fantastic start to their campaign, taking 13 points from their first five games in the league, as well as progressing to the EFL Cup 3rd Round thanks to victories over League Two opponents Swindon and Cheltenham.

The Bluebirds haven’t made a single senior outfield acquisition this summer, which to some might seem foolhardy off the back of relegation, but it feels as though they have made signings because of the development of their top young talent.

A combination of dropping down to a lower level, and having a highly skilled coach in Brian Barry-Murphy who loves to nurture youth, has helped Ronan Kpakio, Dylan Lawlor, Cian Ashford, Joel Colwill and Dakarai Mafico all come to the fore.

Another homegrown prospect, Rubin Colwill, a few years further along in his development, has been arguably the division’s stand-out performer, and could be a problem for fellow relegatees Plymouth Argyle, who have begun with four defeats in five.

With Shrewsbury being comfortable favourites for Saturday's game at 23/20, the traders clearly expect that their improved performance in defeat at Swindon last weekend can be a springboard for them to get a result that could stabilize their early-season crisis.

As much as Michael Appleton can take genuine encouragement from the display at the County Ground, where they looked to have rallied for a late point only to have that taken away in stoppage time, home games could be tough because of the sense of unease around the club.

That’s something visitors Accrington Stanley are looking to capitalise on, after a competitive start to their campaign: only two points from their first four, but with each of their opponents being in the top nine, while their progress in the EFL Cup offers hope.

The signings of talented midfielder Joe Bauress, on loan from Burnley, and experienced forward Paddy Madden, have boosted the Reds, who look the value play here at 19/10.