There are four Premier League matches later on New Year’s Day but there is a packed EFL programme across the three divisions as teams look to get 2026 off to a flying start.
Top football tipster Ian Wilkerson has cast his eyes over the coupon and has put together a both teams to score acca with four picks from Thursday’s 3pm matches which pays out at 8-1 with Sky Bet.
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All bets must be placed by 3pm on Thursday.
New Year’s Day both teams to score tips
Racing Post football expert Ian Wilkerson has picked:
Derby vs Middlesbrough @ 4-5 with Sky Bet
QPR vs Norwich @ 4-6 with Sky Bet
Mansfield vs Bradford @ 8-11 with Sky Bet
Colchester vs MK Dons @ 8-11 with Sky Bet
Total odds: @ 8-1 with Sky Bet
Odds correct at time of publication
Derby vs Middlesbrough
Both teams to score has been a winning bet in 11 of Derby’s last 12 Championship games and they need to be on the front foot after winning one of their last seven games.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have allowed Coventry to steal a march in the title race and the team who have kept one clean sheet in their last 13 games also have to be positive.
QPR vs Norwich
There have been goals at both ends in each of QPR’s last seven Championship matches, and that run started with a 3-1 defeat at Carrow Road against Thursday’s opponents Norwich.
The Canaries have been involved in two 1-0 games against Charlton and Watford, but both teams scored in their previous nine matches.
Mansfield vs Bradford
Mansfield have failed to score in just one of their ten League One games at Field Mill this season and Nigel Clough’s side have been boosted by wins at Barnsley and Bolton.
They can expect Bradford to be positive against them as the Bantams are enjoying a great season after promotion and have won five of their last six matches.
Colchester vs MK Dons
Colchester have obliged for both-teams-to-score punters in each of their last four League Two matches and in a 3-2 home defeat to Thursday’s opponents MK Dons when they met in the FA Cup in November.
Both teams have scored in all but four of the Dons’ last 17 league outings, so the signs are there for this one to follow that pattern.
Read more top football tips from Racing Post Sport:
EFL accumulator tips for Thursday January 1: Back our acca at 8-1 with bet365
Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Dan Childs: Saints can snap losing sequence
Premier League accumulator tips: Jack Ogalbe has a 14-1 fourfold for Thursday
Football acca FAQs
What is a football accumulator (acca)?
A football accumulator, commonly referred to as an ‘acca’, is a single bet that combines multiple individual bets into one. Each selection within the accumulator must win for the bet to pay out, offering higher potential returns but at increased risk compared to single bets.
Can I place an acca on different markets?
Yes, you can combine various markets in an acca, including match winners, total goals, both teams to score, and more. However, most betting platforms require that selections within an accumulator are not related to ensure the bet is valid.
What is the advantage of placing an accumulator bet?
The main advantage of an accumulator bet is the potential for higher returns from a smaller stake since the odds of each selection are multiplied together. It adds excitement to watching multiple matches, as each leg of your acca needs to be successful for a return.
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