The League One season draws to a close this weekend and there is still everything to play for in the playoff race and the relegation battle.
Lincoln and Cardiff have already sealed their places in the Championship next season, while Bolton’s place in the playoff is secured. There are still five sides that could fill out the top six, though, with Stockport, Bradford and Stevenage holding the advantage heading into the final day.
At the other end of the table, Northampton, Rotherham and Port Vale will definitely be playing League Two football next season and it’ll either be Exeter or Leyton Orient that join them.
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League One Gameweek 46 tips
We’ve been crunching the numbers ahead of the League One action this weekend and come up with two singles that could see profit this weekend as well as an accumulator that we think stands a good chance of coming in.
Bradford City are a strong bet to overcome Exeter City. The Bantams boast a solid recent record, securing 8 points from their last possible 15, demonstrating their consistency in the League One play-off race. In contrast, Exeter City has managed only 6 points over the same period, highlighting their struggle to find form.
Bradford have maintained a strong defensive record throughout the season, conceding only 50 goals in 45 games, significantly fewer than Exeter’s 59. This defensive solidity, coupled with their current fifth-place standing, positions them as a formidable opponent. Furthermore, Bradford secured a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture against Exeter earlier this season, showcasing their ability to clinch crucial wins.
With Bradford firmly in a play-off spot and Exeter battling to avoid relegation in 21st place, backing a Bradford victory offers superb value.
Bolton Wanderers and Luton Town are poised for a goal-laden encounter, making an ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ bet a compelling prospect. Both sides have demonstrated significant attacking intent throughout the season, with Bolton netting 68 goals and Luton 65 in 45 League One matches, averaging nearly 1.5 goals per game each.
Luton Town, in particular, have been involved in high-scoring affairs recently, with six of their last seven games featuring over 2.5 goals. This trend underscores their attacking prowess and a propensity for open matches. With Bolton wanting to gain momentum ahead of the playoffs and Luton needing a victory to stand a chance of a top six finish, the stakes are incredibly high. This mutual need for a victory is likely to encourage an expansive, attacking style of play from both teams, further increasing the probability of multiple goals. Bolton’s strong home scoring record also contributes to this outlook, suggesting they will play a significant role in the goal tally.
Three potential winners in League One this weekend
Lincoln City
Lincoln City, having already secured the League One title, will be looking to conclude their dominant season with another victory as they travel to face Port Vale. Despite their championship status, the Imps will be eager to maintain their impressive form, boasting 30 wins from 45 matches. Their opponents, Port Vale, languish in 22nd position and have had their relegation confirmed. This fixture presents an ideal opportunity for Lincoln to celebrate their success with a commanding performance against a team with little left to play for, making them a strong contender for three points.
Bradford City
Bradford City, currently occupying a crucial playoff spot in 5th place, are in a tight race to secure their position as they face Exeter City. The Bantams have demonstrated consistent form throughout the season, maintaining their presence in the top five. Their motivation will be exceptionally high, with 6th-placed Stevenage and 7th-placed Luton hot on their heels. Exeter City, in contrast, are battling relegation in 21st place and have struggled for form. Bradford’s previous 1-0 victory over Exeter earlier in the season further underscores their capability to overcome this opponent, and their strong desire to consolidate their playoff standing suggests they are well-placed for a vital win.
Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle, positioned 8th in the league, are firmly in the playoff hunt and will be looking to secure a vital three points when they host Northampton Town. Plymouth’s recent form demonstrates their ability to secure results, with 21 wins this season, and they are firmly in contention for a last-minute playoff push. Their opponents, Northampton Town, are rooted to the bottom of the league in 24th place, having endured a dismal season with 28 losses. This match presents a significant opportunity for Plymouth to gain ground in the playoff race and strengthen their promotion aspirations, especially with their solid home record against the league’s weakest side.
Three potential losers in League One this weekend
Northampton Town
Northampton Town, languishing at the bottom of League One in 24th place, face a formidable challenge against Plymouth Argyle. Having endured a dismal season marked by 28 losses from 45 matches, Northampton’s relegation is already confirmed, leaving them with little more than pride to play for. Their opponents, Plymouth Argyle, are positioned 8th and are in a desperate ‘must-win’ situation to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. The significant disparity in league standing, recent form, and motivation between the two sides strongly suggests that Northampton Town will struggle to contain a highly motivated Plymouth, making them a prime candidate for defeat.
Port Vale
Port Vale, currently sitting in 22nd place and already relegated, face the daunting task of hosting league champions Lincoln City. With only 10 wins throughout the entire season, Port Vale have consistently struggled to secure results. Lincoln City, on the other hand, have dominated the league, accumulating 100 points and securing the title. Even if Lincoln opt to rotate their squad, the sheer gulf in class and quality between the two teams is immense. Lincoln will be eager to conclude their historic season on a high note, and their visit to a struggling Port Vale side is highly likely to result in a comfortable victory for the champions.
Exeter City
Exeter City, currently occupying the final relegation spot in 21st place, face a critical match against a strong Bradford City side. Exeter have struggled for consistency this season, managing only 12 victories from 45 games, and are battling desperately to avoid the drop. Their opponents, Bradford City, are firmly entrenched in 5th place and require a win to guarantee their playoff position. Bradford boasts a superior defensive record and secured a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. Exeter’s desperation to secure points may lead to an open game, which a clinical Bradford side, highly motivated to cement their playoff spot, will be well-equipped to exploit, making Exeter City vulnerable to a defeat.
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