The Play-Offs are a fantastic, exciting feature of the season & invariably they are always notoriously difficult to predict & this year looks highly likely to be on the toughest to predict in recent seasons.
In League 1 Millwall, Charlton, Swindon & Huddersfield Town all had fantastic seasons & finished within 5 points of each other while in League 2 it was even closer with only 1 point difference covering Rotherham, Dagenham, Aldershot & Morecambe.

Those small points differences show how competitive these Play-Offs Matches are going to be & how tight they are to call but we have had a good look at the set up in each League & the markets available so here are our views on how we feel the Play-Offs may work out & the value bets worth consideration.

League 1 Play-Off Preview

Millwall, Charlton, Swindon & Huddersfield Town all had fantastically consistent seasons & totally deserve to have earned their places in the Play-Offs & all four will now believe they have an equal chance to reach the Final & gain promotion to the Championship.

The draw for the Semi Finals puts Millwall up against Huddersfield Town & Charlton up against Swindon and they really do look incredibly tough Semi Finals to call.

Millwall vs Huddersfield Town:

In the case of Millwall versus Huddersfield Town, it’s a match up of the two teams with the best home records in League 1 as both Millwall & Huddersfield Town only lost 1 home game out of the 23 home league matches played.

Millwall achieved 56 points at home with 17 wins & 5 draws and had the best home defensive record while Huddersfield achieved 50 points at home with 14 wins & draws and had the best home goalscoring record in League 1.

Those statistics show how close both matches are likely to be & clearly the strong home form indicates that is quite possible that both teams will win their home matches so it could well come down to which side gets the best home result but deciding which side that will be is incredibly tough.

The first leg of this Semi Final sees Huddersfield Town taking on Millwall at Home so clearly Huddersfield will be looking to win that & take a lead to Millwall while Millwall will obviously look for a positive result to take back.

It really is a tight call between these two sides in terms of ability & quality so perhaps the vital key could be Millwall’s experience from being in this situation last season & so MILLWALL get our narrow vote to edge their Semi Final against Huddersfield Town and qualify for the final.

Betting Recommendations:

MILLWALL to qualify for the Final

Charlton vs Swindon Town:

Just like the Millwall vs Huddersfield Town clash, this looks an equally competitive Semi Final draw & a tough one to call give how close they finished to each other.

Charlton achieved 2 more points that Swindon but we don’t expect that to count for too much in the context of this Semi Final & given the fact both their home & away records are similar it really does highlight the task in splitting them.

Charlton achieved 48 points at home & 36 away while Swindon achieved 47 points at home & 35 points away so there really is nothing in it & even their goalscoring records are similar too.

The pressure is on Charlton more than it is Swindon so that could be a factor but Charlton do have the edge in terms of allround player quality & that probably counts for more & we see CHARLTON has the bet to edge this tight Semi Final and qualify for the Final.

Betting Recommendations:

CHARLTON to qualify for the Final

League 1 Play-Offs Final Summary:

We’ve put forward both MILLWALL & CHARLTON as our bets to qualify for the final so assuming we are proven right, we see a Millwall vs Charlton, all London final and that really does look a cracking prospect both in terms of the match & the occasion itself.

Just as with the Semi Finals, a Millwall vs Charlton clash would be tough to call given the London derby element & of course anything is possible on the day itself but as things stand, we see MILLWALL as being the overall strongest contenders & they are our recommendation to win the League 1 Play-Offs and book their return to the Championship.

League 2 Play-Off Preview:

Rotherham, Dagenham, Aldershot & Morecambe all finished within 1 point of each other & all had very similar home & away records with similar goalscoring records as well so absolutely anything is possible in these Play-Offs.

The betting for the League 2 Play-Offs have Morecambe & Rotherham both on 5/2 & Aldershot & Dagenham both on 11/4 so that indicates how close the bookies think it is & how hard it is to decide which side will prevail.

The line up for the League 2 Semi Finals sees Rotherham vs Aldershot & Dagenham vs Morecambe and to be honest we feel absolutely anything is possible in those matches but on balance ROTHERHAM look just the pick to qualify past Aldershot & MORECAMBE just to have the edge over Dagenham.

League 2 Play-Off Semi Final Betting Recommendations:

ROTHERHAM to qualify for the Final & MORECAMBE to qualify for the Final

League 2 Play-Off Summary:

We’ve put forward ROTHERHAM & MORECAMBE as our recommendations to qualify for the final and indeed a Play-Off Final between Rotherham United & Morecambe is a hard call to make on the day but as things stand now, ROTHERHAM get our vote to win the League 2 Play-Offs and celebrate promotion to League 1.

Overall Betting Recommendations:

MILLWALL & CHARLTON to qualify for the League 1 Play-Off Final

MILLWALL to win League 1 Play-Offs outright

ROTHERHAM & MORECAMBE to qualify for the League 2 Play-Off Final

ROTHERHAM to win League 2 Play-Offs outright

There are 7 very important & indeed very interesting midweek games place in League 1 & League 2 this week with 3 fixtures in League 1 & 4 in League 2.

We have had a good look at the games & here are our predictions with the value betting options we feel are worth consideration.

League 1 Matches – all Tuesday night:

Colchester to beat Brentford – Correct Score: 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer eachway: Platt/Lisbie/Wordsworth

Southampton to beat Hartlepool – Correct Score: 3-0/4-0
First Goalscorer eachway: Lambert/Barnard/Lallana

Southend vs Walsall DRAW – Correct Score: 1-1
First Goalscorer eachway: Byefield/Vernon/Mousa

League 2 Matches – all Tuesday night:

Accringston Stanley to beat Burton – Correct Score: 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer eachway: Symes/Miles

Bradford vs Notts County DRAW – Correct Score: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer eachway: Hughes/Hanson/Davies

Darlington vs Aldershot DRAW – Correct Score: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer eachway: Straker/Bozanic/Morgan

Rotherham to beat Macclesfield – Correct Score: 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer eachway: Le Fondre/Walker/McAllister

There are loads of domestic midweek football matches for football fans & punters to get stuck into with great action taking place in the Premier League, Championship, F.A. Cup, League 1 & League 2 and here are our views on the matches that caught our eye & the value betting options we feel are worth consideration:

Hull City vs Chelsea – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

Two team with different ambitions & targets meet here in a classic top versus bottom with Hull City desperately fighting relegation & Chelsea chasing the league title so everything is on the line in this one.

The three points on offer mean as much to Hull City as they do to Chelsea so that should mean both teams will be totally up for this one & that should help to make it an entertaining, open game.

Both Hull City & Chelsea have to win this match & they share the motivation to win this match but that is where the similarities end

Hull City come into this match 2nd bottom of the Premier League without a win in the league since their home win against Everton in November & with confidence draining away fast.

Hull City had a fantastic opportunity to get 3 vital league points against relegation rivals Wolves on saturday but they could not hold on to a lead despite being in front twice & drawing that game was a big blow to the Hull City squad.

Hull City’s poor run of form sees them come here without a win in their last 10 games & clearly this home match against league leaders Chelsea is another formidable task.

Phil Brown knows the importance of Hull City remaining positive & particularly in their home matches which will be the key but on current form & with such a terribly fragile defence it is hard to see how Hull City can achieve a positive result here.

Chelsea come to Hull City with the clear motivation of achieving another win which will give them 3 valuable points & once again take them 4 points clear in the title race.

The excellent performance of Manchester United to win at Arsenal has sent a message to Chelsea & they know they have to keep winning so we are expecting a completely professional, determined & positive approach from Chelsea here.

Chelsea were nowhere near their best in beating Burnley 2-1 at the weekend but their form before that was excellent & they remain a team with great quality & strength in all areas which will be boosted significantly by the return of their African based players from the African Nations Cup.

Didier Drogba will be totally determined to pick up where he left off for chelsea & his inclusion in a team which has been full of goals with Anelka & Lampard leading the way is another sign of the massive gulf in class between these two sides here.

We are expecting this to be a decent game of football because Hull City have to attempt to be positive at home & Chelsea always play positive, attacking football but in terms of the result we cannot see past Chelsea who look a rock solid bet to repeat the comfortable win they achieved here last season.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Chelsea to win

Correct Score options: Chelsea to win 3-0/3-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Lampard/Drogba/Anelka

Scorecast options: Lampard/Drogba/Anelka score 1st & Chelsea win 3-0/3-1

Double Result: Chelsea H/T & F/T

Fulham vs Portsmouth – (Wednesday 8.00pm)

A massively important clash here as both Fulham & Portsmouth chase a win to kick start their seasons again so a tight, competitive contest looks on the cards here.

In terms of current form them both Fulham & Portsmouth come here with almost indentically poor form which only serves to make it much tougher to assess confidently.

Fulham have not won in the Premier League since beating Man United 3-0 in December and have lost their last 5 Premier league matches with team confidence & belief draining away fast.

Roy Hodgson is desperate for Fulham to get back to winning ways & the positives for Fulham are that they are usually very strong at home & very hard to break down which does increase their chances of getting positive results.

Fulham are not the most prolific side & don’t score the goals they should but we expect them to be positive here & they do have enough attacking talent to cause Portsmouth problems & get the goals they need here.

Portsmouth’s season goes from bad to worse day by day & week by week with incredible financial problems off the field & desperate problems of lack of confidence, self belief & quality on the field.

Portsmouth are 5 points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League & in all honesty they look like a team who apear to already know their fate & that relegation is now virtually a certainty so it is hard to envisage how they can get anything from this match.

We are not expecting this to be a classic by any means & positive, attacking football may well be at a premium with the poor form of both sides complicating matters but Fulham are usually very strong at home & we think home advantage is the all importanct factor here making Fulham a solid bet to win this battle.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Fulham to win

Correct Score options: Fulham to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Zamora/Murphy/Duff

Scorecast options: Zamora/Murphy/Duff score 1st & Fulham win 2-0/2-1

Double Result: Fulham H/T & F/T

Leeds United vs Tottenham – (F.A. Cup, Wednesday 7.45pm)

These two great clubs fought out an excellent cup tie in the first meeting at White Hart Lane & this looks set to be another entertaining match for us to enjoy.

The first clash had absolutely everything in it with great drama, quality football, high energy & a great atmosphere and we are expecting the same to be created here in what looks a classic cup tie in the making.

The atmosphere inside Elland Road will be fantastic for this game as the Leeds fans crave the return to the big time & this is a massive opportunity for them to put Leeds back in the spotlight & repeat what they did to Manchester United in round 3.

Promotion to the Championship is number one priority for Leeds United but that won’t matter on the night & we are expecting Leeds to go all out for this one with their high energy, committed style of football & they know they can have a real go at Tottenham here.

Leeds United are unbeaten at Elland Road so far in League 1 & that excellent record will give the Leeds players the confidence & belief to go for this & as they have already showed they have what it takes to get another positive result if things go their way.

Harry Redknapp was not a happy man as the last minute penalty that Tottenham conceded led to this replay & certainly Harry Redknapp will be looking to his players to make sure they get the job done properly in this match.

Tottenham are a side packed full with top quality players & we are expectin Harry Redknapp to field a a very strong side here & if they play to their best then they know they have more than enough quality to get the win.

The one concern for Tottenham on the night will be making sure they have the right mental approach because they will have to be focused & concentrated for the whole match as Leeds will test them for the full 90 minutes.

This has got the real potential to be a classic F.A. Cup with two big clubs going at it with the back drop of a fantastic atmosphere with Leeds & Tottenham set to put on a really competitive show & we are taking Tottenham to just have the extra class & edge it on the night.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Tottenham to win

Correct Score options: Tottenham to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Defoe/Crouch/Jenas

Scorecast options: Defoe/Crouch/Jenas score 1st & Tottenham win 2-0/2-1

Double Result: Tottenham H/T & F/T

Preston vs Barnsley – (Championship, Tuesday 7.45pm)

Fascinating Lancashire vs Yorkshire battle in prospect here as Preston & Barnsley look set to produce a competitive but entertaining match.

Darren Ferguson & Mark Robins are two young, progressive & indeed ambitious managers looking to make their mark at a higher level having proved themselves in the lower leagues & they have both certainly started in the right way.

Darren Ferguson proved himself as a manager by guiding Peterborough to successive promotions & now he is looking to be as successful as possible at Preston & to be fair he has started well.

His first match in charge was a 4-2 away defeat but the last 3 performances have been very positive with a solid performance in giving Chelsea a good game in the F.A. Cup & then more importantly in getting two excellent wins in the league against Peterborough & Ipswich.

In both of those games, Preston showed great team spirit, solidity & belief to get the job done & that will certainly give Darren Ferguson the belief he can take Preston higher & we are expecting another very positive performance from Preston in this match.

Mark Robins has done an excellent job since taking over at Barnsley earlier this season with definite progress being made & the whole atmosphere at the club has been lifted in a very positive way.

Barnsley like to play competitive, positive football & certainly they will relish this test against Preston and go there believing they can get a positive result.

The one negative for Barnsley is their most recent form with only 1 win in their last 5 games & so it will be important for them to start the game well if they are to achieve a good result.

This looks set to be a competitive battle with the Lancashire vs Yorkshire element adding to the intensity of it so it should be close but Preston have had back to back wins & with home advantage they do look a solid bet to make it 3 wins on the bounce here.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Preston to win

Correct Score options: Preston to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Mellor/Parkin/Welbeck

Double Result: Preston Half Time & Full Time

Colchester vs Carlisle – (League 1, Tuesday 7.45pm)

4th place Colchester welcome mid table Carlisle to what looks certain to be an incredibly competitive & indeed fascinating match.

Colchester are enjoying an excellent season & the basis of that has been their tremendous home form with 31 points achieved from a possible 39 points so far & clearly that is a record that commands massive respect here.

Aidy Boothroyd has done a fantastic job since taking over as manager & he has developed a team who play positive, attacking football but equally who can compete physically & give everything they have got in every game.

Colchester do have to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat against Leeds at the weekend but as we said home form is their strength & the 2-0 win over MK Dons will be the performance that will give the confidence to go for another vital win here.

Carlisle sit mid table in League 1 with a record of 8 wins, 9 draws & 9 defeats & it doesn’t take a genius to work out that incosistency in results is their big problem.

On their day Carlisle are an excellent side who play positive, attacking football & they proved they can be positive & win away by beating Exeter City 3-2 away last week.

That fantastic win at Exeter City should give the Carlisle players the confidence to be positive here & the fact they have achieved 6 away draws in the league do prove they have a fair chance of getting a positive result here.

We are expecting a really competitive match here & there probably won’t be much in between the sides on the night but it is impossible to ignore the strength of Colchester’s home form & they do look a solid bet to get home win number 11 here.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Colchester to win

Correct Score options: Colchester to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Lisbie/Platt/Wordsworth

Double Result: Colchester Half Time & Full Time

Walsall vs Charlton – (League 1, Tuesday 7.45pm)

Fascinating contest in prospect here with both Walsall & Charlton looking for much needed wins to get their season going again & this should prove to be a really decent, competitive match.

Walsall are struggling in mid table of League 1 and need the 3 points to help their push up the table while Charlton need to get back on the winning trail to help their title push so this is a massively important game for both sides.

Walsall & Charlton are two well organised sides who like to play controlled, passing football & both teams are similar tactically so we are not expecting there to be much between these sides on the night.

Walsall are always fairly solid at home & Charlton have an excellent away record so this is going to be very competitive & on balance a scoring draw looks a value bet well worth taking here.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: DRAW

Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Byfield/Bailey/Shelvey

Double Result: Draw H/T & F/T

Accrington vs Barnet – (League 2, Tuesday 7.45pm)

We like the look of this match as both Accrington & Barnet look to play positive football & this match has plenty to offer.

Accrington have a really defined home record with 6 wins & 5 defeats from their 11 home league matches but in general they are very strong at home & do like to have a real go at teams.

League 1 side Gillingham came up against an in form Accrington side in round 3 of the F.A. Cup & then Premier League side Fulham experienced the same so the fact Accrington performed so well against higher ranked opposition proves how dangerous they are at home.

The big positive for Accrington is they come into this match fresh from their excellent win away at Shrewsbury & that should give them another massive confidence boost to go & be positive in this match.

Barnet had a decent start to the season & were going quite well but all that has gone wrong in recent months and indeed Barnet have slid down the table to sit only a few points above the relegation zone.

Away form has been Barnet’s big downfall all season with only 7 points from a possible 33 & that is a massive concern coming into this fixture against an in form side.

This should be a decent match as both Accrington & Barnet like to play good football but in terms of the outcome we cannot look past Accrington who look a really confident, positive side at present & they can get another win here.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Accrington to win

Correct Score options: Accrington ton win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Symes/Grant/Miles

Double Result: Accrington H/T & F/T

The weekly football coupon continues to be a mine
field for punters with The Championship, League 1 & League 2
fixtures proving a tough challenge for football punters trying to avoid
the many shock results & attempting to get through safely each week.

The fixture lists for The Championship, League 1 & League 2
again look tough & very competitive this weekend but we like a
challenge & here are out thoughts on the games & bets that we
feel offer betting value:

Best Bets in The Championship:

Bristol City vs Sheffield Wednesday (Saturday 3.00-pm):-

Bristol City appear to be hitting form just now, they were good winners
away at Barnsley last weekend & they are unbeaten at home so far
this season with 5 wins & 2 draws & overall they have not lost
at home for 18 games while Sheffield Wednesday have been very poor away
from home so this looks a good opportunity for Bristol City to get
another win & they look a very fair bet to do so.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Bristol City to win

Correct Score options: Bristol City to win 2-1/3-1

First goalscorer each way/player to score anytime: Maynard/Haynes

Cardiff City vs Nottingham Forest – (Sunday 5.00pm)

This game has been selected for the BBC cameras & definitely
should be a decent game with two teams who are in great form with
Cardiff riding high now sitting in 2nd place & scoring lots of
goals recently while Nottingham Forest have hit a good, consistent run
of form.

This should be a competitive game & Nottingham Forest certainly
won’t make it easy for Cardiff City as they are unbeaten away from home
so far but we just prefer Cardiff City on this occasion with home
advantage massive & they look a fair bet to continue their good run
by just edging out Nottingham Forest here.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Cardiff City to win

Correct Score options: Cardiff City to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Bothroyd/Chopra

Ipswich Town vs Derby County – (Saturday 3.00pm)

Could this be the day when Roy Keane’s Ipswich finally win their first
league match of the season??? – we think the answer is yes &
despite the fact that Ipswich have not won yet, Roy Keane’s team have
been playing consistently well & playing a Derby County side who
currently have massive injury problems, this does look a good
opportunity for Ipswich & they look a fair bet to get the much
needed first win.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Ipswich Town to win

Correct Score options: Ipswich Town to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Walters/Counago

The other Championship fixtures look quite tight in our view &
there could well be a batch of draws this weekend with the following
games looking particularly strong candidates for scoring draws:

Doncaster Rovers vs Blackpool (have had 13 draws between them already)

Coventry vs Reading (have had 10 draws between them already)

Preston vs Crystal Palace (have had 10 draws between they already)

Best bets in League 1:

Leyton Orient vs Southampton – (Saturday 3.00pm)

A glance at the League 1 table shows that Leyton Orient are 4 points & 5 positions higher than Southampton but is solely down to the 10 point deduction Southampton suffered before the season started & certainly not a true reflection of their current form.

Alan Pardew has got Southampton playing with great belief & confidence in recent weeks & they are really looking the part again now scoring goals & winning games with their confidence levels sky high.

Leyton Orient have struggled again this season & they have only won 2 of their 7 home games so in our view that gives Southampton an excellent chance to win this & they do look a good bet to have too much attacking quality for the home side.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Southampton to win
Correct Score options: Southampton to win 2-1/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Lambert/Lallana/Connolly

Stockport County vs Norwich City – (Saturday 3.00pm)

This game is about two teams who have vastly different ambitions & who have had vastly different starts to the season with Stockport County only aiming for survival & having had a terrible start while Norwich City are aiming for promotion & have had a very good start so far.

Stockport County are really struggling for confidence & consistency in results with their home form a real concern with only 1 win in 7 which in our views gives Norwich City a great chance to get the away win given how solid they are away & they always look likely to score & Norwich City do look a solid bet to get another important away win here.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Norwich City to win
Correct Score options: Norwich City to win 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score at any time: Holt/Martin

Leeds United vs Yeovil Town – (Saturday 3.00pm)

This is certainly not an original selection by any means & the odds on Leeds United winning are certainly nothing special but all the same any the odds are fair considering the gulf between Leeds United & Yeovil and without sounding too dismissive of Yeovil, it will be a massive shock if they get a positive result at Leeds United & we expect Jermaine Beckford to inspire another comfortable home win for Leeds United.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Leeds United to win
Correct Score options: Leeds United to win 2-0/3-0
First goalscorer/player to score anytime: Beckford/Snodgrass

The rest of the fixtures in League 1 look very difficult to asses & there could well be several draws amongst them & it could well pay to back scoring draws as value bets.

Best Bets in League 2:

Dagenham vs Port Vale – (Saturday 3.00pm)

This should be a decent game of football as both teams are in decent form at the moment & both like to play positive, attacking football.

Dagenham are flying high sitting 2nd in the league with a fantastic home record of 6 wins & 1 draw with 20 goals scored so their strength at home is obvious & although Port Vale have improved recently & will not be easy to beat, we do feel Dagenham are a rock solid bet to win this with Paul Benson likely to be the inspiration again.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Dagenham to win
Correct Score options: Dagenham to win 2-0/3-0
First goalscorer/player to score anytime: Paul Benson/Thomas

Best Bets for the Weekend in The Championship, League 1 & League 2

Every time I sit down to look at the next set of fixtures in The Championship, League 1 & League 2, I always seem to find myself saying “these fixtures look hard this week” & I have to say that I repeated those very words this week as well.

The Championship, League 1 & League 2 are very entertaining leagues but they are tremendously competitive leagues & must surely qualify as the toughest leagues for punters to solve with confidence.

The last few weeks have been notoriously difficult for football punters getting involved in the the lower leagues but we like a challenge & we’ve had a look to see what bets catch our eye.

Best Bets in The Championship:

Scunthorpe vs Sheffield United – Saturday 12.00pm

This bet comes with an element of risk because Sheffield United have been in the best of form in recent matches but that benefits us in the fact that the price on offer for them winning is better than would normally be expected.

That price gives us some value to get stuck into & Sheffield United have enough quality to go to Scunthorpe & edge what should be a decent game.

Scunthorpe are giving their best in the Championship but they have looked defensively vulnerable against the better sides & Sheffield United have the extra attacking quality that makes them a tempting bet.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Sheffield United to win

Correct Score options: Sheffield United to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/player to score anytime: Henderson/Evans

Double Result: Sheffield United Half Time & Full Time

Cardiff City vs Crystal Palace – Saturday 3.00pm

Fascinating clash of two teams with vastly experienced managers who know how to get the best out of their sides & both sides are decent form so should be a good game.

Cardiff City started the season in excellent form, before suffering a little blip with 3 defeats on the bounce but since then they have bounced in tremendous style smashing 10 goals in impressive victories against Derby County & Watford.

Those two fantastic performances & the goals scored will have given the Cardiff City squad a massive boost & we fully expect them to go all out to win this game from the off.

Crystal Palace have themselves been in very good form recently & certainly they appear to be playing a far more consistent style of football which is giving them consistent results.

Neil Warnock would love nothing more than to go to Cardiff & cause an upset but with all respect we cannot see that happening here & Cardiff City look a very solid bet to get another home win.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Cardiff City to win

Correct Score options: Cardiff City to win 2-1/3-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Chopra/Bothroyd/Whittingham

Double Result: Cardiff City Half Time & Full Time

Ipswich Town vs Swansea City – Saturday 3.00pm

Will this be the day that Roy Keane’s Ipswich side finally deliver their fist league win of the season after a very disappointing start of 5 draws & 6 defeats so far in the league??

The answer to that question obviously depends which side you support here & it is indeed a tricky question to answer.

Ipswich Town sit bottom of The Championship, 2 points adrift & Roy Keane is under huge pressure to turns things around & quickly.

The first step is of course getting that first win & particularly at home so we are certain Ipswich Town will be fully focused on going for the win in this game.

The good thing for Roy Keane & his team is that their performances have definitely improved in recent matches & although their results have not reflected that, they should have a decent level of confidence coming into this match.

Swansea have been in good for recently & their positive, open football is very entertaining to watch so they have a chance in this match but their away record is a concern.

Swansea have only won 1 away so far & only scored 2 goals in their 5 away matches so clearly they will have to step up on that here to get a result.

Ipswich Town look like a side hitting some form & they are certainly due a change of luck so we are going to take a chance on this being the day when Ipswich finally win & they look a fair to price to do so.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Ipswich Town to win

Correct Score options: Ipswich Town to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Walters/Priskin

Double Result: Ipswich Town Half Time & Full Time

Doncaster Rovers vs Barnsley – Saturday 3.00pm

An all action Yorkshire derby is on the menu here with both Doncaster Rovers & Barnsley certain to be up a game that will have a cracking atmosphere & certainly intensity on & off the pitch.

The local rivalry is important here but the action on the pitch is what will count & both clubs desperately need a win or at least a positive result so we expect a very competitive game.

Doncaster Rovers are unbeaten at home so far but they have drawn 4 home matches & had 8 draws in total from 11 games so while they are hard to beat, they also find hard to win.

Barnsley started the season in very poor form but have definitely improved of late since Mark Robins took over & they will go into this game positive of achieving something with confidence boosted by their last win.

Local pride is at stake here, both teams will believe they can get a result & it all points towards it being a very intense, competitive game which makes a scoring draw a very tempting bet & one we are going to side with here.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: DRAW

Correct score options: 1-1/2-2

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Sharp/Hume/Hayter

Double Result: Draw Half Time & Full Time

The rest of the fixtures in The Championship look very tight to call one way or the other & so it could well pay to cover the Draws in multiples with the main candidates to finish DRAWS being:

Leicester City vs Derby County, QPR vs Preston,
Sheffield Wednesday vs Coventry
& Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United

Best Bets in League 1:

Oldham Athletic vs Southampton – Saturday 3.00pm

We like the look of this game as it brings together two sides who like to play positive attacking football & both come here in good current form.

Oldham have been solid at home this season with only 1 defeat in 6 games so far & we expect a good, confident performance from them here.

Southampton have really hit form in their recent games & they produced an excellent, attacking performance to win 3-1 away at Southend in what were difficult weather conditions.

Southampton are playing very good football at present & should arrive here with confidence of getting a good result given the attacking quality they have.

A decent games look on the cards & Oldham will not make it easy for Southampton but we like the look of Alan Pardew’s team at present & they look a good bet to get the away win.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Southampton to win:

Correct score options: Southampton to win 2-0/2-1

First goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Lallana/Lambert

Double Result: Southampton Half Time & Full Time

Wycombe vs Colchester United – Saturday 3.00pm

This game represents a stark contrast of fortunes with Wycombe sitting 2nd bottom of League 1 & Colchester going very strong in 3rd place.

So far this season, Wycombe have won one of their 12 games & lie 18 points behind Colchester who have won 7 & only lost 2 of their first 12 games this season.

Wycombe have found it very difficult adjusting to life in League 1 again & they look a team lacking in confidence & quality on the pitch and that is making them vulnerable every game they play in.

Colchester have looked a very good, solid team this season & of course they made their intentions clear by winning 7-1 at Norwich on the opening day of the season.

That fantastic victory & other victories have outlined their capacity to score goals but equally Aidy Boothroyd has made them a more organised, balanced side & that is why they are getting, good consistent results.

Wycombe come into this game without a permanent manager & having already lost 4 games at home, we really do like the price for a Colchester win & they look a really solid bet to be too strong for Wycombe & get the 3 points.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Colchester United to win

Correct Score options: Colchester to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Odejayi/Platt

The other League 1 fixtures look very evenly matched in our view with any result possible & we feel a series of Draws look probable & do look to offer value.

Best Bets in League 2:

Aldershot vs Bury:
Outright Result:- DRAW, Correct Score options 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer: Lowe/Elliot

Dagenham vs Bradford City:
Outright Result: DRAW, Correct Score options 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer: Benson/Boulding

Darlington vs Shrewsbury Town:
Outright Result: Shrewsbury to win,
Correct Score options: Shrewsbury 2-0, 2-1
First Goalscorer: Hibbert/Robinson

Northampton Town vs Lincoln City:
Outright Match Result: DRAW, Correct Score options: 1-1, 2-2
First Goalscorer: Howe/Torres

The rest of the fixtures in League 2 do look incredibly competitive & again a series of draws does look likely & could well worth prove value bets.

League 1 & League 2 are probably two most of the most complex & difficult leagues for football punters to assess with confidence & the weekly challenge of finding winning selections is indeed a very tough one.

Both Leagues are intensely competitive & on their day all teams are capable of beating each other so nothing can be taken for granted by punters when considering League 1 & League 2 fixtures.

In order to try & help on that front, we have had a good look at all the fixtures for this weekend in League 1 & League 2 to try & find the most solid bets & hopefully the best value.

League 1:

Southend United vs Southampton – Friday 7.45pm

In our view this is the most interesting game in League 1 this weekend & certainly looks a cracking game in prospect here.

Southend United & Southampton are two teams in excellent form having both had excellent wins at the weekend so we expect both teams to have a real go in this game.

Southend United are quite solid at home & their excellent 2-0 away win at Stockport at the weekend will give them a lot of confidence for this match.

Southampton sit bottom of the table due to their 10 point deduction but despite that Alan Pardew’s team have started to come to terms with that & the confidence levels now seems high within the squad.

A very impressive 4-1 home win at the weekend illustrates their confidence & form & although they have not yet won away, they have had 3 draws so they will be confident of getting a positive result at Southend.

We really do like the look of this game & good, positive football should be the order of the day here but at the same time it looks set to be incredibly competitive & we like a scoring draw as a sensible, value bet.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Draw

Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2

First goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Lambert/Barnard/Lallana

Double Result: Draw Half Time & Full Time

Carlisle United vs Norwich City – Saturday 3.00pm

This is a very interesting game in prospect with 7th place Norwich City travelling to 19th place Carlisle & this certainly could be an entertaining game.

The betting for this match suggests it is a tight game to call & something has to give looking at the records of both sides.

Carlisle have a poor home record of only 1 win in 5 & Norwich have a poor away record with only 1 win in 5 so if there is to be a winner here.

Current form is a factor & both teams should come into this match with confidence after Norwich won 5-1 & Carlisle had the massive boost of scoring in the last minute to draw 2-2.

This is a tough game to call & competitive game looks certain so could go either way but we were impressed by Norwich City on saturday & they look a good bet to make the most of their extra attacking quality and win this match.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Norwich City to win

Correct Score options: Norwich City to win 2-1 or 3-1

First goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Holt/Cureton/Dobie

Double Result: Norwich City Half Time & Full Time

Leyton Orient vs Colchester United – Saturday 3.00pm

16th place Leyton Orient welcome 4th place Colchester United to what should be a decent, competitive game.

Confidence is a massive factor in football & the fact both Leyton Orient & Colchester United won last time out will mean they both approach this game in a positive manner.

Leyton Orient received a massive boost to their confidence ahead of this game by winning 1-0 away at Wycombe & that should guarantee a positive approach in front of their own fans here.

Colchester United have had a fantastic start to their season with only 2 defeats in 11 & they certainly do look strong contenders for promotion this season.

Aidy Boothroyd has taken over as manager & has made an immediate impact illustrated by their solid 1-0 win at home to promotion rivals Huddersfield Town at the weekend.

We expect a good, physical & competitive match here with Leyton Orient sure to have a go but for we like the look of Colchester United this season & they have the extra quality in the attacking areas which makes them a solid bet to get the away win here.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Betting: Colchester United to win

Correct Score options: Colchester United to win 2-0/2-1

First goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Odejayi/Platt

Double Result: Colchester Half Time & Full Time

The rest of the fixtures for League 1 look very tough to call & it certainly could pay to consider the DRAW as a value bet in those fixtures.

League 2:

In the last few weeks & particularly the last two rounds of fixtures, punters have suffered great frustration with how complex league two has proven to be.

A major factor in that frustration is that the more fancied, stronger teams in League 2 have been away from home & they have failed to win their games with some even suffering surprising defeats.

However, this weekend all the major teams in League 2 are at home & they all look to have solid chances of winning & here are our thoughts on those teams:

Bradford City to beat Crewe
Correct Score options: Bradford City to win 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer options: Boulding/O’Brien

Dagenham to beat Darlington
Correct Score options: Dagenham to win 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer options: Benson/Scott

Rotherham United to beat Hereford
Correct Score options: Rotherham to win 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer options: Le Fondre/Ellison

Notts County to beat Torquay
Correct Score options: Notts County to win 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer options: Hughes/Rodgers

Shrewsbury Town to beat Port Vale
Correct Score options: Shrewsbury to win 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer options: Robinson/McIntyre