AFC Wimbledon v Charlton
The first of our Feb 23 League One betting tips is for Wimbledon v Charlton Bottom club AFC Wimbledon are running out of time to save their skins in League One and face another tough challenge on Saturday in the form of promotion-chasing Charlton Athletic in a battle of two London clubs. The hosts went into the week with stats showing 7-5-20 and were seven points behind Bristol Rovers and safety. They have lost four of their last five but did win the spare on their most recent start, battling to a 1-0 over Walsall on the road before going down to Millwall by the same score in the FA Cup. The home cheer is 11/5 – top price at Unibet.
Hold their Own
With 33 games behind them, Charlton was holding their own in the race for a top-six finish and the extended season that comes with it through the play-offs. They have every chance of forcing the issue between now and the flag but are winless in four, that drought made up of three draws and a defeat. They’ve finished level in each of their last two – 1-1 at home to Southend and goalless when hosting Blackpool last Saturday. A third share on the spin will surely catch the eye of value hunters with Unibet giving 5/2 but we prefer the away day and will take The Addicks at 6/5 (Unibet).
Our Tip: Charlton to win – 6/5 at Unibet
Bristol Rovers v Sunderland
Bristol Rovers are another involved in a relegation dog fight and they drew last time to move out of the danger zone, placed 20th. There’s much work still to be done, however, sitting level on points with three of the four teams below them in the pecking order, 33 points shared by themselves, Oxford, Shrewsbury and Bradford. A dramatic time lies ahead for followers of each of the sides mentioned. Bristol does take heart from a three-game unbeaten run, starting the month with a 2-1 over Southend before that 1-1 with Shrewsbury. Bristol can be backed at 19/10 (bet365), the draw more appealing at 11/5 with the same firm.
A Disappointing Run
Sunderland sits fourth in the rankings at the time of writing, their form stuck at 15-14-2. It’s obvious draws are hampering their progress, a failure to finish sides off keeping things competitive when The Black Cats should be out of sight. They find themselves a dozen points behind leaders Luton and drew three games in-a-row when ending all-square with Accrington Stanley last time. Both teams to score will do for us at 5/6 – top price with Ladbrokes – the away win judged to be favourite, 29/20 offered by bet365 and you won’t find a more generous firm at the time of writing.
Our Tip: BTTS – 5/6 at Ladbrokes
Portsmouth v Barnsley
Pompey went into the week on the back of three draws, leaving them off the pace in League One, a title race they dominated over the festive period. It has been a rapid fall for the locals, but they have every chance of getting back on track and keeping alive their dreams of playing Championship football next term. Five points is needed to pressure Barnsley who are currently ranked second, six points behind Luton.
Both teams to score looks to be the smart call here, 3/4 when taking advantage of Bet365’s generosity, the home win a 7/4 second fav with the same firm. Fancy the draw in this one? We certainly wouldn’t be in a rush to put anyone off the 23/10 (Bet365).
A Team in Contention
Barnsley have won each of their last three to throw themselves into contention for the League One title. They are poised to pick-up on any mistakes made by leaders Luton and have six to find to match The Hatters, with stats of 19-8-5. The visitors beat Wycombe Wanders 2-1 last weekend to move them a step closer to automatic promotion, a Woodrow double on 13 and 64 minutes more than enough to see off a Jacobson led fightback, Wanderers halving the deficit in stoppage-time.
There’s real confidence in the away dressing room and they’ll fancy their chances of winning this and landing another blow on Portsmouth. The away day is favourite across the board with Unibet’s 28/17 the best you’ll find.
Our Tip: BTTS – 3/4 at Bet365
Luton v Coventry
The last of our Feb 23 League One betting tips is for Luton v Coventry. We’ll have to wait until Sunday to see the leaders back in action as they meet Coventry in a mouth-watering tie from midday. The Hatters enjoy home advantage, as well as the confidence that comes from an impressive run of form where they have won each of their last five to open a sizeable lead over the chasing pack. They are in pole position and, at this point, are showing no signs of slowing down or giving their rivals any hope they’ll choke under the pressure.
Luton beat Fleetwood by the odd goal in three last time, Moncur and Mpanzu hitting the net either side of half-time. Madden forced a reply but with 92 minutes on the clock, it was too little too late. Bookies have the home win as favourite with 4/6 available to those sticking with the pace-setters. That’s sure to be popular in accumulators.
Below Expectations
Coventry was priced as one of the teams worth respect in the ante-post League One betting but, despite a decent start, they have failed to live up to expectations and went into game week with a record of 13 wins and seven draws against 13 defeats. The 46 points on the board mean there are eight teams currently better off with time running out to push themselves into the top-six automatic promotion places.
The Sky Blues are unbeaten in three after following a draw with back-to-back wins. They had enough about them to nick a 1-0 at Rochdale before smashing Walsall 3-0 in front of their own fans. That defence will be pushed to the max again here and will be behind any joy Coventry may get from this one. The away win is 19/4 – top price when doing your betting at Unibet. Coventry is out for revenge after losing a tight match 2-1 when hosting Luton at the Ricoh Arena back in December.
Our Tip: Luton to win – 4/6 at Ladbrokes
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