Southend v Luton
The first of our Jan 26 League One betting tips is for Southend v Luton. It’s a reduced service in League One this weekend due to goings-on in the FA Cup; however, that gives the teams who have already been knockout out of the competition a chance to pick-up points and apply pressure to rivals positioned around them in the division. Southend is one of those looking to fill in the gap with three much-needed points but to get them they must use home advantage to take down a title challenger in Luton.
The locals go into the round sitting 10th in the pile with a season record reading 12 wins, two draws and 14 defeats. Far from convincing, but they have won three of their last five and grabbed a maximum on their most recent outing. Three points in front of their own fans here could lift them to eighth in the table and within touching distance of the play-offs.
United was last spotted hammering lowly Bradford on the road. The result was to be expected, given the problems with their opponents; however, Southend deserved our respect for the winning margin and eye-catching performance put in that day. Cox scored the opener inside two minutes and that set the pace for the afternoon, Mantom adding a second before the break, Humphrys scoring a second-half double to put the game to bed, piling pressure on The Bantams in the process. The victors were dominant from start to finish that day and it was a result that would’ve injected real confidence into the ranks.
Luton on an Unbeaten Run
The Hatters board their team bus for this road trip on the back of a recent unbeaten run that has helped catapult them into contention for one of the two automatic promotion slots; as such, fans will be confident the least they can expect to get out of this season is a play-off spot. 16 wins, eight draws and just four defeats have them second in the charts, just a point behind leaders Portsmouth and the chance to go top of the table won’t be lost on the visitors. This is a big opportunity and one they must grab if they are to be taken seriously as title challengers. Sunderland sits in third, three points behind and refusing to ease up on applying pressure.
Luton has suffered from a run of draws of late, however, and that has stunted their progress a little. They finished level three games on the bounce, ending 0-0 with Barnsley at home in the opening match of the year before fighting out a 1-1 when visiting the Stadium of Light on January 12th. Followers were delighted to see their side bounce back to winning ways with a 4-0 victory over Peterborough United last time, Berry scoring to add to a stunning hat-trick from Collins who got the ball rolling on eight minutes and put in a match-winning performance to gift his employers all three points. Will we see something similar here?
We’re Guaranteed Goals
With both teams looking to shine and take advantage of the situation, we’re expecting a competitive, entertaining match with a few goals scored in the process. Both sides helped themselves to four last time and with this rating as a winnable match in the mind of either manager, the paying public should get their money’s worth. Back both teams to score in your accumulators at a decent 3/4, top price when getting your cash down at Bet365.
Prefer to take up a position on either side of the fence and call a winner in this one? The match betting prices have Luton as favourite and that will come as no major shock to followers of English football’s third-tier. Backers looking to gamble their stake money on the away day will find Coral’s 21/20 to be one of the better quotes available. The draw trades 12/5 with the same firm while those looking to stick with home comforts can get 5/2 with Bet365.
Our Tip: BTTS – 3/4 at Bet365
Peterborough v Charlton
The other of our Jan 26 League One betting tips is for Peterborough v Charlton. As already mentioned, Peterborough suffered a painful defeat last time and will be determined to wipe that from memory with a quick-fire return to winning ways when hosting promotion-chasing Charlton Athletic. The home side can be found in sixth place, hanging on to hopes of holding ground and bagging a play-off finish. An extended season looks to be the best they could hope for as leaders Portsmouth are already 10 points off in the distance; however, it’s an achievement they’ll do well to gain as there’s just a point between themselves and Doncaster in seventh.
All to play for on that one. Three points here would go some way to easing the pressure, shifting it to the shoulders of Rovers, and backers will find the home win circling at 6/4 with Ladbrokes. That price makes them favourite, which may catch a few off-guard. Stuck on the fence? Take the value about a draw and get your cash down on the 12/5 made available by Bet365.
Statement of Intent
Charlton is looking to make a statement of intent as we get into the thick of the second half of the season and a win over a promotion rival would send out the right message to their main rivals. Three wins and a draw in their last four has the Londoners in fourth, just four points off Portsmouth, making this a match they need to win if pundits are to rank them as serious contenders to the League One crown.
The visitors have won each of their last two, following a 3-0 over Shrewsbury on the road with a 1-0 in front of their own fans when hosting a capable Accrington Stanley last time out. Two wins and two clean-sheets, that would’ve done wonders for their confidence. It’s also enough to tempt us into a bet and we’re backing The Addicks to get the desired result and continue their adventure. Back them at 9/5 at William Hill. That’ll work best as a super single as they appear to have been overpriced.
Our Tip: Charlton to win – 9/5 at William Hill
Don’t forget to check out even more top betting tips and our best football betting strategies.