Free football betting tips and odds: Sky Bet League One final day preview

Football

Sat May 05, 2018 · 7y ago

Nick Hext backs Ian Henderson to return in style for Rochdale as the Sky Bet League One relegation scrap goes down to the final day of the season.

Check out Tom Carnduff's guide to all of the permutations at the end of the Sky Bet EFL season

Henderson's relish

Ian Henderson to score in Rochdale v Charlton (Saturday, 1730 BST, Sky Sports Football)

Rochdale won 1-0 at Peterborough back on April 14 but I reckon it's Ian Henderson’s red card at the ABAX Stadium that costs them their place in Sky Bet League One. Henderson is undoubtedly Dale's best player and they have only picked up three points from 12 available in the matches that he's missed. That followed on from 10 points out of 15 in the five games before that. Keith Hill's men host Charlton in front of the Sky Sports cameras knowing they need a favour from Northampton when the already-relegated Cobblers take on Oldham, who are just one point better off than Dale in the table. I reckon it's most likely to be a draw at Sixfields, Oldham have claimed a point in six of their last seven outings, and that leaves Dale needing victory against Charlton. They are boosted by the Addicks being virtually assured of a play-off place but there's more temptation in the visitors at 13/5 for the win than the hosts as 5/4 favourites. However, it's definitely well worth backing Henderson to find the back of the net. He netted four goals in five matches prior to his ban and a huge performance is required from the forward on what I'm anticipating to be a very nervy evening at Spotland.

Will there be a play-off for a play-off in League One?

U's to keep it close

Wigan to beat Doncaster to nil (Saturday, 1730 BST)

A point will guarantee Wigan the Sky Bet League One title on Saturday evening due to their superior goal difference over second-placed Blackburn. I reckon the Latics will do better than that and a win to nil at close to 2/1 is the way to go when they travel to Doncaster. Wigan have claimed 10 of their last 12 wins without conceding a goal and much of their success this season has been built on the strength of Chey Dunkley and Dan Burn at the centre of the defence. Brighton loanee Christian Walton has also been a huge success as the Latics' goalkeeper this season. Doncaster have failed to net in any of their previous four outings and Darren Ferguson knows that plenty of work is needed to boost his attacking options in the summer. It simply has to be a Wigan win and clean sheet to make sure of the League One crown.

Pick Posh to beat Pompey

Peterborough to beat Portsmouth (Saturday, 1730 BST)

Peterborough are my best bet of Saturday evening's matches at 5/2 to claim a three-point haul against Portsmouth. This is likely to be Jack Marriott's farewell to Posh as the in-demand Sky Bet League One top goalscorer is set for a big-money move up the divisions in the summer. Marriott netted in the 2-0 win over Fleetwood last time out and he can add to Portsmouth's disappointing end to the season. Pompey have lost their previous three matches to fall out of play-off contention and I don't want Kenny Jackett's men as big favourites for the victory. Steve Evans will be out to turn Peterborough into promotion contenders next season and he can make an early statement of intent at Fratton Park.