EFL League One Betting Tips, Odds & Predictions – December 2024

The race for the League One title this season appears to be wide open, with a number of clubs presenting strong cases to claim the crown. This makes things very different from the Premier League.

Sheffield Wednesday have stocked up after losing in the playoff semi-finals last season. The additions of Matthew Smith and Michael Ihiekwe from Rotherham provide firepower in the final third and steel at the back, two elements that were missing from Darren Moore′s men last term. Will Vaulks will provide extra legs in the middle of the park to support Barry Bannan, who appeared to fade towards the end of the campaign after being so brilliant for the majority of the season? Their odds of 9/2 are low for a reason♛, but it will be interesting to see how they fare being favourites.

Ipswich are second favourites in the League 1 odds, but they have flattered to deceive in their three seasons in the third tier. The Tractor Boys are yet to finish inside the playoff places, so be cautious with their odds to win the league and for promotion. They have made improvements to their squad, but not enough to challenge. If they make a strong start, it might be worth reconsidering. For now, avoid looking at Ipswich.

Derby County endured a painful relegation from the Championship. Things would have been better if not for their points′ deduction for financial issues. Amid the chaos, Wayne Rooney’s team fought hard, but were undone by the mammoth challenge presented to them. Now, Rooney has gone and the club has been given new ownership under Liam Rosenior, who is in charge of overseeing a host of new players. The Rams have gone for experience this time around, which might go one of two ways. Either they will be a cut above or struggle with the intensity. With a rookie manager, it might be worth staying away from their 7/1 odds.

Peterborough were relegated without much of a fight, but their squad has remained intact from their one season in the Championship. With Jonson Clarke-Harris and Jack Marriott in the final third, there is a powerful strikeforce to spearhead a charge back to the second tier. A bit like Rotherham, the Posh have yo-yoed between the Championship and League One. They know how to win games in the third tier♒ and their odds of 12/1 are worth a shout, although the more realistic bet would be their price of 7/2 to earn promotion.

Bolton Wanderers are a dark horse in the League One odds for promotion. Ian Evatt′s men finished in ninth place last season and mustered a strong end to the campaign. In addition, Oladapo Afolayan is a potential star in the making after notching 12 goals last season. The Trotters′ odds of 9/2 are appealing for promotion﷽, but it will be tight at the top. Perhaps the playoffs might be the other route at odds of 11/1 to go up through that manner.

Wycombe narrowly missed out in the playoffs last season after losing to Sunderland at Wembley. Gareth Ainsworth has remained at the club, and always manages to get the most of his talent. Wanderers should be in and around the playoff mix🧸, and backing them to go one better than last season could be a worthwhile bet at 12/1.

At the other end of the table, newly-promoted clubs always tend to struggle at the foot of the table. Forest Green Rovers lost manager Rob Edwards to Watford after winning League Two, and it will be worth watching how they progress under new boss Ian Burchnall. Burchnall had a decent record at Notts County, but it may take time for him to settle in with his new players. They were always a side to watch in the League Two betting odds, particularly for accas every week. Rovers are now in a very different situation and their odds of 5/2 are worth a look.

Let us now take a look at Port Vale′s League 1 odds for relegation, after they won promotion by beating Mansfield Town in the League Two playoff final. They have not had a lot of time to prepare for the rigours of League One and may need to hit the ground running. The Vale have odds of 9/4 to be relegated, which certainly provides value.

Out of the sides that survived last season in League One, Morecambe are perceived to be the one in most trouble. Previously, Cole Stockton′s goals singlehandedly kept the club afloat, and unless he can perform similar heroics, the Shrimps could be in danger of the drop. You will not find value at 6/5, but they do look to be a prime candidate. Meanwhile, Cheltenham could also be in consideration after losing manager Michael Duff to Barnsley. Wade Elliott has stepped into the void, but keeping Town in the third tier will be tough. League One odds of 2/1 for the drop are compelling.

💦For the Top Scorer market, Clarke-Harris was the leading marksman with 31 goals in 45 appearances for The Posh two years ago. He is the favourite to lead the way again, and given his record, it is hard to bet against him. League 1 odds of 5/1 are decent value for the striker.

Michael Smith made the surprising move to remain in League One with Sheffield Wednesday rather than stay with Rotherham following their promotion to the Championship. He scored 19 goals for the Millers last term in their run to second place. The forward certainly has the opportunity to match that form and potentially be better with Bannan providing the ammunition. Smith′s a great pick for value at 12/1 to lead the scoring charts.

Apart from finding the best League One odds available, there are a lot of elements to consider before placing a bet on this division. Having said that, you will find great value – as with Championship betting – due to the sheer unpredictability involved.

Most Wins – Wigan Athletic, Rotherham United 27

Most Draws – AFC Wimbledon 19

Most Defeats – Crewe Alexandra 31

Most Goals – Wigan Athletic, Oxford United 82

Most Goals Conceded – Morecambe 88

Most Bookings – Charlton Athletic 107

Most Red Cards – Accrington Stanley 8

Top Goalscorer – Will Keane 26 (Wigan Athletic)

Most Assists – Sean McConville 17 (Accrington Stanley)

൩Most Clean Sheets – Michael Cooper (Plymouth Argyle), David Stockdale (Wycombe Wanderers) 18

꧙Most Individual Yellow Cards – Ross Sykes 16 (Accrington Stanley)

🍸Most Individual Red Cards – Daniel Phillips 3 (Gillingham)

Most Wins – Wigan Athletic, Rotherham United 27

Most Draws – AFC Wimbledon 19

Most Defeats – Crewe Alexandra 31

Most Goals – Wigan Athletic, Oxford United 82

Most Goals Conceded – Morecambe 88

Most Bookings – Charlton Athletic 107

Most Red Cards – Accrington Stanley 8

Top Goalscorer – Will Keane 26 (Wigan Athletic)

Most Assists – Sean McConville 17 (Accrington Stanley)

꧑Most Clean Sheets – Michael Cooper (Plymouth Argyle), David Stockdale (Wycombe Wanderers) 18

🃏Most Individual Yellow Cards – Ross Sykes 16 (Accrington Stanley)

🍌Most Individual Red Cards – Daniel Phillips 3 (Gillingham)