Latest League One Odds: Derby Dominance

Huddersfield New Favourites for the Title

This weekend, we start with the half-12 kick-off on Saturday, where both Bradford and Huddersfield were hoping to avoid a scare. Unfortunately for the Bantams, it was their fans who were given a fright.

An overhead kick in the first five minutes got Huddersfield on their way and they added another two in the second half, running out 3-0 victors in one of their biggest games of the season. A huge three points, especially away from home.

As a result, the Terriers have further strengthened their hold at the top of League One, with a two-point advantage over second place. However, they also have a game in hand, so they could be sitting more than pretty after then.

It's no shock that they now sit top of League One's title odds at 21/10, and it may even hold value at this price still.

For the Bantams, it's a weekend to forget. Another game without a goal under Michael Duff, but without the caveat of a strong defensive performance. Even some have suggested that they'd be better off without him, damaging comments this early on.

Considering captain Antoni Sarcevic was sent off too, it's a horror result and performance in a must-win game. The drift on them, though, is a tad extreme. Last week, they were 12/1 to win the division and they're now as big as 20/1 with the biggest football bookmakers.

Stockport Move Off Top

Sitting in second, Stockport have lost their grasp on the league; they trail in the points and they've also lost their place as favourites in the markets - which they had held for weeks until this point. However, they're not in a bad place.

A 2-1 win against Wimbledon isn't the best result, but coming back from a goal down will be seen as encouraging by Jimmy McNulty. Nevertheless, it's the third game in a row where they've conceded first and it cannot continue being a reason to wake up.

I've maintained that they've been a short price for a few weeks now, and even at 5/2, I think they're a short price. Put it this way, I'd still prefer to take the 2/1 for Huddersfield than the 5/2 for Stockport.

Luton Flying Once Again

After a poor start to the season, Luton Town are back amongst the promotion contenders and they could well challenge for the title at this rate. This weekend's win against Peterborough was expected - landing us a winning tip in the process - and it's now four on the bounce for Jack Wilshere's side.

If we're being harsh, the run of fixtures has been pretty kind; Doncaster, Peterborough and Barnsley aren't exactly the best opposition. Yet, a win against Leicester in that run proves that they've got the credentials to challenge.

They're only a point inside the top six, but they do have a game in hand, so their position may become more favourable. Nevertheless, they're currently priced at 8/13 for a play-off place.

General Picture

As there are so many sides in this play-off race, I wanted to go through each in a little detail, rather than glossing over them.

Oxford United are in a fantastic position still, even after their draw to Barnsley - which let us down for our free 32/1 acca - with two games in hand, they could well go top...

Nevertheless, they're priced at 11/8 for a top six spot; it feels harsh.

Sheffield Wednesday are also far too high a price at 2/1 with SpreadEx, especially after the appointment of Dave Challinor. They're only two points off the top six; I'd expect that to close.

Plymouth have hit a bit of a rock in recent weeks, picking up four points from their last four games. I'd not be rushing to take the 11/8 for them.

Sticking with Argyle, their draw against Reading was an end to the Royals' winning streak. They remain a team of interest, and 11/10 feels like a fair price.

Finally, taking a step way out of the top six, we have MK Dons. Right now, Betfair and the Flutter brands are offering 13/2 for them to reach the top six and I'd be interested at that price.

Having won four of their last five, they're in a great place currently, especially with Aaron Collins scoring six in his last two games.

Bromley Sink Against Wigan

It's been a rough few weeks for Bromley and this weekend's game against Wigan offered a chance for things to change. However, they've only gotten worse.

Indeed, the Latics grabbed their third win of the season and handed Bromley their fifth defeat in six games.

There have always been substantial doubts about their ability to stay up this season and this is proof that they're effectively doomed. How they're 2/7 to go down still is baffling; they could be lower...

Wigan, on the other hand, have gained a huge three points at the DW. It means they're only two points away from safety and no longer rooted to the bottom of the league. They're still in danger and below Evens as a result, but they've lessened the pressure.

Barnsley Don't Lose

Having lost their last five games before this, Barnsley will have been fairly nervous before a game against an Oxford side pushing for entry into the title race. However, they took the lead in the first half and defended admirably, even after the game went to 1-1.

It's a welcome return to collecting points, or a point in this case. However, you'd still not be too positive about their chances, hence the 7/5 for them to go down.

Saying that, they've not faced a League One side outside of the top 10 since September 5. So, it may get better...

General Picture

Looking elsewhere, Peterborough remain in danger of the drop. Their recent results aren't exactly promising and they're still above 2/1 to go down...

Doncaster have collected three points from their last five, but their fixtures have been pretty torrid in that time. So, maybe they're another whose schedule has put them here. Nevertheless, they're a side in trouble and 9/2 looks big.

Finally, we have Wimbledon, who haven't won since mid-September. Four defeats in their last five - conceding 13 in the process - is concerning and they're only heading one way currently. BetVictor are still offering 11/10, but they're the only ones above Evens.