Latest League One Odds: Unexpected Top Three

This weekend's League One action has sent a few shocks through the division, with the top three somewhat unexpected as things stand. The bottom four are providing intrigue too.

Not A Favourite In Sight

Looking at the top three in League One paints a very different picture to the one drawn by the bookmakers currently. In fact, none of the favourites for the division title are actually in the top three. 

Instead, those places go to Bradford City, Stevenage and Lincoln City; each massively deserving of their own credit. 

So, we go to Cardiff City Stadium first, where the Bluebirds were well beaten by Bradford on their own turf. Brian Barry-Murphy's men have been the long-standing favourites to deliver a league title this season. Yet, this weekend's performance has rocked the boat. 

It is their first loss of the season, and whilst they have a game in hand, the Bantams now top the league. Cardiff, meanwhile, sit in fourth place and are looking up at those above them.

Following them is Stevenage, who returned to winning ways with a win against Exeter City at home. Their start has been fantastic, and they are certainly going under the radar a little in this promotion battle.

Finally, Lincoln City round off the Top Three, and their 3-1 dismantling of Luton was telling for two reasons. Firstly, of their own quality, and them playing well against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup only furthers that. 

Then, Luton may not be as sound for promotion as they may have seemed at the start of the season after another loss at the weekend.

All Over the Place

It is best to start with Bolton Wanderers, who are the third favourites for the title. Not to discredit them, given that they have not lost since the opening day, but it is a bit baffling how they are so well-favoured by the bookmakers whilst sitting 10th. 

With that said, they are only two points from a play-off spot. So, things could quickly move about. 

Next in the odds and table, from the top down anyway, is Huddersfield Town. After last weekend's loss, they returned with an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Burton Albion. There are certainly mixed views of the Terriers currently; they are certainly not at their best. 

Barnsley's play-off situation was hampered a little bit this weekend. Considering they were beaten by Blackpool, for only their second league win of the season. Tarn had been on a fine run before that defeat. However, that has certainly caused a bit of a stumble.

Fortunately for them, Doncaster could not capitalise after losing to Wimbledon at home. 

It means the gap from first to 10th is only six points, which is a fantastic thing for any neutrals. Between fifth and 10th, the gap lessens to only two points. In other words, there are still some great chances at value, as seen with Bradford's (1/1) and Stevenage's (7/4) odds for a Top Six place. 

Surprisingly Positive at the Bottom

From 18th to 24th, only one team lost, which is a very surprising thing to be saying considering how lacklustre some sides have been. However, here we are. 

Burton Albion are now the league's last-placed team after other results did not go in their favour. Yet, their points tally increased, thanks to their draw against Huddersfield Town. Whilst the Brewers were not threatening, they kept out a very strong attack, showing that they may not be in a perilous position, yet.

Peterborough's win against Plymouth has taken them off the foot of the league. For the first time since March, they have won back-to-back League One games. Perhaps, they can start to turn things around. 

Blackpool, who I thought would compete near the top, also got themselves a win this weekend, getting the better of Barnsley at home. Steve Bruce's side have struggled so far, so the win is huge and could push them on a little.

Finally, the first loss, bottom to top, comes for Rotherham who were one of my picks to go down this season. The Millers fell to Stockport County, which certainly is not a bad result. So far, they look massively off it and you'd worry about them. 

For Reading, Port Vale and Wycombe, it was a strong weekend, with each grabbing three points. They have not established a gap, though, considering the results everywhere else. 

Looking slightly up the league, it may be worth taking a look at Exeter's price. They have lost four of their last five games, most recently being a 2-1 loss to Stevenage. Before the start of the season, they were heavily anticipated to go down, and the available 11/10 price may start to fall a little if things continue.