Latest League Two Odds: Potential Title Decider Stalemate

After another interesting weekend of League Two action, we’re back for another Odds Watch piece to assess the changes at the top and bottom of the league and what betting opportunities may now be there as a result. 

Let's dive in.

Stalemate in Table Topping Clash

This weekend had the potential to be massive at the top of the division, with Bromley facing a title-chasing Notts County outfit. Before the game, the Magpies had won every game since January 1, whilst Bromley’s form was slightly more patchy, with a few draws mixed into their wins. 

As a result, this was a massively anticipated fixture, with the potential to change the landscape of the title race. However, it was not to be, with the sides playing out a 1-1 draw. Potentially a bit anti-climactic, but a solid result for both teams. 

It was certainly not a must-win game either. Instead, it was a must-not-lose, and both teams achieved that whilst getting one of their most difficult fixtures out of the way. 

At the top, Bromley still have a four-point gap, and they could certainly extend that in the next few games. 

After their defeat against Harrogate, Cambridge United have quickly returned to second with back-to-back wins, with the latest coming against Bristol Rovers, seeing us get our League Two tip of the week as a winner.

The U’s were never in danger of dropping the result, and they deserve a lot of praise. Indeed, they look like one of the better bets for promotion at the very least. Whether they can make a solid effort for the title is another thing entirely, given the gap. 

Taking the final spot in the top three is Swindon, but they are potentially lucky to be in that position after they were well beaten by relegation strugglers Shrewsbury. After four straight wins, they looked to be a certainty for the weekend’s fixtures, but it was a disappointing defeat for them, and you can certainly question whether this will have a big effect on their title hopes. 

They are five points away from Bromley at the top, and they’ve played an extra game. So, instead of heading for the title, there is a good chance they could slide down the play-offs, with others closing the gap…

Play-Offs Tightening

MK Dons could certainly fit into the play-off/automatic promotion picture, and their win this weekend only strengthened their argument for that. After all, they are unbeaten in the league since New Year’s Day, which can only be seen as a good thing. 

They have an eight-point gap to eighth place, so they are certainly safe in the play-offs if nothing else. Given how much was spent in the summer, though, you’d imagine that they will want a place in the automatic spots at the very least to call this season a success.

There is still time, of course, but their underwhelming start to the year has certainly hindered them. 

Whilst Salford didn’t play this weekend, due to their FA Cup commitments, they have three games in hand on third-placed Swindon, whilst only having to overturn a six-point gap. They could certainly get into a position of strength with a win or two. 

Crewe take the final spot in the top seven, having only lost one game this year. With three wins in their last five, they are certainly in a strong position, hitting form when it matters. However, they are not the safest outfit in the division. 

They have played more games than others in the division, and that explains why most of the best football bookmakers have them at 13/2 for a place in the top seven. 

Sitting below them, Chesterfield, Grimsby and Barnet each have solid chances of a play-off bid. It is no surprise that they are hovering around the 2/1 mark, indeed.

Not Safe Yet

Newport’s 20th defeat of the season has kept them glued to the bottom of the league, and their chances of safety are becoming less and less likely. They are five points adrift, and whilst they cannot be too disappointed with this weekend’s result, they need to start picking up points.

Indeed, they are in serious trouble at this stage, and relegation from League Two looks a near certainty at this moment. It will take a substantial effort for things to change. 

Harrogate, on the other hand, may be turning their fortunes around a little, with a win and a draw in their last two games. Of course, in the grand scheme of the season, it means very little. Yet, they are only four points away from escaping the bottom two. 

If they keep on as they are, they may not be a given for relegation, somehow. 

Crawley and Bristol Rovers sit on 26 and 27 points, respectively. So, they could get dragged into the relegation picture further, if they are not already within it. Both teams are level on goals conceded (53), putting them as the second-worst defensive outfits in the league. 

Put it this way: if they are to survive, they need to shore up a little bit. At the moment, Rovers are 16/1 to go down, which feels ridiculously high…