Welcome to zicoball’s England League 1 Predictions, tips and betting advice hub. This will be updated each and every weekend, with a sprinkling of midweek football, as England’s third tier navigates to the finishing line.
Here, you will find our trusty expert team of analysts and football betting pros putting their heads together and providing the very best League 1 predictions, tips, advice, and best bets for upcoming games and beyond, including 1X2 fancies and outright punts on league winners, promotion, reaching the playoffs, relegation, and more. If you’re left wanting a little more, why not check out our League 2 Predictions hub for more of the same.
England League 1 Predictions and Betting Tips
England League 1 Predictions This Weekend
This section will showcase our best bets and England League 1 predictions. The idea is quality over quantity, highlighting the value selections in League 1 every weekend. Expect a range of markets - Goals, Asian Handicaps, Player Shots, Goalscorers, Corners, Props, etc. If there’s an angle in, we’ll find it.
Our experienced team of betting experts are continuously trawling through the available markets for value and content to fill this League 1 predictions page.
Wycombe vs Peterborough: Posh More Than Equipped In Open Play
England League 1 predictions, Saturday, February 10th, 15:00 (UK)
Wycombe might have given themselves a leg-up in their surprise win over Cheltenham on the weekend, but that result was still just their second victory in 18 fixtures. Their next task, although at home, will be much more strenuous.
Posh leads the division in open-play xG by some distance. Their 45.84xG is miles ahead of Portsmouth (33.45xG) in second place and Wycombe in 15th with 21.04xG. With Peterborough’s wealth of firepower and the plethora of chances created every game, The Chairboys might need a couple here to clinch a share of the spoils.
Despite the disappointing loss to Wigan and the morale-raising three points in Wycombe’s favour at the weekend, you’d imagine Posh will have a little too much for the hosts to handle if all goes to plan. We’d be shocked if that 2.10 is a price that lasts once the smart money enters the market.
- Prediction: Peterborough Win
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Odds: 2.10
Zicoball Predicts How League One Will Finish: The Promotion Picture
You’d have been brave to get behind Peterborough before a ball was kicked in anger in the summer. Posh’s collapse after winning 4-0 in the first leg of the playoff semi-final broke records. No team had previously held a four-goal margin and failed to make the playoff final.
It wasn’t the ideal preparation for the following season. Not only did Peterborough miss out on Championship football, but Sheffield Wednesday humiliated them.
Key players left, including Jack Taylor, for a sizable fee to Ipswich. Their leading goalscorer season on season, Jonson Clarke-Harris, was publicly transfer-listed and eventually unable to find a club once the window slammed shut. Several inexperienced pros came in, and Posh was left with a squad that would be one of the youngest in the division week in and week out.
So, to be competing for the top spot halfway through the season is a minor miracle. They’ve learned on the job, gained confidence and experience, and here they are, neck and neck with the likes of Pompey and Derby.
For us, we think they might have enough to clinch League 1’s major honour:
| Position | Team | Expected Points |
| 1. | Peterborough United | 82 |
| 2. | Derby County | 81 |
| 3. | Bolton Wanderers (P) | 80 |
| 4. | Portsmouth | 80 |
| 5. | Barnsley | 76 |
| 6. | Stevenage | 69 |
It’ll be tight. Yet, with a forward line consisting of a hungry, fearless trio of Ricky Jade-Jones, Ehpron Mason-Clarke, and Kwame Poku, among others, there will be plenty of League 1 sides unable to come to terms with their attacking output. That could be enough for Darren Ferguson’s men.
Ante-Post Predictions in League One in 2023/24: A Bookmaker’s Recap
The Rams entered the 2023/24 League One campaign as the favourites to clinch the title. Despite missing out on a shot at the play-offs on the final day in 2022/23, Paul Warne’s side stood out from the rest (5.00) in the betting markets.
Bolton (8.00), Barnsley (9.00), Peterborough (10.00) and Portsmouth (11.00) were the next in line to gain automatic promotion as Champions.
Interestingly, Reading was joint fifth-favourites for the crown at 11.00 alongside Pompey. It’s safe to say that John Mousinho’s men on the south coast have won that battle. Royals supporters are fighting more significant battles right now - saving their club being one.
Like Reading, Wycombe was dubbed an outside 17.00 chance of winning the title. Fast forward to the backend of the 2023/24 campaign, and avoiding relegation has taken up all priorities following Gareth Ainsworth’s departure to QPR.
In terms of clinching a Top Six spot, Bolton (2.00), Posh (2.20) and Portsmouth (2.37) all offered odds-against prices which punters would snatch your hand off for now. Fanbases from the aforementioned three will be hopeful it’s a League 1 trophy lift on the agenda in May, let alone a Top Six finish.
Relegation Favourites
At the other end of the table, Paul Simpson’s Carlisle United (2.25) sauntered through the summer as relegation favourites. Teams who put in a promotion-earning season in League Two aren’t always destined for the drop in the following campaign. The bookmakers may have got this one right.
Elsewhere, in Stevenage, Steve Evans’ gang of plucky men presents as the other side to that coin. At 3.25, the side that finished second in League Two was on the bookmaker’s radar as seventh most likely to be relegated. Considering Evans is in charge, that always looked improbable. Believe it or not, they’re aiming for Championship football through the play-offs at Broadhall Way.
As we’ve already touched upon, Reading was nowhere near the conversation, but Fleetwood Town (2.50) was. Charlie Adam has a gigantic task to keep the Cod Army afloat. After Fleetwood owner Andy Pilley was jailed for fraud, their stock dropped substantially in the outright markets.
England League 1 Betting Tips
Betting in the English Football League, and League 1 specifically, can be both exciting and challenging due to the competitive nature of the leagues. It’s cliche; you’ve heard it a thousand times, but anyone can beat anyone in the pyramid. It’s why we love it so much.
With that in mind, here are some general League 1 tips:
League 1 Tips
- Research, Research, Research: Before placing any bets, thorough research is crucial. Look into team performance, head-to-head records, player injuries, suspensions, and any other variables you believe will impact the fixture. Following form closely can aid one’s betting journey. How have a team reacted after new management have waltzed through the door? Can a certain squad muster the attacking intent needed without their injured star striker?
- Look Beyond the Favorites: Upsets are common in EFL matches. Sometimes, betting on underdogs, especially at home, can be profitable. Look into the Asian Handicap markets to get these teams on your side.
- Consider Different Betting Markets: Apart from the traditional 1X2 bets, explore other markets like over/under goals, Asian Handicaps, both teams to score, first goal scorer, Booking Points, and half-time/full-time results. These can occasionally offer more value.
- Follow Expert Advice: Following tips from reputable football betting experts and analysts, like at zicoball, can be beneficial, but always cross-reference with your research.
- Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest news and updates in the EFL, as these can significantly impact game outcomes and betting odds.
Remember, while betting can add to the excitement of football, ensure you always gamble responsibly.