League One Betting: Favourites can oblige as promotion race gets serious

English Football League / Alan Dudman / 07 January 2010 / Leave a Comment

Wes Hoolahan can make the difference against Exeter

"I love Norwich's Wes Hoolahan as a player, and he forms part of the 'Three Musketeers' alongside Grant Holt and Chris Martin. Just a mention of these three means Exeter would struggle."

Alan Dudman roots through the League One odds to find the best bets on what will likely be a snow-decimated weekend

Leeds United [1.26] versus Wycombe Wanderers [18.0], the draw [6.60]

Very rarely will you see a side trading at near 20/1 to win away from home, but a pretty
woeful Wycombe head to Elland Road this weekend, and are just about that price to gain only their second away win all season. If they were 50/1 though, I still wouldn't be backing them.

Leeds are back in the headlines thanks to their terrific FA Cup win against Manchester United, a 1-0 success that was thoroughly deserved last Sunday. Jermaine Beckford caused United all kinds of problems and looked likely to score at any time, his hold-up play was better than ever, and the Whites will be bracing themselves for another round of bids in the January transfer window. If reports are accurate - then Newcastle United could be buying themselves a finisher of top calibre.

Boss Simon Grayson has stated only a ridiculous amount of money would prise Beckford away. If it does - it might be worth looking at Grant Holt of Norwich in the divisional top scorer market. You can back him at about [5.0] with a definite angle to trade if Beckford moves.

Leeds played with no fear against the Reds, and that focus might not be as intense as they
tackle Gary Waddock's side this weekend (and they've also landed another plum FA Cup tie
with Spurs). In short, Leeds shouldn't be conceding anything against a Wycombe side that cannot score away from home. Corrects scores based on a home clean sheet represents the best way forward.

Suggested bets: Back Leeds to win 1-0 [6.7], 2-0 [7.5]


Norwich City [1.40] versus Exeter City [10.00], the draw [5.00]

Another lop-sided match to look out, and another chance to collect from the unstoppable
home machine that is Norwich City.

The Canaries price for the title this week has been cut to [7.5], and I still would advise a
back of that price (as it's only going to get shorter). Paul Lambert's team are really laying down the gauntlet to Leeds at the moment.

Their home form has been astonishing. Eight straight wins, with only two goals conceded against over 20 scored. Lambert has also strengthened again with a couple of deals involving Anthony McNamee and Russell Martin.

Last Saturday's 1-0 win at Wycombe showed a good side to their game. They always had
enough, and one moment of real quality won the match - it came from Wes Hoolahan. His quick one-two, turn and then cut-back to set-up the goal was a joy to watch, and Norwich came away with three points.

I love Hoolahan as a player, and he forms part of the 'Three Musketeers' alongside Grant Holt and Chris Martin. Just a mention of these three means Exeter would struggle. And I haven't even dealt with the more experienced players.

Suggested bets: Back Norwich to beat Exeter @ [1.42]
Back Norwich to win 2-0 [8.00]. 3-0 [10.00]


Southampton [2.20] versus Huddersfield Town [3.60], the draw [3.35]

Alan Pardew's side recorded a 'job done' last weekend in the FA Cup. A 1-0 victory over
Luton wasn't as hard as Huddersfield's task against West Bromwich Albion. Strictly on that form Huddersfield would get the nod. They played well but again made errors, which seems
to be too common a theme.

However, Huddersfield need to start winning away if they are going to consider themselves as real promotion contenders. Whilst Southampton's home form has been extremely strong. It's
a tight game for which the draw would get the nod.

Suggested bets: Back the draw @ [3.35]
Back 1-1 [10.00]

Ante-Post Bets: Back Grant Holt League One top scorer [4.80]
Back Norwich to win title @ [7.40]