Accrington to set the standard in play-offs
On Monday, we offered our verdict on the Championship play-offs, musing that outsiders Nottingham Forest are perhaps the pick of the participants, so now it's time to look at the League One and League Two editions before they get underway this weekend...
League One
Huddersfield's status as [2.76] favourites isn't a surprise given that they finished eight points clear of any of the other contenders and face fading Bournemouth ([5.2]) in the semi-finals, and is even more appealing when you consider that three of the last four third-placed teams have delivered in the play-offs.
Peterborough ([3.55]) are the most entertaining entrants having scored 106 and conceded 75 in 46 regular season games and are best equipped to overcome the Terriers after taking four points off them over the campaign, however they have their work cut out first overcoming formidable hosts MK Dons ([5.0]).
League Two
Shrewsbury boss Graham Turner has won promotion five times already in his career and having ranked highest of the play-off competing quartet, they are understandably rated [3.1] frontrunners to be victorious at Old Trafford later this month.
The blow of missing out on a top-three finish on the final day though could impact on morale and a semi-final against Torquay ([4.4]) isn't great either given that the Gulls embarrassed them 5-0 when they last met in March at Plainmoor.
Completing a line up of clubs that were all in non-league within the last six years are Accrington ([3.85]) and Stevenage ([4.4]). Graham Westley's side are chasing successive promotions but Stanley stand out as the best bet given their 13-match unbeaten run and fine form at the Crown Ground.
Who is your money on each division? Share your tips in the space below...
Published: 10 May 2011
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