English Football League / Richard Walker / 25 May 2008 / 1

Richard Walker looks at the betting ahead of Stockport's mighty tussle with Rochdale

Continuing the story-book theme of these play-off finals, both these sides could point to a fine sentimental reason as to why they should be taking their place in League One next year.

Uruguayan Danny Bergara, who led Stockport County out of the basement in 1991, sadly died earlier this season and, while he couldn't muster a Wembley win in four attempts (with teams which all contained current boss Jim Gannon), it would be a fitting tribute to a hugely popular figure at Edgeley Park.

Equally, it's Rochdale's centenary this term - which, for students of League Two, explains why they've moved away from their usual blue to their original black & white stripes for this term. You fancy they'll stick with the kit change, too, if they can conjure up a victory to take them out of the bottom division for the first time in 35 long seasons!

Match Odds betting is tight - and I'm not surprised. The Dale rate a [3.05] chance to back, the Hatters are [2.54] and the draw - my marginal preference - is at odds of [3.45]. For this is one I can see going all the way to spot-kicks. I suggested that scenario for Rochdale's second leg at home to Darlo and I fancy they could be at it again, with something like a 2-2 draw at 90 minutes (backable at [19.5] among the Correct Score options).

The Overs and Unders markets reflect the fact it's likely to be a hard-fought affair. But with a pitch as big as Wembley - a stark increase in size over both Spotland and Edgeley Park - Over 2.5 goals, at about [2.32] seems a sensible base wager from these lists. Under 2.5 goals is [1.68] to back if you think a more cagey affair. The more adventurous, against either scenario, might want to avail of Under 1.5 goals - at [3.0] - or indeed Over 3.5 goals at [4.5]. The latter is where I'll be headed on the back of my 2-2 thoughts.

Gannon's got doubts over one or two, but again they are not key men and for every potential absentee there seems to be a player of equal returning to the fold. Dale boss Keith Hill, however, will have to do without peroxide blonde David Perkins, whose appeal against his semi-final second leg red card against Darlington proved unsuccessful. Not a huge void to full but the side from Spotland will miss him somewhat.

An almost certain starter however is the powerful figure of Rene Howe. He's my Rochdale selection to get on the scoresheet while, for County, it's hard to look past top goalscorer Liam Dickinson. Back them as you please, either as First Goalscorer choices or in the To Score market, for added flexibility.

Reflecting the Match Odds, Stockport/Stockport is the shortest of the Half Time/Full Time scenarios - [4.7] to back. In my eyes, something ending in /Draw is the way to go. Stockport/Draw is [18.5] while Rochdale draw is [16.5] - either represent value choices in my opinion...with the [5.5] about Draw/Draw a perfectly understandable cover selection.

I best mention the Method of Victory market as I reckon it'll be going all the way. Rochdale or Stockport on Penalties are both around the [12.0] mark and it's the agony of the shootout I can see deciding the fate of these two equally worthy combatants.

If you reckon it's a harsh way to end the campaign, then only Stockport would have a case since they finished fourth. Think back to the mid-80s (the play-offs as a concept started back in the late 1980s); can you imagine what the end of the Football League season would look like without them? Indeed not.

So let's get ready to rumble for one final hurrah this season!

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1. bookmakers | 26 May 2008

   i agree with u on the draw....its a good bet and a hafety win

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