As we start to reach the business end of the football season, it seems as good a time as any to take stock of the current League Two landscape and go over Betfred’s outright betting markets heading into the home stretch.
From outright winners to relegation candidates, this is the state of play in the English fourth-tier.
Leyton Orient: 4/11
Stevenage: 10/3
Carlisle: 16/1
Northampton: 25/1
Bradford: 50/1
Stockport: 66/1
Mansfield: 100/1
Despite a winless run of three games (D3), Leyton Orient still have a considerable lead at the summit of the League Two table and are six points clear of their nearest rivals Stevenage.
Stevenage, Northampton and Carlisle are all best placed to usurp Orient if they do fall away, particularly the latter, who are only two points behind Stevenage and have a game in hand. They’re also the league’s current form team.
Leyton Orient's title win might not be as plain sailing as it once seemed but they should still get over the line.
Leyton Orient: 1/66
Stevenage: 1/10
Carlisle: 5/6
Northampton: EVS
Stockport: 5/4
Bradford: 7/4
Mansfield: 5/2
Salford City: 7/1
Swindon Town: 20/1
Sutton United: 20/1
Barrow: 40/1
Grimsby: 50/1
Doncaster: 80/1
Walsall: 100/1
Tranmere Rovers: 100/1
Now this is where it gets interesting. With the top three sides promoted in League Two, it’s safe to say Leyton Orient will be playing in League One next season. After that, it’s anyone’s guess.
Stevenage and Carlisle are decent shouts to join them, although Northampton certainly aren’t out of the race for the automatics.
Then you have the play-offs to navigate. Stockport County, Bradford City and Salford City currently sit in the play-off positions, but there is a pack of teams behind them ready to take their place if they falter. Mansfield Town, with at least a game in hand over everyone above them are in the strongest position, while Sutton United are within touching distance themselves.
Rochdale: 1/14
Hartlepool: 1/3
Crawley: 2/1
Colchester: 16/1
Harrogate: 16/1
Six points away from safety, Rochdale are all but relegated. Second-from-bottom Hartlepool United look like the likeliest candidates to join the Dale in the National League next term. They’re only a point from safety but Crawley Town, above them and currently safe, have two games in hand to give themselves more breathing room.
A dreadful run of form has dragged Colchester Town into the relegation mix but they should have just about enough quality to avoid the drop this season.
Andy Cook: 1/5
Sam Hoskins: 3/1
Kristian Dennis: 20/1
Danny Johnson: 100/1
Paddy Madden: 200/1
Luke Armstrong: 200/1
Kyle Wootton: 200/1
Josh Gordon: 250/1
The League Two top scorer gong looks to be a two-way battle between Bradford City’s Andy Cook and Northampton Town’s Sam Hoskins. Cook currently leads the way on 22 but is only three goals ahead of Tomkins.
Carlisle’s Kristian Dennis isn’t a million miles behind on 17 but he has his work cut out if he wants to catch the others before the end of the season.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
