Barnet can tighten their grip on the League Two promotion race as 11 matches get underway on Saturday, previewed by William Hill News, with three of lunchtime kick-offs setting the scene.
Leaders Salford and fourth-placed Walsall sit out the Saturday card, with their meeting moved to Monday 26th. That gives the chasing pack a chance to close the gap over the weekend. Here is our analysis of each fixture, with score predictions to assist your football betting.
Bristol Rovers vs Swindon – 12:20pm
The sides are level on 15 points, with Rovers on five wins and seven defeats and Swindon on four wins and five defeats. The Memorial Stadium has been Rovers’ stronghold, with a club-record run of home league wins earlier this season, while Swindon will need to find some away form to climb the table.
Our prediction: Bristol Rovers 2-1 Swindon – 13/2
Cheltenham vs Newport – 12:30pm
Cheltenham have scored 21 and shipped 22 in 12 games, so goals are rarely in short supply at Whaddon Road. Newport have drawn six of their 12 and lost just three, but winning has proved the harder part.
Our prediction: Cheltenham 2-1 Newport – 15/2
Northampton vs Colchester – 12:30pm
The Cobblers have scored just six in ten games and sit in the relegation places on 10 points. Colchester have drawn six of their 11, so a low-scoring affair looks likely.
Our prediction: Northampton 1-1 Colchester – 5/1
Barnet vs Oldham – 3:00pm
Barnet have lost just once all season, and their games have produced 38 goals. Oldham have lost six of 11 and conceded 17, so a hammering at The Hive with both teams to score could be on the cards.
Our prediction: Barnet 3-1 Oldham – 12/1
Chesterfield vs Crewe – 3:00pm
Chesterfield have 16 points from 12, with 18 scored and 16 conceded. Crewe are third with just one defeat all season, although six of their 12 games have ended level.
Our prediction: Chesterfield 1-1 Crewe – 6/1
Crawley vs Tranmere – 3:00pm
Crawley are bottom on five points, with one win in ten and 20 goals conceded. Tranmere have drawn six of 12, but that leaky defence gives them a good chance of scoring.
Our prediction: Crawley 1-2 Tranmere – 15/2
Exeter City vs Fleetwood – 3:00pm
Exeter have conceded just six in 12, the fewest in the division, though they have scored only eight. Fleetwood have drawn five of 12 and sit on 14 points.
Our prediction: Exeter City 1-0 Fleetwood – 15/2
Gillingham vs Grimsby – 3:00pm
The Gills are seventh on 17 points and have scored 17 goals. Grimsby have drawn five and lost four of their 12, leaving them on 14 points with just three wins. Gillingham are good value being 9/4 with a home advantage, and Grimsby haven’t won in over a month.
Our prediction: Gillingham 2-0 Grimsby – 16/1
Rochdale vs Accrington – 3:00pm
Rochdale have lost five of 12 and conceded 17. Accrington have scored 17 and drawn six, so they should have enough to take something from the trip.
Our prediction: Rochdale 1-2 Accrington – 17/2
Rotherham vs Shrewsbury – 3:00pm
Rotherham have won just twice in 12 and shipped 20 goals. Shrewsbury have won five, though they have scored only 13, so a narrow away win looks likely.
Our prediction: Rotherham 1-2 Shrewsbury – 9/1
York vs Port Vale – 3:00pm
York have scored 19 in 11 and sit in the play-off places. Port Vale have netted just six in ten games, so they will be hard-pressed to keep pace.
Our prediction: York 2-0 Port Vale – 17/2
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change
