League Two returns to action this Saturday with a full 12-match card and William Hill News brings you the best bets, odds and score predictions for every fixture.
The opening weekend delivered red cards, late goals and no shortage of drama, and with the table already starting to take shape, this round looks set to keep the surprises coming.
Saturday 22nd August Predictions
Bristol Rovers v Newport – 12:30pm
This fixture has never produced a draw, and with both sides scoring freely in week one, that record could be under threat. Newport were clinical from set pieces last time out; Bristol Rovers showed defensive frailty but real quality on the counter. Expect goals at both ends.
Prediction: Bristol Rovers 2-2 Newport – 14/1
Salford v Chesterfield – 12:30pm
Salford are the early favourites in one of the standout fixtures of the round, but Chesterfield could be undervalued. The away side bring structure and discipline, while Salford, smarting from last weekend’s defeat, are likely to prioritise possession and cut off Chesterfield’s transitions. Both sides have promotion ambitions, so expect a cagey, hard-fought contest.
Prediction: Salford 1-1 Chesterfield – 5/1
Walsall carry a slight edge at The Bescot, where their steady tempo and busy midfield make them hard to break down. Grimsby’s ability to stretch play could cause problems, but small margins should settle this one in the hosts’ favour.
Prediction: Walsall 1-0 Grimsby – 7/1
Colchester are winless in five and host an Oldham side full of confidence after their 2-0 opening-day win over Port Vale. Home support could lift Colchester if they find space in Oldham’s shape, but Oldham’s superior structure – and a head-to-head record they already lead 6-5 – gives them the edge.
Prediction: Colchester 1-1 Oldham – 5/1
Crewe’s red card last weekend adds pressure to a side whose defensive shape remains a genuine strength. Northampton match them for physical resilience, and with both teams still finding their rhythm, a low-scoring draw looks the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Crewe 1-1 Northampton – 5/1
Exeter return home after a narrow opening-day loss to Grimsby, with a midfield capable of holding possession and progressing play wide. Accrington’s structure and resilience won’t make it easy, but Exeter’s timing in the final third should be the difference.
Prediction: Exeter 1-0 Accrington – 6/1
Fleetwood v Gillingham – 3:00pm
Fleetwood’s defence is the platform for their season, routinely limiting shots on target, and Gillingham’s threat on the break will need to be clinical to make it count. With home advantage and greater control of the game, Fleetwood should have enough to see this one through.
Prediction: Fleetwood 2-1 Gillingham – 7/1
Port Vale are still finding their feet in League Two, while Tranmere arrive with early-season momentum. The fixture has produced a draw 80% of the time historically, but Tranmere’s sharper attacking edge should be enough to nick a narrow win.
Prediction: Port Vale 1-2 Tranmere – 14/1
Both sides are looking to bounce back from opening-day defeats, setting up a high-energy, tightly contested match. Rochdale have home advantage in their first season back in the division, but Crawley’s determination up front should be enough to nose ahead.
Prediction: Rochdale 0-1 Crawley – 10/1
York made an immediate statement with a 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers on debut, while Rotherham’s defence already looks shaky after dropping points to a Cheltenham side that only just avoided relegation last term. On paper Rotherham should have the edge, but York’s control in possession points to an upset.
Prediction: Rotherham 0-2 York – 12/1
Barnet arrive at The Meadow having won four of their last five. Shrewsbury enjoy the territorial edge at home, but gaps between their midfield and defence are exactly the space Barnet’s new signings are built to exploit. The market favours the away side.
Prediction: Shrewsbury 0-1 Barnet – 6/1
Swindon host their regional neighbours still chasing a first win and expect them to push hard from the off. Cheltenham will look to disrupt with a tactical, disciplined approach. Head-to-head results are evenly split, but home support should give Swindon the edge.
Prediction: Swindon 1-0 Cheltenham – 13/2
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
