With only two wins from their last seven games in all competitions, Aitor Karanka’s side are, remarkably, still in with a great shout of achieving automatic promotion despite their recent wobbles.
Still, with Ipswich only five points behind in seventh, this game represents a must-win for both sides as they hope to keep pace with those around them. Mick McCarthy‘s side haven’t won away since a 2-1 win at Fulham in February though and arrive at 71/20 to leave with the three points at the weekend.
With both teams likely to go for it here, the both teams to score market deserves consideration at 10/11.
Bournemouth v Blackpool
It’s first v last here as Blackpool make the long trip south to take on a free-scoring Bournemouth team on the south coast.
Rooted to the foot of the table (they’re nine points adrift) Blackpool are in awful form and will arrive without a win since their surprise victory over Brighton in January and haven’t managed a single away win all season.
This then looks like an easy three-points for the hosts who are priced at 6/25 to win. Value can be found in backing a Cherries win by three (37/10) or with the evens available on them winning to nil.
Four points behind second-placed Preston, this trip to Walsall represents an important opportunity for MK Dons to stay in touch with those around them as they continue to push for automatic promotion.
Walsall have post-season aspirations of their own though and, despite finding themselves in the lower reaches of the table, are only six points of Doncaster who occupy the last playoff spot.
Neither side is in great form though so picking a winner here is no easy task. Instead, both teams to score at 8/11 appears a likely outcome given the defences on display in addition to over three goals at 46/25.
Port Vale v Swindon
A mere two points behind Preston, Swindon know a win on Saturday will certainly keep the pressure on their rivals as they seek automatic promotion.
In their way however are a Port Vale side in relatively good form (they’ve won four of their last five after going four games without a win) also intent on securing their place in the playoff action over the final few weeks of the season.
When the two met in December Swindon emerged 1-0 winners and we’d expect another close game here on Saturday. As such, a 1-0 home win offers potential at 11/1 in addition to Port Vale to win at 53/20.
Burton v Accrington Stanley
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s team know they cannot afford a slip-up on Saturday if they are to preserve their lofty position at the top of League Two.
Burton are two points clear of Shrewsbury and three clear of Wycombe but, despite Accrington Stanley’s mid-table position, the hosts will appreciate this is no easy task.
That said, Accrington haven’t won any of their last three games – a run of from that suggests the smart money will be on a home win here at 3/4. The hosts have only scored one in each of their last three games however, so look for them to address that here at 41/10 to win by two.
Drawing hope from those around them, Tranmere will feel as though they can still avoid the drop as the run-in to the end of the season begins.
Perched five points clear of rock-bottom Hartlepool, Rovers will appreciate the need for them to turn things around quickly given their own form of late. (They’ve won one of their last five and lost four straight.)
It’s of little surprise then that Northampton head into the game 21/20 to secure the three points in addition to being priced at 57/20 to win to nil.
Find more Football League odds at Marathonbet.co.uk
