Week 15: Our Predictions Across the English Football Pyramid

We don’t often cover the entire English football pyramid; instead, we focus on the Premier League. However, this week our prediction expert is looking a little further down the tables, too. We’ve got predictions for the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two. If you fancy a punt on some lower league football action, then grab your wallet, because we’re off to the bookies.

A Promising Premier League Duel

Let’s start at the top of the pyramid by looking at this weekend’s big football clash between league leaders and title-chasing Arsenal and European-hunting Aston Villa. The Villains have a comfortable cushion over Man Utd, but despite being level on points with fourth-placed Spurs, they have played a game more in their hunt for Champions League football next season. 

Further up, Arsenal are locked on points with Liverpool, while Manchester City are a further point behind. This battle has huge ramifications for both teams, especially with all their near-placed rivals having much easier weekends ahead. However, while you’d be a fool to bet against Arsenal, we’ve got a sneaking suspicion that Villa have enough in the tank to pull off a draw here at the Emirates. You could pick up winnings of 6.00 if that occurred. Playing for a surprise Villa result would see you next 11.00, so that’s not bad for a punt, either.

Championship Playoff Contenders

In the Championship, Norwich are clamouring for points as they attempt to remain in Playoff contention. At present, they have played a game more than seventh-placed Coventry but are five points clear. They’re a further four adrift of fifth-placed West Brom. Preston, meanwhile, will fancy their chances of catching Norwich. They are level with Coventry, and a win for Lilywhites would see them close the game to two points.

Alt: It’s all to play for between Norwich, Coventry, and Preston in the second-highest tier of the English football pyramid.

By the end of the day, the Canaries’ slender lead could be cut to just two points with both the Sky Blues and Preston hot on their heels. It is a must win game for Norwich, who will probably just be happy to keep at least one of the two teams at bay. Given that, we’d envision a draw between these two, and that’s priced at 3.00 at bookies, only marginally less than a Preston Win. Norwich are the faves to triumph, but not by much.

Battling for Honours

Next, let’s talk about League One and Portsmouth taking on Bolton Wanderers away. Bolton have had a tough time of it over the last few years, with point deductions, forced sales and relegation. However, they are sitting pretty, third in League One and although they are nine points behind leaders Portsmouth, they are well-within the playoff parameters. Portsmouth on the other hand, and seven points clear at the top, and comfortably on their way back to the Championship.

On paper, it doesn’t look like there is much to play for, but that’s not true. Bolton will be eager to overhaul Derby’s two-point advantage and climb to second, not to mention bridge the gap between them and fourth-placed Peterborough. At the same time, Portsmouth, while in great form, have less to lose. As such, it is Bolton who are the favourites for a home win, and at 2.60, we’d fancy those odds. Of course, if you fancy going the other way, you can bag 3.00 for an away win for Pompey.

Promotion from the Floor of the English Football Pyramid

Lastly, let’s touch on the action at the very bottom of the English football pyramid as Mansfield takes on the MK Dons. This is the battle for the final automatic promotion spot. Mansfield sits in third, three points behind Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham. However, they are only two points clear of fourth-placed MK Dons, albeit with a game in hand. When third gets you automatic promotion to League One, and fourth sees your campaign extended through the League Two Playoffs, this match is huge.

Expect it to be a tasty affair. Mansfield have only won two of the last five, and recent form isn’t much better for the MK Dons. Both are sort of in no man’s land when it comes to the teams around them, so they’ve only got each other to square off against. The MK Dons are home favourites at 2.60, but Mansfield are right there at 2.80. The match stands on such a knife edge that, like us, you may fancy a punt on splitting the difference and bagging winnings of 3.70 for the tie.