EFL League Two 2021/22: Predicting Movements in The Big 6’s Betting Odds
The EFL League Two is the fourth tier of English football and the last professional tier in the English game. Whilst promotion to L1 is naturally the aim, it’s worth noting relegation from the fourth tier and out of the professional part of the football pyramid can be absolutely devastating for teams – and throughout the years we have had teams fall out of League Two (the old third division) and not return.
In this article however, we will focus on the assumed front runners for the League Two title. Bookmakers inevitably struggle to price these lower league markets accurately and as such odds from bookies tend to only reflect where the money is going in terms of close-season betting. Here’s our top 4 picks, one week away from the season getting underway.
Salford City FC – Money talks, and Salford certainly possess the largest budget in League Two by a long way since they were taken over by former Premier League players. They are clear favourites at present across all bookmakers and shrewd business over the summer has solidified them as expected title winners in the approaching season. Of course, lower league English football is historically unpredictable but on paper you would be hard pressed to bet on any other League Two side in the outright title market. NetBet currently price Salford as clear favourites, currently available at 5/1.
Bristol Rovers – Fresh from relegation from League One, Rovers will be odds on to make a prompt first time return to the league above. Similarly to Salford, the Pirates have a bigger wage budget than any other League Two side and they will be hopeful this will guide them to the moderate riches of League One once more. The Pirates can be bet on at NetBet in the outright league two market at 11/1.
Bradford City – Despite a mid-table finish last campaign, Bradford City cannot be left off this list as genuine title contenders for the 21/22 League Two season. Despite a disastrous end to last season with a handful of consecutive wins, this summer window has already brought 7 new signings to the club. In a stagnant market where many L2 sides have no budget nor spare wage budget to build on, the Bantams are out in front in terms of spending so far this summer and are expected to mount a serious promotion challenge this season. As such with Rovers, NetBet have Bradford priced at 11/1 to win the league.
Mansfield Town – The Stags have been long suffering in League Two and last season stumbled to a disappointing 16th placed finish, followed on from a 21st place finish and narrow survival in the football league the season before! However, the 21/22 season brings great optimism from all associated with Mansfield Town, as they are set to begin their first full season under Nigel Clough. Despite not being in League One since the 2003/04 season, Clough has tactical nouse & experiencing in maximising a squads potential. This, coupled with astute business in the transfer market addressing issues in defence (by signing Elliot Hewitt) and also attack (by signing players such as Orients Danny Johnson and Ipswich Town’s Oliver Hawkins). Again, NetBet also have Mansfield at 11/1 to win the league outright and this would be our pick.