League One
League 1 Predictions & Tips Today – Saturday 18th October 2025
A MAJOR managerial appointment dominates the build-up to this coming weekend’s EFL League One combat.
Accordingly, League One betting activity is directly impacted. Here are the upcoming pairings I am anticipating most alongside considered score predictions to guide your football betting…
Lincoln City v Stevenage
- Kick-off: 12.30pm
Lincoln City preview – The recent 1-0 home defeat against Exeter City terminated Lincoln’s run of three successive EFL victories. Still nicely placed three points off the automatic promotion slots. The Imps haven’t competed in English football’s second tier since 1960/61.
Stevenage preview – Heading up the A1 enjoying a one point cushion at the top thanks to six wins in seven unbeaten games across all competitions. Three maximum pointers on the road so far in 2025/26 EFL combat.
Score prediction: End to end 3-3.
Bradford City v Barnsley
- Kick-off: 3pm
Bradford City preview – One point below pole position following four undefeated League games. Their only EFL loss to date was 3-1 away to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 6th September. Looking good for back to back promotions particularly with five victories during five home 2025/26 League One fixtures.
Barnsley preview – Five winless League and Cup outings have seen the Tykes slip from those coveted Play-Off rungs. They were particularly disappointed to throw away a 2-0 advantage in the final two minutes in drawing 2-2 at Wycombe Wanderers last time out.
Score prediction: Bradford boss it 2-1.
Cardiff City v Reading
- Kick-off: 3pm
Cardiff City preview – Two wins in three EFL games leave the Bluebirds a point under automatic promotion rankings. Gabriel Osho, Chris Willock and Perry Ng are all receiving treatment for niggling injuries.
Reading preview – Slumbering in the relegation zone a point adrift of safety due to three consecutive League One draws by the same 1-1 scoreline. Yet to win on their travels this season in six EFL attempts. However, Jack Marriott has netted six goals in his last six appearances for the Royals amidst all competitions.
Score prediction: Another 1-1 draw.
Stockport County v Exeter City
- Kick-off: 3pm
Stockport County preview – Five unbeaten League games have moved Stockport within two points of second spot.
Exeter City preview – One win among their past seven League and Cup encounters. Two points clear of relegation danger.
Score prediction: Stockport scintillating 4-1.
Luton Town v Mansfield Town
- Kick-off: 3pm
Luton Town preview – I was really surprised by Monday’s news whereby former England midfielder Jack Wilshere is the new manager at Kenilworth Road. Aged 33 years old, it is his first permanent managerial role. I honestly thought the Hatters would go for someone much more experienced in the technical area. Chris Powell is named assistant boss.
Wilshere needs to improve upon one victory in six ongoing League and Cup engagements as the Hatters slither towards mid-table. Previous dug-out incumbent Matt Bloomfield departed on 6th October. Wilshere said: “The job is a huge privilege. For me it feels like a full circle moment because I trained in the Luton Town youth set up when I was a young boy. So I’m honoured to lead this club into the future.”
Mansfield Town preview – One point behind Saturday’s hosts. They possess a single win in eight matches throughout all competitions. Stags striker Lucas Akins returned to their squad this week on his release from prison after causing the death of a cyclist “by careless or inconsiderate driving” in March 2022.
An official Mansfield Town statement said: “In line with principles of rehabilitation and reintegration, the club is of the view that Lucas, having served his sentence, should be afforded the opportunity to resume his professional career. We will continue to offer appropriate support as he returns to the first team environment.”
Score prediction: Wilshere wonderland 1-0.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
