League 1 Predictions Today – Saturday 20th December 2025

THE final round of EFL League One fixtures before Christmas is approaching this weekend.

There is so much to play for in terms of promotion and relegation issues. Pride of place on Saturday goes to a big top of the table clash and accordingly, League One betting activity is proving very popular.

Here are the pairings I am anticipating most alongside considered score predictions to guide your football betting…

Stevenage v Burton Albion

• Kick-off: 12.30pm

Stevenage preview – Hovering fifth some seven points off pole position. A disappointing run of two wins amid nine League and Cup outings. But boosted by last Saturday’s 3-1 success at fellow promotion contenders Stockport County.

Stevenage have lost only one home EFL fixture all season which was 1-0 against leaders Cardiff City on Tuesday 9th December. In addition, Boro boast the division’s tightest defensive rearguard being breached merely 13 times overall.

Burton Albion preview – A point above the dreaded dotted relegation line after three winless League games bereft of scoring.

Score prediction: Stevenage supreme 4-1.

Lincoln City v Cardiff City

• Kick-off: 3pm

Lincoln City preview – League 1’s match of the day sees third hosting first. Lincoln lie six points below their imminent opponents.

They protect three EFL encounters unbeaten registering three maximum pointers from five games. A sole home 2025/26 League defeat came on Saturday 4th October, 1-0 against Exeter City. The Imps haven’t graced English football’s second tier since 1961.

Cardiff City preview – Enjoying a four point cushion over second spot on the back of five straight EFL victories. The Bluebirds are leading League One scorers on 36 whereas Yousef Salech is divisional joint foremost marksman amassing 10 strikes.

The Welsh side were in Carabao Cup action on Tuesday evening earlier this week.

Score prediction: Imps imperious 1-0.

Leyton Orient v Bradford City

• Kick-off: 3pm

Leyton Orient preview – Four games lacking victory across all competitions leave the O’s tucked in mid-table. League form at home throughout 2025/26 reflects four wins, four draws and two reverses.

Bradford City preview – Four unconquered in EFL combat without conceding a goal whilst winning the past three games. Looking good for consecutive promotions currently occupying the second rung.

They trail Cardiff by four points but possess a two point advantage on the trailing Play-Off pack. The Bantams’ solitary away League loss this campaign was 3-1 versus Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 6th September.

Score prediction: Bantams blitz 3-0.

Wycombe Wanderers v Bolton Wanderers

• Kick-off: 3pm

Wycombe Wanderers preview – No wins during five League and Cup affairs failing to score in the last four. Wycombe’s previous goal was by Jamie Mullins in the 14th minute of the 1-1 draw at Rotherham United on Saturday 29th November.

Bolton Wanderers preview – Three points beneath automatic promotion contention filling 4th place. Seven unbeaten EFL engagements for the Trotters incorporating five wins.

Score prediction: Bolton edge a thriller 4-3.

Mansfield Town v Stockport County

• Kick-off: 3pm

Mansfield Town preview – One point clear of the drop zone having failed to win in five EFL attempts. At least the scoreless stalemate away to AFC Wimbledon last time out terminated a four match losing streak.

Stockport County preview – Five points short of those automatic promotion rungs suffering three defeats in five League matches. Midfield man Ollie Norwood is set to return to action following November’s surgery on a blood clot in his leg.

Score prediction: Tedious 0-0.

Exeter City v Barnsley

• Kick-off: 3pm

Exeter City preview – Two points adrift of safety in 22nd place. Five ongoing EFL matches have brought one victory. Also battling much publicised financial concerns.

Barnsley preview – Sitting eighth with games in hand to close the four point deficit on Play-Off discussions. However they need to improve on one win among three League matches.

Score prediction: Free flowing 2-2.

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*