League One
EFL League 1 Betting Guide: Tips, Fixtures, and Predictions
While we wait for the Premier League to hit our screens once again, the exhilarating EFL League 1 kicks off this weekend. With this in mind, we have provided all you need to know about the upcoming season to gain an edge with your bets.
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What is the EFL League 1?
The EFL League 1 competition is the third tier of English football and, unlike the Premier League, includes 24 teams rather than 20.
Key Facts and Rules of the EFL League 1
Where and When is the English League 1
The first fixtures of the EFL League 1 season begin this weekend and run all the way until Saturday, May 18th when the campaign-defining play-off final takes place at Wembley Stadium.
Criteria and format of the English League 1
Each season, the top two teams from League 1 are automatically promoted to the Championship with the four teams in behind entering the play-offs, a set of games that determines the third, and final, promoted side.
At the other end of the table, four teams are automatically relegated from the division each year while four teams from League 2 are promoted for the following campaign.
Important facts and rules to know about EFL League 1
As well as the domestic campaign for each team, they can also have cup games in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and EFL Trophy. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup is a place where League 1-level teams can clash with Premier League squads in a rare occurrence.
Bet on EFL League 1 2023/2024 at William Hill
Teams in EFL League 1: 2023/24
| Number | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Barnsley |
| 2 | Blackpool |
| 3 | Bolton Wanderers |
| 4 | Bristol Rovers |
| 5 | Burton Albion |
| 6 | Cambridge United |
| 7 | Carlisle United |
| 8 | Charlton Athletic |
| 9 | Cheltenham Town |
| 10 | Derby County |
| 11 | Exeter City |
| 12 | Fleetwood Town |
| 13 | Leyton Orient |
| 14 | Lincoln City |
| 15 | Northampton Town |
| 16 | Oxford United |
| 17 | Peterborough United |
| 18 | Port Vale |
| 19 | Portsmouth |
| 20 | Reading |
| 21 | Shrewsbury Town |
| 22 | Stevenage |
| 23 | Wycombe Wanders |
| 24 | Wigan Athletic |
Top Teams and Players in the English League 1
One team to look out for this season is Peterborough who were desperately unlucky not to be promoted last season. Although they picked up 17 losses during the campaign, one more than 16th placed Fleetwood, they beat the impressive Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 in the first leg of the play-off semi-final at the ABAX Stadium.
Unfortunately for their fans, they were defeated on penalties in the second leg following an extra-time equaliser from Callum Paterson to keep Wednesday in the game, so if they can solidify their defence, they could be a threat for the 2023-24 season.
How to Bet on the EFL League 1 – Season 2023/2024
Betting in the EFL League 1 can prove to be a fruitful enterprise if you know where and what to bet on. There are many areas of a game and season to bet on, which include:
- Season outright results, with Derby County the 9/2 favourites and every other team 15/2 or bigger
- The same can be done for match results by either backing outright on either team, the draw, or betting in the handicap markets. For example, betting on Cheltenham Town (-1) would mean the Robins would need to win by at least two goals in order to collect, though you would get a bigger price because of that incentive
- Over/under on the number of goals, corners, cards, or fouls can also be backed to heighten an in-game experience.
- On all of these bets, it is important to do research behind them, for example, a certain player that performs well against a team or if a side may have a poor record playing away from home.
English League 1 Betting Tips and Offers
Looking at last season’s league, one team that was unlucky to finish as low as seventh was Derby County. Paul Warne’s side picked up 24 victories during the 2022-23 campaign, the fourth highest, while their number of draws at 13 was also the fourth highest out of the top 10. The signings of Curtis Nelson and Sonny Bradley on free transfers will help solidify the backline, while Conor Washington’s move from Championship side Rotherham United also looks positive. They look like a good bet at 9/2 to win the competition.
At the other end of the table, it could be tough work for Cheltenham Town to remain in the third tier of English football this year. Although they have brought in former Liverpool defender Curtis Jones to help their backline, the Gloucestershire-based side only scored 45 goals last season, the fifth worst, and they have lost star man Alfie May, the Robins’ leading goal scorer, to Charlton Athletic. They can be backed at 6/4 to be relegated.
However, in a long season with many possible outcomes, it is important to do your own research and make bets if you are happy with them. Never place a bet if you are not satisfied with what you are doing.
Bet on EFL League 1 2023/2024 at William Hill
EFL League 1 Betting Promotions and Offers
Ahead of the upcoming EFL League 1 season, with William Hill’s daily boost, you can improve the odds on one football accumulator every day. Full terms and conditions are available here.
