League One

League 1 Predictions Today – Saturday 17th January 2026

1 hour ago

| BY Tony Incenzo

WE have a full programme of EFL League One action approaching once more after some of the teams missed out last time around due to FA Cup commitments.

As well as mouth-watering matches affecting promotion, Play-Off and relegation issues, there is also a significant managerial change to throw into the mix. Accordingly, League One betting activity is proving extremely popular.

Here are the upcoming pairings alongside considered score predictions to guide your football betting…

Bradford City v Cardiff City

Kick-off: 12.30pm
Rankings: 3rd versus 1st

Bradford City preview – League One’s outstanding match of the day has huge top of the table implications. Bradford City lie six points below their imminent opponents whilst holding a game in hand.

They boast six wins throughout eight EFL assignments. Merely one home League defeat all season which was 2-1 against Burton Albion on Saturday 8th November. Therefore looking good for back to back promotions.

Cardiff City preview – Enjoying a four point cushion at the summit. Eight victories amid 11 EFL affairs. New signings could be happening because Cardiff hope their transfer embargo will be lifted by the end of the week once club accounts have been submitted.

Score prediction: Spectacle of the season 4-4.

Wigan Athletic v Bolton Wanderers

Kick-off: 12.30pm
Rankings: 15th versus 6th

Wigan Athletic preview – Two local rivals situated less than eight miles apart as the crow flies.

Just one win across six EFL attempts for Wigan. But fresh from triumphing 1-0 up the M6 motorway at nearby Championship side Preston North End in FA Cup Third Round combat.

Bolton Wanderers preview – A solitary win spanning six League games. So the faltering Trotters are nine points beneath those automatic promotion slots. Bolton definitely need to improve on two away EFL victories in 2025/26.

Score prediction: Stuffy 1-1.

Luton Town v Lincoln City

Kick-off: 3pm
Rankings: 7th versus 2nd

Luton Town preview – The Hatters hover one point under Play-Off contention registering only four League victories in 11 ongoing engagements. However, they’ve won the past three at Kenilworth Road beyond Christmas scoring nine times.

Lincoln City preview – This season’s dark horses have surprised everyone – myself included – riding two points clear of the trailing Play-Off pack. Currently amassing six maximum pointers among eight unbeaten EFL fixtures dating to November.

The Imps haven’t graced English football’s second tier since 1961. Incidentally, American businessman Ron Fowler is reportedly set to take a controlling interest at Lincoln City.

Score prediction: Imps impish 2-1.

Stockport County v Rotherham United

Kick-off: 3pm
Rankings: 4th versus 22nd

Stockport County preview – Six points short of automatic promotion discussions. Recent form is mixed bringing four League wins during eight outings.

Rotherham United preview – Slumbering five points behind the survival area. That’s due to a nine match winless EFL sequence. Indeed, the Millers have lost their last seven League and Cup games – failing to score in the past three.

Score prediction: Stockport succinct 5-0.

Burton Albion v Huddersfield Town

Kick-off: 3pm
Rankings: 21st versus 5th

Burton Albion preview – Two points shy of safety on the back of three consecutive EFL losses. Could the Brewers’ eight year League One tenue be coming to an end? I think so.

Huddersfield Town preview – The 1-0 reverse at Stockport County last Saturday terminated Huddersfield’s seven match unbeaten EFL run. They remain divisional highest scorers delivering 45 goals.

Score prediction: Huddersfield hot 3-1.

Mansfield Town v Port Vale

Kick-off: 3pm
Rankings: 12th versus 24th

Mansfield Town preview – FA Cup giantkillers sensationally winning 4-3 away to Championship team Sheffield United.

That made it four victories in a row within all competitions for Nigel Clough’s men. Having netted two goals at Bramall Lane, Louis Reed subsequently penned a new one year contract this week.

Port Vale preview – Rock bottom chasing 11 points to make up for ensuring their League One status. Jon Brady was appointed as Vale’s new manager on 6th January replacing Darren Moore who departed last month.

Brady has made an instant impact securing two Cup tie wins and now faces his first League encounter in charge.

Score prediction: Mansfield marauders 3-0.