League 1 Predictions & Betting Tips – Saturday 20th September 2025

FULL steam ahead for another intriguing instalment of EFL League One action this weekend.

Analysing the early table composition, one team remain unbeaten to date. Meanwhile, there has been a managerial change to throw into the mix. So the League One betting stakes are hotting up.

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

Blackpool v Barnsley Prediction

• Kick-off: 12.30pm
• Rankings: 23rd versus 3rd

Blackpool Preview

Slumbering second bottom a point beneath the dreaded dotted relegation line. The sole EFL success was 3-2 against visitors Huddersfield Town on Saturday 16th August.

Confidence will be boosted though by Tuesday night’s 5-0 home rout past Barrow in the Football League Trophy. However, pressure is mounting on Blackpool head coach Steve Bruce and I hereby predict he will be the next League One boss to be sacked.

Barnsley Preview

One point below pole position. Their only defeat amidst nine League and Cup affairs was 2-0 at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday 23rd August.

Score prediction: Tykes turn it on 4-1.

Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic Prediction

• Kick-off: 12.30pm
• Rankings: 12th versus 8th

Bolton Wanderers Preview

Local bragging rights at stake between two Lancashire rivals based less than eight miles apart. Bolton have already drawn five EFL games – the division’s highest tally.

They are unconquered at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. In fact, their only League defeat was 2-0 at Stockport County on the opening weekend of 2025/26.

Wigan Athletic Preview

Unbeaten in four ongoing League One matches. Even so, winless on the road all campaign.

Score prediction: Extremely dull 0-0.

Cardiff City v Bradford City Prediction

• Kick-off: 3pm
• Rankings: 1st versus 2nd

Cardiff City Preview

The top two meet head on in League One’s match of the day. Both are level on 17 points but Cardiff boast a superior goal difference plus a game in hand.

The Bluebirds reflect on five maximum pointers across seven undefeated EFL outings bringing just two goals conceded. It is three straight victories at home. Furthermore, eight wins during 10 fixtures throughout all competitions without losing.

Bradford City Preview

Merely one defeat in 11 League and Cup engagements which was 3-1 away to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 6th September.

Indeed, the Bantams are looking good for back to back promotions.

Score prediction: Bedazzling Bantams 2-1.

Stevenage v Exeter City Prediction

• Kick-off: 3pm
• Rankings: 4th versus 16th

Stevenage Preview

A point under the leaders. Boro’s solitary EFL setback was 1-0 away to Huddersfield Town on Saturday 23rd August.

Despite being on course for their best ever season, the biggest Lamex Stadium crowd so far was 3,779 when Wycombe Wanderers visited. I feel Stevenage deserve better support from a town housing 90,000 residents.

Exeter City Preview

Currently nursing three straight defeats in all competitions where they didn’t score.

Reacting to criticism from some sections of the fanbase, boss Gary Caldwell said: “Supporters must stick by the players in difficult moments. But we need to start games better by displaying more belief and confidence.”

Score prediction: Stevenage shade it 1-0.

Doncaster Rovers v AFC Wimbledon Prediction

Kick-off: 3pm
Rankings: 5th versus 11th

Doncaster Rovers Preview

Dropped down from second place following the 3-0 humbling at Wigan Athletic last time out. That result overturned five consecutive wins in all competitions.

But they are still one point off the summit. Donny are seeking another promotion pushing on strongly from 2024/25 League Two title glory.

AFC Wimbledon Preview

A perfect symmetry in their eight EFL results containing four wins and four defeats, 10 goals scored and 10 conceded.

The 2-1 home triumph over Rotherham United last Saturday arrested a slide of four successive losses in League and Cup.

Score prediction: Donny dominant 3-1.

Wycombe Wanderers v Northampton Town Prediction

Kick-off: 3pm
Rankings: 19th versus 15th

Wycombe Wanderers Preview

Ever since last season’s Play-Off Semi-Final elimination, Wycombe have suffered severe after effects. A single 2025/26 victory on the board (2-0 home against Mansfield Town on Saturday 6th September) keeps them out of the drop zone on goal difference.

Then on Thursday morning they “reluctantly” parted company with head coach Mike Dodds and first team coach Pete Shuttleworth. The Chairboys quickly installed former Northern Ireland international Michael Duff as their new man in charge.

Incidentally, the final straw for Dodds was a 2-1 reverse away to bottom side Peterborough United who hadn’t previously won a game of any sort this season.

Northampton Town Preview

Making the trip protecting three sequential League One wins without conceding a goal

Score prediction: Cobblers in command 2-0.

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