Football

League One Relegation Odds

The latest League One relegation odds and tips on who will go down to League Two in the EFL

By James McMath

17 Apr 2023

League One, or English League One, is the the third tier of English football and the second of the English Football League (EFL) behind the Championship.


With 24 teams competing, including Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol Rovers, Port Vale, and Bolton Wanderers, it is a football league with plenty at stake.


In such a competitive league, it can be difficult to make accurate predictions and bets. That's where we can help.


So, let's dive in and take a closer look at League One. We'll cover everything from bottom three bets to why you shouldn't always focus on newly-promoted teams.


What Are Relegation Odds?

Relegation betting is essentially betting on clubs to be demoted to a lower league. Bookmakers calculate betting odds based on how likely they think a club is to finish in the bottom half of the table.


But while odds can help you pick a favourite, it is worth remembering that bookmakers aren't always right in their predictions.


For example, Burnley were expected to finish last in the 2017 Premier League with odds of 10/11 but they ended the season in 16th place.


Don't Overthink The Bottom Four

Most bettors make the mistake of betting on the four clubs that have recently received promotion from the third tier. But this isn't sure to guarantee a win.


Although this might put them at risk of being relegated at the start of the season, a lot can change in the space of ten months.


Barnsley, Derby County, and Peterborough United dropped down a tier in 2022 but have already climbed the ranks to land in fourth, seventh, and sixth place respectively, making them strong contenders for the playoffs.


With that in mind, here are just some of the factors that can impact whether a League One team gets relegated:


Check Data and Statistics

When it comes to which teams are expected to be relegated, data and football betting statisticscan tell you everything you need to know.


From chances to score to actual goals scored, stats can reveal the weakest squads that are probably doomed to failure.


For example, most teams that end up relegated had consistently poor performances in games from the beginning. These kinds of patterns can usually be seen as early as a few months into the season.


The Link Between Relegation And Form

How a club performs on the pitch is another indication of where they're heading at the end of the season.


From teams getting too comfortable at the top of the table to last-minute line-up changes, there are several factors that can impact a team's form.


Derby County was relegated to League One for the first time since 1986 in 2022 due to remarkable wins from both Reading and Queens Park Rangers. They joined Bolton Wanderers, Barnsley, Charlton Athletic, Portsmouth, and Ipswich Town in teams that have been demoted from Championship football.


Some teams can also start the season at the bottom but climb the ranks and end up gaining promotion.


League One Relegation Factors To Consider

League One teams are only as good as their individual players and squad changes can have a considerable impact on a team's risk of being relegated.


Whether a key player has been transferred or sidelined due to injury, it only takes one person to miss a match for a team to fall behind.


This is especially crucial during the last few matches of the season when teams at the bottom of the table simply can't afford to lose.


English League One Manager And Ownership Changes

Managers being sacked and leaving can have a huge impact on on-pitch performance during the season.


Whether it's a recently-appointed manager that's not up to par or a long-time manager not showing up for their team, it's a situation seen all too often in League One.


Derby County's demotion in 2022 was partly blamed on the fact it was undergoing management changes. With a new owner, they have already soared into the top ten.


MK Dons, Boston Wanderers, and Port Vale have also experienced ownership changes in the last few years.


Newly-Promoted Teams

While newly promoted teams are at risk of being relegated at the start of the season, this is often not the case months later.


Over the course of the season, most teams experience a few shifts that change their odds of being relegated. This is part of the unpredictable nature of football betting and can often lead to an unpredictable win.


For example, despite being relegated from the Championship to League One in 2022 after finishing seven points from safety, Derby County are currently in seventh place in the league table.


However, Forest Green Rovers were amongst the teams promoted last year and are still sitting at the bottom of the table. Bristol Rovers, on the other hand, have climbed to a mid-table position.


When placing your bets on the teams to be relegated this year, focusing on teams that have recently gained promotion is a rookie mistake. Instead, look at teams that have struggled to win a game.


FAQs

Who is predicted to win the League One title in 2023?

After being demoted from the Championship in 2019, Ipswich Town are on track to win the title.


Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday, Boston Wanderers, and Peterborough United are predicted to compete in the playoffs.


Who were relegated in 202-/22?

2021-22 saw Doncaster, Gillingham, Crewe Alexandra, and AFC Wimbledon demoted to League Two.


This year, Forest Green Rovers, Cambridge United, Morecambe, and Accrington Stanley are at risk. Oxford United and MK Dons are a few points clear.


How often do League One betting odds change?

League One odds can change quickly and without warning.


The best way to keep up with the odds is to follow live matches. Before placing your bets on a team, always do your research and bet responsibly.

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