Sky Bet League One play-off betting tips: Sunderland v Lincoln best bets and preview
Sunderland must overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Lincoln on Saturday or face another year in the third tier. Michael Beardmore has a preview and best bets.
Football betting tips: Sunderland v Lincoln
1pt Aiden McGeady to score anytime at 33/10 (Unibet)
0.5pt e.w. Bailey Wright to score first at 28/1 (Bet365) (1/3 odds 1-98 places)
Are Sunderland destined never to escape the third tier?
Their fanbase might not have expected an immediate bounce-back after relegation in 2018 but the Black Cats are now staring a fourth season at League One level in the face.
Unless, that is, Lee Johnson’s men can turn around the 2-0 deficit from the first leg at Lincoln when the two sides meet again at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.
It’s a tall task but not inconceivable given Wednesday’s clash was evenly-matched and the scoreline was far from reflective – however, Sunderland will surely need luck on their side.
Kick-off time: 15:30 BST, Saturday
TV channel: Sky Sports Football
Home 19/20 | Draw 23/10 | Away 11/4
Play-off second legs are notoriously tough to predict, especially in instances like this – Sunderland, roared on by 10,000 home fans, could fight back or Lincoln, who have proven how clinical they can be, could just pick them off on the break.
I think the outright outcome is worth swerving here in favour of goals – Sunderland will have to let loose at some point as they need at least two which should mean opportunities for both sides.
It would be no surprise if Lincoln sit back and attempt to restrict Sunderland to shots from range – if that’s the case, AIDEN MCGEADY TO SCORE ANYTIME at 33/10 with Unibet looks a value play.
The Republic of Ireland forward is second only to short-priced top scorer Charlie Wyke for shots per game in red and white stripes this season – and a narrow second at that, 2.3 to 2.2 – with 39 of his 66 efforts coming from outside the area.
He was unlucky not to score in the first leg, going close on three occasions, including forcing a wonderful save from Imps on-loan keeper Josef Bursik, and I think he’ll have the bit between his teeth.
Another by-product of the expected Sunderland bombardment – regardless of whether the game stays goalless, Lincoln pinch a goal or the Black Cats pull one back, they will have to push forward heavily in all scenarios – will likely be a number of set-pieces.
We should expect a high number of corners for the hosts and that is a market worth perusing if you can find a bookmaker offering it.
At the time of writing, I don’t have that luxury but I would be surprised if the Black Cats don’t have a number of set-piece situations and BAILEY WRIGHT TO SCORE FIRST tempts at 28/1 with Bet365.
The Australian centre-half has scored twice this season and hit the bar with a header in the first leg at Sincil Bank. We can take Bet365’s each way 1-98 place offer at a third of the odds to get virtually 17/2 anytime.
In a game where we have to expect Sunderland to attack, attack, attack but it’s tough to call if they will win, lose or draw, McGeady and Wright provide the best value on offer.
Sunderland v Lincoln best bets and score prediction
- 1pt Aiden McGeady to score anytime at 33/10 (Unibet)
- 0.5pt Bailey Wright to score first e.w. at 28/1 (Bet365) (1/3 odds 1-98 places)
Score prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Lincoln (Sky Bet odds: 15/2)
Odds correct at 1300 BST (20/05/21)
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