Football Bet of the Day: Oldham to progress in the play-offs

Oldham Athletic are hoping to return to the Football League after a three-year absence. The Latics finished fifth in the National League this term and on Tuesday (19:45, DAZN) they welcome Halifax Town to Boundary Park for their play-off quarter-final.

While there may be a play-off tie from the EFL, as well as action across Europe from La Liga and Coppa Italia, it's this contest that forms my Football Bet of the Day, which you can read all about below.

As is the competitive format of the National League, only first place goes up automatically, while second down to seventh must do battle in the play-offs for the second promotion spot.

The lowest four-ranked sides contest a quarter-final, with third and fourth automatically placed in the semi-finals and Oldham are tussling with Halifax for a spot in the last four.

After finishing the higher of the two teams in the standings, they get the privilege of a home tie, which I believe will play into their hands.

Football Odds

Three points was the difference between the two clubs after 46 matches of the league campaign and they both experienced 19 games apiece. Oldham had much more joy in front of goal, though, scoring 64 to Halifax's 50.

Coming into the play-offs, both sides enjoyed a mixed bag of results, but the hosts were able to round off the season with a win, so it would appear they have the momentum coming into Wednesday's clash, while the visitors suffered a wobbly 3-1 defeat at Wealdstone.

I think there is value to be had in Oldham progressing through this round as they are the home side, and they have the psychological boost of having beaten their opponents twice at Boundary Park already in 2024/25.

The Blues demolished the Shaymen 4-2 in the first meeting which came in the fourth-qualifying round of the FA Cup back in October, while the league meeting here was fairly recent - a 2-0 triumph on March 22.

Including their trip to The Shay back in September, Oldham are unbeaten in three games against Halifax this term, and I think this will continue when they collide for this crunch play-off tie.

Oldham vs Halifax Odds

In the regular campaign, the hosts won 49% (11/23) of their league fixtures at Boundary Park, including four of their last five, which sets them up nicely for the visit of Halifax.

The Shaymen have been inconsistent in recent weeks, losing three of their past five matches, with the defeats to Wealdstone and Altrincham particularly concerning by the manner of the losses.

I believe there is excellent value to be had in backing Oldham to win and I've combined over 1.5 goals to the selection to the selection as it has been a successful bet in each of Oldham's last seven league outings at Boundary Park.

There have been at least two goals scored in all three meetings between the Latics and Halifax this term.