Football Bet of the Day: Cobblers can extend Dons’ winless run

There are five matches in the EFL on Friday night as teams take the opportunity to spread out their fixtures ahead of the busy Christmas period. 

There's an all-Welsh clash in the Championship as Swansea host Wrexham, while the three League Two games include Steve Evans making his debut as Bristol Rovers manager at Crewe. For our Friday football bet of the day, however, we're targeting the only League One match of the night between Northampton and AFC Wimbledon at Sixfields.

Northampton Town vs AFC Wimbledon Odds

League 1 is extremely competitive this season and the Friday night game between Northampton and AFC Wimbledon features two of the teams in the tightly packed central section of the table.

Wimbledon made a flying start to the season and were as high as fourth in the table during their honeymoon period after winning promotion via the League 2 play-offs, but their form has tailed off.

The Dons have not won any of their last six league games, managing only two draws and four defeats, which have dropped them to 10th in the standings.

That's still three points and four places above Northampton, but the home side look capable of claiming the three points to move above the Dons on goal difference.

The Cobblers were among the relegation favourites for relegation this season after finishing 19th last term but they have been holding their own under manager Kevin Nolan.

Their only two defeats came against leaders Cardiff in a 3-1 home reverse that was one of their better performances, and Sunday's 2-1 Nene derby loss at Peterborough, when they were reduced to 10 men after just 10 minutes but fought back in the second half.

The club's lengthy injury list is finally clearing up, giving Nolan more options and while Jack Perkins is suspended after his red card at London Road, there are no other notable absentees.

The Cobblers have also had a nice run of home games and Saturday's trip to Peterborough was only their second away day in their last seven games.

The Dons are in almost the opposite situation as this will be their sixth away game in their last eight outings and their only successes in those recent road trips have come in the Football League Trophy.

Wimbledon have not even scored in their last two games, a 1-0 defeat at Exeter and Saturday's goalless draw at home to Mansfield, and that could be an issue against a Northampton team who have conceded only 20 goals in 19 league games.

The hosts have been more successful at finding the net themselves, scoring in their last eight outings and their forward threat has been improved since experienced striker Tom Eaves came back from injury last month to partner Manchester United loanee Ethan Wheatley.

A low-scoring game is likely, as demonstrated by odds of 8/15 for under 2.5 goals but Northampton are worth backing at 13/10 to come out on top and set themselves up nicely for the festive football programme.

Click here for the latest Football Odds and Today's Football Fixtures

You can read all our latest Football Bet of the Day offerings at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub