Weekend League One Predictions: Best bets for the games this weekend

The international break is over and attention now turns to domestic matters with an excellent set of fixtures set to take place in League One on Saturday.

There are 12 fixtures on the agenda and the pick of the bunch sees pace-setting Portsmouth entertain fellow promotion hopefuls Blackpool at Fratton Park.

Pompey have Oxford and Bolton breathing down their neck at the top of England’s third tier and they can’t be taking anything for granted.

The table is starting to take shape now, with every team having now played at least 16 games, and it is also going to be an informative afternoon at the bottom with basement boys Reading desperate for three points away at Wycombe.

Carlisle vs Charlton (Saturday, 15:00)

The appointment of Michael Appleton in September has transformed Charlton, so much so that breaking into the League One playoff places may not be beyond them.

The Addicks have lost only twice in 14 games in all competitions since Appleton took charge and that record includes a 2-2 draw at league leaders Portsmouth last time out.

Prior to that, Charlton edged out Wigan 3-2 in a thriller at the DW Stadium and they are a nice price to make the long journey to Carlisle a worthwhile one by claiming maximum points.

While a confident Charlton are in high spirits, Carlisle are finding life in League One tough after last season’s promotion via the League Two playoffs.

The Cumbrians sit third from bottom in the third tier and have taken only 14 points from their 17 matches.

Scoring goals has been the concern for Carlisle, who have netted just 13 times this season, and they have lost four of their last five league games to nil.

Bolton vs Exeter (Saturday, 15:00)

Bolton were starting to go through the gears before the international layoff and they can continue where they left off with victory over an Exeter side in freefall.

Wanderers have league leaders Portsmouth in their sights following a run of seven wins from their last eight games, which has moved them to within one point of the summit.

Bolton have kept three straight clean sheets and three of their last four victories in League One have been by a two-goal margin, which may spell trouble for the out-of-form Grecians.

While Ian Evatt’s side look like serious title candidates, Exeter may have their work cut out to stay in the division.

The visitors have lost eight of their last ten league matches and find themselves only one point and one place out of the relegation zone.

With the goals having dried up for Exeter, who have netted only twice in their last eight matches, Bolton are expected to stamp their authority and record a comfortable success.

Peterborough vs Burton (Saturday, 15:00)

Peterborough are in the thick of the promotion hunt in League One and they can bolster their playoff ambitions with a convincing win at home to Burton.

Posh, who sit fifth and are five points behind pace-setting Pompey, have excelled at home this season with their only defeat in eight outings coming at the hands of Derby.

All five of their home league wins this season have been recorded with a clean sheet and that should ensure that they prove at least two goals too good for the Brewers.

Burton may have improved since the start of the season but they are now winless in three and they have endured back-to-back away defeats at relegation candidates Carlisle and Northampton.

Those two sides are likely to be embroiled in a battle for survival in League One come spring and promotion-seeking Peterborough should boast a significant advantage given the firepower in their ranks.

Check out the rest of our Football Betting Tips here.