Our business is the rolling bandwagon of English league football as it bumps along for nine months. Now and then, as it did last week for leagues one and two, it grinds to a halt for cup competitions. We don’t concern ourselves with results or performances in these; only to injuries and suspensions sustained in them which affect their next match. They’re back in the saddle today while the Championship pauses for international games – in which many of its players will be involved.

To leagues one and two then, most having played two cup matches since their last league work. There is something incomparable about league and cup games, in England at least. League football is the bread and butter for players and managers, and these games are approached by all in a different frame of mind than those in a cup. Clubs’ priority is to either stay in or get out of the division they’re in – apart from those in financial difficulty who “need a cup run” either way for the money. Cup football is a distraction for all who play it; welcome or unwelcome depending on a club’s status. For us it’s a welcome break from gambling.

League 1

Millwall v Bristol Rovers

Rovers have been backed in a fair bit during the week for this one, but still represent value at (ideally) $3.5 as this looks like an even contest. (I’d take $3.40)

Back Bristol Rovers at $3.40 with 

MK Dons v Walsall

It’s not just Championship clubs who have players away on international duty. Walsall have two of their own, but their squad is better this year than last, and MK Dons have been in disarray at home. They will wallop somebody there soon enough, but hopefully not yet. Walsall is the bet at > $4

Back Walsall at $4.60 with 

League 2

Grimsby v Barnet

In the week when enough American people actually voted for Donald Trump to be their next President at odds of $6, who are we to say that Barnet can’t win at Grimsby at $4?

Back Barnet at $4.13 with 

Luton v Accrington

Accrington have had a few wobbles uncharacteristic of them, but they’re not playing badly and have it in them to turn Luton over – so we’ll have it on em at $3.5

Back Accrington at $3.61 with 

Wycombe v Morecambe

Morecambe have just lost their nine goal scorer Tom Barkhuizen, but still shouldn’t be $5 to win this one at a side as inconsistent as Wycombe, especially given their own away form (their manager was contemplating making his players stay at a hotel for their home games – draw your own conclusion).

Back Morecambe at $4.99 with