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football | Friday, May 12, 2023 10:10 AM (Revised at: Friday, May 12, 2023 5:18 PM)

Sunday Playoff Double: 3.30 Double for Sunday’s EFL Playoffs

Sunday Playoff Double: 3.30 Double for Sunday’s EFL Playoffs
Jack Wright
Jack Wright
2

Playoff Double Tips: Sunday, May 14th

It’s considered by many as the most exciting part of the campaign. The best way to get promoted. The most heartbreaking way for your dreams of playing at a higher level next season to be destroyed. After 46 gruelling rounds of matches, it’s time for the Playoffs.

Having put both of Sunday’s games under the microscope I have selected a best bet in each. Combining them to form a bettingexpert Playoff Double.

In this article:


Coventry vs Middlesbrough Preview

England, Championship, Sunday, May 14th, 12:00 (UK)

Coventry needed a final day point to ensure their remarkable season would be extended for at least two more games. A 22nd-minute strike from the excellent Gustavo Hamer briefly settled the nerves of those of a Sky Blue persuasion. However, an equaliser on the stroke of halftime made for a slightly tense second half. With no further goal action, the away end erupted in celebration at the Riverside Stadium upon the final whistle.

They will be hoping to be able to repeat the trick on Wednesday, May 17th with the same final day opponents now standing in the way of a Wembley date. Mark Robins’ side have no reason to fear. The draw at Boro not only booked their playoff place but also extended their unbeaten run to seven games. Ending the regular season with just one defeat in their last 17 fixtures.

Michael Carrick refused to acknowledge that securing a top six finish was an achievement for his side. Instead reiterating that the last few games haven’t really mattered and it’s all about what happens next. In a quirk of fate, it was a 1-0 loss to a then rock-bottom, previously winless Coventry that prompted Middlesbrough to a change of management. Neither side has looked back since and now one will end up at Wembley on May 27th.

Coventry vs Middlesbrough Best Bet

After what he described as an incredible day, Mark Robins heaped praise on his “phenomenal” team. Rather than suffering from nerves, it appears his side are relishing their time in the spotlight. Star men Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres consistently showcased their talents over the last few weeks. It is likely that both will be plying their trade in the higher tier next season – one way or another.

For Boro it has been clear they would be contesting the playoffs for some time now. As a result, Michael Carrick has opted to rotate his squad liberally. The key question now being will that freshness be a benefit or will they suffer due to a lack of recent continuity. A run of three winless games to end the campaign is not ideal nor is suffering three defeats in their last four on the road. Incredibly throughout the whole campaign, the Teesiders have only kept one clean sheet away from home.

Coventry certainly have the firepower to extend that run. While, as they found out last weekend, keeping a forward line containing Championship top scorer Chuba Akpom and Cameron Archer off the scoresheet is no easy task either.

  • Selection: Both Teams to Score – Yes
  • Best Odds: 1.87 (Betfair)
  • Stakes: 7/10

More Coventry vs Middlesbrough Tips


Bradford vs Carlisle Preview

England, League Two, Sunday, May 14th, 19:00 (UK)

Having started last week with a slim chance of snatching the last available automatic promotion spot, Bradford had to settle for a place in the League Two play-offs. A midweek defeat to Crewe ended those automatic promotion hopes. But a come-from-behind draw against champions Leyton Orient will give the Bantams confidence they can secure that last remaining ticket to the third tier.

After discovering their initial opponents will be Carlisle, Mark Hughes cited his side’s performance at Brunton Park on Boxing Day as the poorest of the season. Going on to say his team have “moved on a lot” from that 1-0 defeat. One thing is for sure the former Manchester United, Barcelona and Wales legend will have a huge home support roaring his men on. The 22,576 crowd against the O’s was the biggest for a league game at Valley Parade since 1953.

Carlisle nervously crossed the line after an 85th-minute Joe Kizzi own goal secured the point needed to clinch their play-off place. Until that late intervention, the Cumbrians were on course to be facing up against 4th-placed Stockport. However, now Paul Simpson is looking forward to “two fantastic games” against the Bantams. A side they performed well against over the two meetings in the regular season. Winning 1-0 at home with the Valley Parade fixture ending goalless. A run-in which saw Carlisle win just two of their last 11 outings and one of the last six on the road will be a concern.

Bradford vs Carlisle Best Bet

Despite only taking one point from those two regular season meetings between the two sides Bradford will be confident they can take an advantage to Cumbria for the second leg. Only one defeat in their last 10 home league games is solid form and they will of course have that big Valley Parade support acting as a 12th man. Expect Paul Simpson’s side to be a tough nut to crack though. The 1-1 draw at Sutton on the final day was the first road game in six that featured more than one goal.

As a result, we should see the Bantams pushing forward for large parts of this first leg. An angle in on shots and corners therefore makes great appeal. Mark Hughes knows a thing or two about forward play and it’s possibly no surprise to see the league’s top goalscorer in his ranks. Andy Cook has 28 goals to his name in the fourth tier this term and his 120 shots across the campaign come at an average of 2.6 per game. Firing in a minimum of three attempts at goal in nine of his last 11 appearances.

Averaging 5.13 corners per home fixture a feature to look out for if you are watching this game is the “Bradford Train”. A set piece move which has been implemented this season and has helped the Yorkshire side to become the 8th most prolific scorers from set pieces. Taking them to have three or more flag kicks here brings this builder to a nice price. They have only twice failed to hit this number in 23 home games and did so in both meetings with Carlisle this term.

  • Selection: Andy Cook – over 2.5 shots in the match and over 2 corners in the match for Bradford (TRACKED BET)
  • Best Odds: 1.80 (bet365)
  • Stakes: 8/10

More Bradford vs Carlisle Tips


Sunday Playoff Double Odds

  • Coventry vs Middlesbrough – Both Teams to Score – Yes
  • Bradford vs Carlisle – Andy Cook – over 2.5 shots in the match and over 2 corners in the match for Bradford

Acca Odds: 3.30

Odds via bet365 as at 23:00 May 11th 2023. Odds may now differ.


WHAT IS A FOOTBALL ACCA?

A football acca is an accumulator bet, a type of bet that consists of several selections across different matches that are combined together into one single bet. An acca usually. consists of at least four selections but many more can be included. There will be odds for the single bet as a whole which is calculated by multiplying the odds of all of the selections. A football acca is one of the most popular ways to bet. This is the case because they can create potentially massive odds for a small stake. Many punters choose to create football accas which is what we have created here. If one of these selections loses then the football acca will lose. This type of bet needs every selection to win in order to succeed.


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