Finding value in a chaotic League Two market
2020/21 has started with some stunning results all around the country, and the form of the Vale has been part of that.
With Morecambe the only defeat so far this season against Askey’s possession-dominating men, tipsters (including those with The Sentinel) are casting their eye over a possible title tilt. One thing is for sure – the season to come will bring with it surprises, and savvy punters could find themselves quids in if they look for value in less popular markets.
A scoring record
Vale’s early season success has been personified by balance. Goals may come more freely to the likes of Salford, but Port Vale have aimed to build their success on a solid backline, as was so crucial in the big 2-0 away win at play-off challengers Exeter. 11 shots on goal were not enough to get past the backline, and it’s now adding up. This early season pragmatism is wise in the long League 2 season, and as it goes on, you might see Port Vale loosening up a little and giving more freedom and license to the likes of Mark Cullen. You can currently get a huge 20/1 with the BetFair App on Cullen netting the league top scorer, and at odds like that, it’s worth a few quid; Ian Henderson might be a proven goalscorer, but it’s a long season, and Cullen has that age advantage on a few of the other top picks this season.
Promotion not play-offs
The Vale are in a good place for play-offs, with odds aggregator BettingOdds giving an average of 6/5 on the team making it into League One. Less optimistic is the chances of outright promotion, but there’s reason to be cheerful. The club has had broadly positive management under the new ownership, and has made an upwards tract over the past two seasons. Onlookers can see the club is well managed and on an up; there’s every reason to be optimistic, especially with that defensive solidity as the base – after all, attacks win games; defence wins leagues. You can get 12/1 on an outright league win with Bet365, or 5/2 on automatic promotion.
Next up
Morecambe gave the club a bloody nose, but that won’t continue. Next up in the league are Carlisle, who have started the season poorly, shipping 4 goals in and only scoring 3 in reply. While hardly a controversial bet, you can get better than evens on a number of outlets, according to the Oddschecker. A home game following two away and with the chance to get back up into the automatic promotion spots, it’s a no-brainer to back the Vale against struggling Carlisle.
Anyone who enjoys a punt on the Vale might struggle to find consistency this season. Even as the leagues seem to go a bit mad with the current circumstances, you can trust in a bit of defensive steel from the club. Shape your betting around that, and you might just be smiling at the end of the season.