Online Football Betting

Key Stat: Newport are unbeaten in 12 matches.

Expert Verdict: Michael Flynn’s Newport headed into the playoffs as the fourth tier’s form side, securing seventh spot by finishing the season ten games unbeaten. Tranmere will know all too well about County’s disciplined defensive, having failed to score in both league meetings with them and, even with James Norwood leading the line, they look vulnerable.

Recommendation: Newport

Key Stat: Sunderland drew 20 of their 48 league and playoff games this season.

Expert Verdict: After missing out on automatic promotion and scraping past Portsmouth, nerves could set in for Sunderland at Wembley. But they are resolute defensively and it could take time for Charlton, who have already been to the national stadium and lost once this year, to wear them down.

Recommendation: Draw

Key Stat: Tammy Abraham has scored in five of his last seven starts for Aston Villa.

Expert Verdict: Aston Villa have lost just two of their last 15 matches and valid excuses can be made for both defeats. Dean Smith made wholesale changes with the playoffs in mind for their 2-1 loss to champions Norwich on the final day, while they lost the second leg of semi-final at West Brom despite having 73 per cent possession and winning the shot count 24 to ten. They are full of confidence and should be more determined than ever after last season’s playoff final heartbreak.

Recommendation: Aston Villa