EFL PLAY-OFFS 1ST LEG: PREDICTIONS & BEST BETS 8TH – 10TH MAY 2026 

EFL betting tipster Louie Truman has given his betting predictions for all six EFL play-offs, which include Championship, League One and League Two. He’s also included betting odds and some of the best betting bonuses.

EFL CHAMPIONSHIP 

HULL VS MILLWALL

On the last day of the season, a win over Norwich secured their place in the play-offs; Oli McBurnie scored a brace. Throughout the season, Oli McBurnie has played a crucial role in attack; he’s managed 17 goals and 7 assists. Oli McBurnie has been so effective for Hull this season because everything around him fits his strengths. He’s playing as a clear focal-point striker in a system that creates plenty of chances into the box, allowing him to use his physicality and link-up play consistently. Despite their recent win against Norwich, the Tigers were unable to secure three points in their four games prior to the win, so Hull aren’t approaching the play-offs in excellent form.

Millwall had an excellent campaign; the Lions finished just one point away from an automatic promotion place. Alex Neil’s side have won three of their last five, and they come into this fixture on the back of an impressive 2-0 home win against Oxford; Femi Azeez scored a brace. The Lions have done well this season mainly because of their organisation and consistency. They’ve been hard to break down and play with high intensity.

Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score – 8/11 - BetMGM

MIDDLESBROUGH VS SOUTHAMPTON

Throughout the season, Middlesbrough have shown excellent spells of form. They spent a couple of weeks at the top, but inconsistency led to Boro dropping to fifth. However, Kim Hellberg’s side have shown better form in recent outings; Middlesbrough have won two of their last three, which came against Sheffield Wednesday and Watford. Boro have been finding the back of the net consistently with eight goals during their last three. Southampton recently went on a run, winning eight matches in a row, which included a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the FA Cup.

Betting Tip: Southampton Win – 21/10 - Betfred

EFL LEAGUE ONE 

STEVENAGE VS STOCKPORT

Stevenage secured a place in the play-offs in a dramatic way; Dan Sweeney scored the winner in the 90th minute against Wigan to confirm their place in the top six. The Boro had an excellent start to the current campaign; they were inside the automatic promotion places for parts of the season, but they dropped out of the top six due to inconsistency. Alex Revell’s side have kept two clean sheets in their last three, and Jamie Reid is the club’s top goal scorer, with 14 goals.

Stockport had an impressive 2024/25 League One season, finishing 3rd in their first year back at that level and carrying strong form into the play-offs. They faced Leyton Orient in a semi-final that ended 3–3 on aggregate, but their promotion hopes were ended with a defeat on penalties. During the current campaign, Stockport finished 3rd, with 22 wins, 11 draws and 13 losses. The Hatters have won just two of their last five, and they come into this fixture on the back of a 3-1 away win against Barnsley.

Betting Tip: Stockport Win – 9/5 -  Star Sports

BOLTON VS BRADFORD

Bolton finished fifth, with 19 wins, 18 draws and 9 losses. Bolton have had a solid 2025/26 season; they’ve been consistent—especially strong at home but ultimately fell short of the automatic promotion places. Last time out, Bolton conceded in the 93rd minute to lose 3-2 at home to Luton.

Amario Cozier-Duberry has managed 18 attacking contributions this season. He’s been key for Bolton due to his pace, dribbling, and creativity. He consistently gets the better of defenders, and he’s a reliable outlet in attack. Bradford managed promotion from League Two last season, and they’ve had an excellent current campaign, finishing fourth. The Bantams have managed just one win in their last five, which came in a 2-1 away win against Exeter in their recent outing; Kayden Jackson and Antoni Sarcevic were the goal scorers. When looking at recent meetings between the two sides, Bolton have a strong record, Wanderers haven’t lost to Bradford in their last five encounters.

Betting Tip: Under 2.5 Goals – 5/6 - BetMGM

EFL LEAGUE TWO 

GRIMSBY VS SALFORD

Grimsby Town’s season was highlighted by a famous upset over Manchester United in the EFL Cup. While inconsistent league form led them to drop outside the play-offs, the Mariners managed to finish just inside the play-offs, with three wins from their last four. These wins came against Gillingham, Cambridge, and Swindon. Jaze Kabia has been in excellent form, with five goals in his last five outings.

Salford finished in fourth, just one point from an automatic promotion place. The Ammies come into this fixture on the back of a goalless draw against Crawley. Salford had 17 shots, and they missed four big chances. When looking at recent meetings between both sides, Grimsby have an excellent record, winning their last two encounters 3-1 and 2-0.

Betting Tip: Grimsby Win – 23/20 - Betfred

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CHESTERFIELD VS NOTTS COUNTY

Chesterfield have been in great form, winning their last two against Crewe and Swindon. During the 2-1 win against Swindon, Lee Bonis and Dilan Markanday were the goal scorers. Lee Bonis is the club’s top goal scorer with 12 goals to his name. Lee Bonis has been so effective for Chesterfield this season because he combines consistent finishing with a physical presence that suits League Two. He’s the focal point of their attack, playing regularly and getting high-quality chances.

Notts County’s season has been inconsistent but full of attacking quality, with strong performances keeping them in the promotion mix. However, defensive lapses and inconsistency have led them to finish in the play-offs and not the automatic promotion places. In their last two matches, the Magpies secured four points with a win over Colchester and a draw against Bristol Rovers.

Betting Tip: Draw – 12/5 - BetMGM