Doncaster vs Crewe Prediction and Betting Tips: 11/10 and 9/2 picks for play-off second leg

The second leg of the League Two play-off semi-final between Doncaster and Crewe takes place on Friday evening and we’ve asked Anthony Eadson to preview the action and provide us with his best bets.

Doncaster managed a 2-0 victory away at Crewe in the first leg thanks to goals from Luke Molyenux and Harrison Biggins. The bookmakers see Rovers as having one foot in the final after their visit to Cheshire on Monday, pricing them at just 1/50 to advance to the final. Those looking to get the hosts on-side in the match result market on Friday can do so at 4/6. 

The Railwaymen will have been bitterly disappointed with their showing in-front of their own fans on Monday. They now have it all to do and face a Grant McCann side who have been superb at home of late. For punters who believe Crewe can pull off a miracle and turn things around and reach Wembley 16/1 is available. In terms of the result in the 90 minutes market at the Keepmoat Stadium, the visitors can be sided with at 100/30.

In the history of the Football League playoffs, there have been only two instances where a team that lost the first leg by exactly two goals managed to advance to the final. This feat was achieved by Preston North End in 1994 and Northampton Town in 2020.

I believe that Rovers can wrap this one in comfortable fashion here and instead of taking the 4/6 that is available in the 1x2 market, I’ve opted for the 11/10 offering for Doncaster to win the game and Under 4.5 goals to be scored in the match. 

McCann has got his troops firing at just the right time of the season and in Joe Ironside and Lincoln loanee Hakeeb Adelakun they have two excellent attacking options. Doncaster are now unbeaten in 13 matches and looking at just their home form, they have won their last eight on the bounce.

After a four game winless streak and three consecutive home defeats Doncaster should have the upper hand over a Crewe side lacking confidence and face a near impossible challenge.

During the domestic season punters are not treated to the luxury of bookmakers consistently offering player card markets for League Two clashes. This is not the case for the play-offs and I’ve decided to take advantage and like the look of a 9/2 selection with Sky Bet. 

The player I’m attracted to in this market is Elliott Nevitt of Crewe. The forward ranks second for fouls committed for his side this season, but leads the way when it comes to bookings. Nevitt has seen yellow in four of his last nine outings, taking his tally for the season to 11. With this in mind, 9/2 looks a very backable price in a game that could see frustration boil over for the visitors.