National League playoffs: Who will be promoted to League Two?

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the National League playoffs starting on Friday.

Best bet

Notts County to be promoted
1pt 5-2 bet365

Playoffs preview

The National League playoffs are unlike any other promotion-decider in England, with six teams involved rather than four and all matches settled over a single leg.

The teams who finish second and third are often favoured as they play one fewer game and get to host their semi-final showdown, so it should be no surprise to see Harrogate Town and Notts County soaking up the majority of the market.

There’s little to separate that pair in the betting but preference is for County, who are seeking an immediate return to the Football League.

The Magpies, who were relegated from the Football League for the first time in their 157-year history despite being League Two title favourites in 2018-19, are simply too big for England's fifth tier and their stature allowed them to retain many of their key players.

County, managed by former Wimbledon boss Neil Ardley, boast some serious quality for this level with their attacking options featuring Kyle Wootton, Wes Thomas, Kristian Dennis and Enzio Boldewijn.

They are all proven fourth-tier performers, as are Jim O’Brien and captain Michael Doyle, who provide valuable experience in midfield.

The four-month layoff is of some concern for bettors but County won their final four games of the season and they have already ramped up their playoff preparations, although they won't be in action until they host Yeovil or Barnet on Saturday week.

Last weekend Ardley's side hosted Dorking Wanderers, who were chasing promotion from the National League South when the season was cut short, and although they were beaten 3-1 it would have blown away some cobwebs and given them something to build on.

Expect County to be better prepared for their Meadow Lane challengers and, providing fitness isn’t an issue, they have by far the strongest squad on paper.

Harrogate are respected after losing only one of their final 12 league games but they may not have things all their own way if their semi-final pits them against by Boreham Wood, who were playoff finalists two years ago and should account for Halifax.

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