Punters side with Crewe to carry momentum into League One

Crewe Alexandra realised their promotion ambitions last season, returning to League One after a three-year exile via a play-off triumph over Cheltenham at Wembley.

The Railwaymen, under the guidance of Steve Davis, kick off their campaign back in the English third tier at home to Notts County, as slight underdogs for success at 6/4.

However, punters have piled into these odds, with many believing the Alex can carry their terrific late season form of last term into this campaign.

Indeed, it has been 19 games since Crewe last tasted defeat, and it would appear to be the popular consensus that this club-record unbeaten run is set to extend further still.

A hectic pre-season has gone well for Crewe too, with not one defeat suffered in 11 matches, and victories over Championship outfits Barnsley and Huddersfield among the most impressive results.

The pre-season form of new signing Mathias Pogba will also encourage Crewe backers, with the former Wrexham striker racking up an impressive eight-goal tally.

Meanwhile, their first visitors to the Railway Stadium Notts County have a less than encouraging record in season openers.

County enjoy slight 11/8 favouritism for the August 18th clash, but it should be considered that they have won only two opening-day ties in the past eight years.

They have however been among the most popular outside bets for a tilt at promotion at 9/2, after showing signs of improvement under Keith Curle last season.

While many will be reluctant to get behind Crewe’s bid for consecutive promotions meanwhile, it is plausible that punters could get a run for their money at a big 14/1.

Despite the recent sale of star asset Nick Powell to Manchester United, the Alex enter the season in better form than anyone in the country, and will be feared.

They will also be encouraged by the plight of 2010/2011’s League Two play-off winners Stevenage, who went on to finish sixth in League One last term.

And in the aforementioned Pogba, Crewe could have an unknown quantity capable of sparking a tilt at promotion, or at the very least a successful opening day.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.