Leeds can take command

Leeds United can stay on course or promotion form League 1 by beating Carlisle United in the first leg of their play-off semi-final at Elland Road on Monday night - a match being shown live on Sky Sports 1.

Both clubs reached the end of the campaign reflecting on what might have been. Leeds would have comfortably won automatic promotion had they not been docked 15 points for breaking competition rules on insolvency, while Carlisle threw away a golden opportunity to win automatic promotion in the final weeks of the season when picking up just just two points from their last five games.

Carlisle’s dip in form when it mattered most must be a huge worry to John Ward, their manager, and the bookmakers clearly believe that they are on the wane, with Bet354 and VC bet content to chalk them up at 9-2 to establish a lead for the return leg at Brunton Park on Thursday.

By contrast, Leeds, generally 8-11, finished off the regular season with three successive wins and, in front of a capacity crowd, it would be no surprise if they took command from the first whistle. With that in mind, the 9-5 that VC Bet quote against them being ahead at half-time and full time looks attractive.

Those looking or a bet on the first goalscorer could do worse than have a small wager on Trescor Kandol at 13-2 with Skybet. He has drawn first blood for Leeds on six occasions this season and, after a lean run, scored a late winner for United in their latest fixture against Gillingham.