Crawley v Crewe: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Crawley are approaching the final in high spirits after their incredible 8-1 aggregate success over MK Dons which set a new record margin of victory for League Two semi-finals.

But they will be preparing for a tougher test against Crewe, who upset the formbook by eliminating well-fancied Doncaster.

An entertaining game is anticipated by Dan Childs, who has picked out his three best bets for the Wembley encounter.

Crawley are the 21/20 favourites to triumph without the need for extra-time and penalties and 4/7 to lift the trophy, while Crewe are 12/5 to win in 90 minutes and 11/8 to go up.

Crawley v Crewe betting tips and predictions

Crawley to win in 90 minutes - 21/20

Crawley were spectacular 8-1 aggregate winners against MK Dons in their League Two play-off semi-final and can follow up by defeating Crewe at Wembley.

It is hard to think of a more complete pair of play-off semi-final performances than the offerings served up by Crawley over the past fortnight.

They were superior to the MK Dons in every department and were relentless from start to finish in both of those matches.

Crewe’s advancement to the final was achieved in a very different manner with penalties required to complete a surprise success over Doncaster.

However, the Railwaymen deserve great credit for showing the determination and ability to recover from a two-goal first-leg deficit.

Crewe succumbed to a 2-0 first-leg loss at the Mornflake Stadium and were largely written off before the return match at Doncaster because they were up against an opponent on a 13-game unbeaten run.

But they made a flying start to the second leg - scoring twice in 16 minutes - and were able to see the job through by winning 4-3 on spot kicks.

Crewe’s improved performance in the play-offs was unexpected because it came on the back of a poor finish to the league campaign.

Their bright young manager, Lee Bell, takes a lot of the credit for turning things around, although he has been assisted by the timely return from injury of key trio Ed Turns, Connor Thomas and Chris Long, who were all restored to the starting line-up last weekend.

Crewe’s squad is looking healthier than it has for several months but the task of beating Crawley may be a little too steep.

Crawley finished seventh after 46 games but the quality of their football against MK Dons was way above League Two standard and it makes them worthy 21/20 favourites to triumph in 90 minutes at Wembley.

Danilo Orsi to score any time - 13/8

Crawley made some excellent signings last summer but their capture of Orsi from Grimsby was probably the pick of the bunch.

Orsi was snapped up for an undisclosed fee from the Mariners, where he had scored four goals in 32 appearances during the 2022/23 campaign.

He was identified as a player with considerable untapped potential and has flourished in West Sussex, scoring 24 goals in all competitions.

The 28-year-old helped himself to a hat-trick in last Saturday’s 5-1 success away to MK Dons and his pace, power and finishing ability could come to the fore this weekend.

EFL football is still a fairly new experience for Orsi, who was a non-league player until the summer of 2022, but he has been making up for lost time and looks a tempting 13/8 shot to score at the national stadium.

Klaidi Lolos to score or assist - 11/10

Crawley’s creative recruitment drive also identified Greek attacking midfielder Klaidi Lolos, who had been impressing in the sixth tier with Oxford City.

Lolos bagged 16 league goals last term to assist Oxford City’s promotion from the National League South and has swiftly adapted to life at two levels higher.

There was an initial adjustment period with Lolos featuring regularly as a substitute in the early part of this season.

But his performances steadily improved and he was hugely influential in the run-in, scoring eight goals in the final 12 league games.

Lolos has excellent technique and vision and has chipped in with five League Two assists.

He is a confident player who should relish the big occasion and is worth a wager at 11/10 to assist or score under the famous arch.

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Crawley v Crewe odds

Crawley - 21/20
Draw - 12/5
Crewe - 12/5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdraw or change at any time.