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Ollie's Football League play-off predictions

Ian Holloway

Ian Holloway gave his Football League play-off semi-final first-leg predictions, tipping a draw at Valley Parade on Sunday.

Portsmouth and Plymouth kicked off the schedule with a thrilling 2-2 draw at Fratton Park on Thursday, while Sheffield Wednesday beat Brighton 2-0 on Friday night and Hull won 3-0 at Derby on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Barnsley saw off Walsall 3-0 and Tom Beere's last-minute winner gave AFC Wimbledon a 1-0 advantage going into their second leg against Accrington Stanley.

Bradford v Millwall, League One (Sunday from 12pm on Sky Sports 1 HD)

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I fancy Millwall strongly to win the play-offs.

Neil Harris is leading a fresh young team into a new era and he's done a brilliant job. They probably could have done with avoiding Bradford in the play-offs as they're a dangerous outfit at Valley Parade and have only conceded one goal there in the last seven games.

I fancy Millwall strongly to win the play-offs. Neil Harris is leading a fresh young team into a new era and he's done a brilliant job
Ollie on Millwall

However, over two legs, Millwall should have enough firepower in Lee Gregory and Steve Morison to get the job done. A draw here would be a great result for the Lions.

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OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 6/1)

Ollie's earlier predictions...

AFC Wimbledon v Accrington Stanley, League Two

How unlucky were Accrington last weekend? All they needed was a win to go up but they drew 0-0 and hit the crossbar three times.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet League 2 semi final 1st leg between Wimbledon and Accrington.

It would be a fantastic story if they were to see the job via the play-offs - their fans deserve a Wembley day out.

Saying that, AFC Wimbledon's fans also deserve a huge amount of credit to stick with their team during some dark days. This will be a cagey game as AFC don't concede too many. 

OLLIE PREDICTED: 1-1 - RESULT: 1-0

Barnsley v Walsall, League One

This has all the credentials for a wham-bam game! Goals galore.

Both teams will be full of confidence. Barnsley sensationally hammered the champions last weekend while Walsall scored some absolute screamers as they dismantled Port Vale.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet League 1 semi-final 1st leg between Barnsley and Walsall.

I do feel sorry for Walsall, though - a bit like Brighton, they've had a fantastic season but just fell short despite amassing a big total of points.

Sam Winnall has bagged 22 goals this season for Barnsley and I feel he has to be at his clinical best if Barnsley, who have had a strange yet sensational season, are to really trouble Walsall over two legs. 

OLLIE PREDICTED: 2-2 - RESULT: 3-0

Derby County v Hull City, Championship

I was worried about Derby's mentality earlier this season, but they've turned a corner in that regard. On their day, they can wipe the floor with anyone.

This is a tough test for Hull, who I'm shocked didn't finish in the top two. They have relied on Abel Hernandez to score their goals this season - no one else has chipped in regularly - and they have slipped up in too many winnable games.

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Highlights of the Championship play-off semi-final between Derby and Hull at the iPro Stadium.

Both these teams have unbelievable talent on show. This game could be any scoreline if there is an early goal, especially now George Thorne is missing for Derby. He gives his back four plenty of protection.

In their last seven league games, both teams have scored a total of 28 goals. I fancy a thriller here with Derby just edging it.

OLLIE PREDICTED: 3-2 - RESULT: 0-3

Sheffield Wednesday v Brighton, Championship

Sheffield Wednesday have had a fantastic season and have a free shot at this now. I always love the underdog and will be delighted for them to defy the odds, although Brighton deserve to go up.

Hillsborough will be rocking and rolling, the locals will be right up for this and their team will be able to play with the shackles off.

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Highlights of the Championship play-off semi-final between Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton at Hillsborough.

However, they are bumping into a Brighton team that racked up 89 points in the Championship - a total usually more than enough to go up with.

How will they overcome last weekend's disappointment? That's the key question.

Brighton will probably be looking to keep this tight then get them down to the Amex on Monday. But I've got a sneaky feeling Wednesday will give their home fans something to shout about. Home win.

OLLIE PREDICTED: 2-1 - RESULT: 2-0

Portsmouth v Plymouth Argyle, League Two

Derek Adams will be making sure his Plymouth boys remain positive. Despite their recent slump, they have had a magnificent season.

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Highlights of the League Two play-off 1st leg between Portsmouth and Plymouth at Fratton Park.

Three more strong performances is all that's required - I hope they do it.

Their first job at Fratton Park will be to silence the home crowd, who will be buzzing for this. If they achieve that, then I fancy an away win. 

OLLIE PREDICTED: 1-2 - RESULT: 2-2

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