League One play-offs odds: How Sunderland, Blackpool, Lincoln City and Oxford United's chances shifted after first legs

Sunderland’s chances of winning the play-offs are hanging by a thread – but the bookies don’t think they are completely out of the race yet.
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The Black Cats fell to a 2-0 defeat at Lincoln City in the first leg of their semi-final clash on Wednesday evening, leaving Lee Johnson’s side with an uphill battle ahead of the return leg at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Having been favourites to win the play-offs prior to the first round of fixtures, Sunderland’s odds have lengthened following their reverse at Sincil Bank – but not by as much as you perhaps would think.

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Unsurprisingly, it’s now Blackpool who are favourites to win at Wembley and seal a spot in the Championship.

Revealed: Sunderland's surprising odds to win the League One play-offs after dismal Lincoln City defeatRevealed: Sunderland's surprising odds to win the League One play-offs after dismal Lincoln City defeat
Revealed: Sunderland's surprising odds to win the League One play-offs after dismal Lincoln City defeat

Lincoln City aren’t too far behind, with Sunderland and Oxford United considered outsiders.

But despite facing a very tricky task in the remaining 90 minutes of their semi-final, Sunderland can still be backed at 6/1 to achieve promotion this season.

Here are the odds in full, courtesy of Sky Bet:

Blackpool – 10/11

Lincoln City – 11/8

Sunderland – 6/1

Oxford United – 66/1

Speaking after the defeat in Lincolnshire, head coach Johnson said he was confident the side could turn the tie around.

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“We have to write our own story now, and it could be one of the biggest nights in the club's history on Saturday if we turn this around,” he said.

"Listen, we can score two goals. I’ve got no doubts about that. We can score four goals, we’ve done that against these before.”

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