Swindon Town have been handed a welcome boost ahead of their automatic promotion chase.

Ian Holloway’s side are currently 5th in League Two. They are level on points with MK Dons in 3rd, two points off Cambridge United in 2nd, and four points off top of the table Bromley. However, they have played a game more than all the teams above them, which means they’ll need results to go in their favour.

They have received a big boost on the field, though, with Billy Bodin set to return to action this weekend. 

Holloway told the Swindon Advertiser that his return to the field has come at the “perfect time”.

Welcome Experienced for Swindon Town

33-year-old Bodin returns to the Swindon squad with 12 games remaining and a real chance they could return to League One next season.

The Welsh forward has featured 16 times in the league, starting four games. He’s scored just twice, averaging 0.5 shots per game and 0.1 shots on target per game.

Bodin is yet to register an assist for Swindon this season, but has contributed with 0.4 key passes per game. 

His performances in the league have earned him an average rating of 6.6 from Sofascore. Bodin’s best performance came against Grimsby Town, where he received a 7.5 after scoring in their 2-2 draw.

His last full campaign in League Two ended with Bodin scoring 13 goals in 38 games for Bristol Rovers. If he can score half as many goals as that from now until the end of the season, he could fire them to promotion.

Will Swindon Town Get Promoted This Season?

The Robins are predicted to finish 5th according to Opta’s supercomputer on 79.79 points, two points off Notts County in 3rd on 81.85 points.

Opta have given Swindon a 31.18% probability of finishing in the top three and 3.86% chance of winning the league come the end of the season.

In terms of promotion via the play-offs, Opta’s supercomputer says they have a 63.34% chance of winning them. That’s higher than any of the teams expected to finish in the play-offs, according to Opta.