by ·Comments Off on Sheffield Wednesday vs Sheffield United – Match Preview

Sheffield Wednesday vs Sheffield United – Match Preview – The Steel City derby returns after a six year absence. Sheffield Wednesday host neighbours Sheffield United at Hillsborough, with both teams desperate to claim bragging rights over the other.

After a disappointing start to the season, Wednesday’s form of recent has improved. After losing their opening fixture 1-0 away at Preston, the club find themselves unbeaten in their last seven league games. Last week saw them collect seven points from a possible nine, with only a last-minute equaliser by Cardiff preventing them taking maximum points. Even so, home wins over Nottingham Forest and Brentford, plus a point at the Cardiff City Stadium is not to be sniffed at.

The Owls currently sit in ninth place, just two points outside the play-offs. If they can turn some of their draws in to wins, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t secure a third consecutive top six finish, and challenge for automatic promotion.

Gary Hooper has been in great form for Sheffield Wednesday so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Wednesday’s recent upturn in form is largely due to the growing partnership of strikers Gary Hooper and Steven Fletcher. In the last 15 games the pair have started together, they have managed 16 goals, which is an impressive return. The Owls are also unbeaten in the last ten they have started together, winning nine of those matches. Hooper in particular has been in standout form. The striker has four goals in his last four games, and Wednesday haven’t lost when he has played since November 2016. Whilst the former Celtic and Norwich man missed five months through injury last year, this stat underlines his importance to the side, linking up the midfield and attack whilst providing goals.

Billy Sharp has picked up from where he left off from last season and will be hopeful of being fit for the derby Photo Credit: skysports.com

United have had a fantastic start to the season on their return to the division. After coming up as League One winners last year, Chris Wilder’s men have taken 15 points from their first eight games. Goals from Billy Sharp have been vital, with the Blades’ striker picking up where he left from last year to fire them up the table. New signing Clayton Donaldson has also got off to the best possible start, bagging a brace on his debut, in their 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

They do come in to this game with a number of injury concerns. Both Sharp and Donaldson are doubtful, whilst former Wednesday striker Leon Clarke is also carrying a knock. Should they not be available, United can turn to Ched Evans to lead the line. The striker started in last week’s defeat to Norwich, and is yet to score in the league for the club he re-joined in the summer.

In what is expected to be fierce, tense and a hard-contested game, I think Wednesday will win. Whilst it might be a scrappy game, with challenges flying in, I believe one moment of quality could be the difference. Wednesday have the better players, and with Hooper in such good form, I can see him settling this match and sending the Owls’ fans home happy.

Prediction: Wednesday 1-0 United

 

SKYBET: HOOPER TO SCORE FIRST AND WEDNESDAY TO WIN 1-0- 20/1

SKYBET: WEDNESDAY TO WIN 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1- 15/8

SKYBET: BTTS AND WEDNESDAY TO WIN- 100/30

SKYBET: SHARP AND FLETCHER TO BOTH SCORE- 13/2

SKYBET: WEDNESDAY TO WIN FROM BEHIND- 11/1

SKYBET: DONALDSON TO SCORE FIRST AND UNITED TO WIN 2-1- 60/1

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Plumpton & Uttoxeter – 24th September 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from two meetings at Plumpton & Uttoxeter.

 

14.50 Plumpton – Andrew ‘Super Wack’ Jackson Memorial Handicap Chase (25.8f)

Lawney Hill has won this race for the past two years, three times in all and looks to have another cracking chance of making it three in a row when she sends out her unexposed Velvet Cognac. Once with Warren Greatrex, this nine year old would not have to step up that much to land this years renewal.

Despite 0-8 around his career he has shown a level of consistency considering he missed all of the 2016 season with a set back. Two runs this year has seen him beaten a total of 58 lengths, however another step up in trip should see him improve again. Main danger looks to come in the form of David Dennis’s Doitforjoe. 0-5 since going over the larger obstacles he looked to be going well last time when folding back in third at Worcester, steps back up in trip this afternoon,

So confident on the first selection that Lawney Hill and Nick Scholfield can gain their second success together in this race, Doitforjoe will have to show a bit more to land the spoils and goes well for Noel Fehily who is 222 with the horses career runs.

VELVET COGNAC : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

15.10 Uttoxeter – Sentinal Way We Were Novice Handicap Hurdle (15.9f)

Quite a few of these have become very exposed and on that assumption this is a strong opportunity for Neil Kings Mamoo to take full advantage. His flat profile does not have much to write home about (0-13), but since joining the yard this year he has adapted to hurdling with ease which included finishing second over course and distance.

He never handled the step up to two and a quarter miles when finishing third at Fontwell, now steps into Handicap company off a workable mark of 106 and should be thereabouts. Best of the rest looks to come in Dan Skelton’s Focaccia who went close back in June at Worcester. Takes a drop in class and distance this afternoon and will make his present felt.

MAMOO : 1pt EW @ SP (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on Leicester City vs Liverpool – Match Preview

Leicester City vs Liverpool – Match Preview – Liverpool take another trip to Leicester after their midweek cup defeat at the King Power Stadium. Liverpool will be looking for their first win in four games, as they hope to avenge their defeat on Tuesday night.

After yet another disappointing result, the pressure is beginning to mount on Jurgen Klopp. Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup only further underlined the problems in the Liverpool squad. The club’s failure to sign a centre back, when it was clear for all to see that they needed one, has been under much scrutiny. Dejan Lovren’s error in the Champions League highlighted the Reds lack of defensive quality, and they have now conceded ten goals in their last four games.

Okazaki scored in the 2-0 win over Liverpool midweek in the Carabao Cup Photo Credit: skysports.com

Phillipe Coutinho started his second consecutive game of the season, as the Brazilian looks to build up his match sharpness. Since returning, the playmaker has struggled to recapture last season’s form, and will be under pressure to prove he is still giving his all for the team. Whilst Mane is suspended, Countinho will slot back in to his left sided spot, but once the Malian returns, he could find himself with a real fight to keep his place in the team. The form of Salah, Mane and Firmino has been the main highlight this season, and it is unknown whether Klopp would be willing to play all four of them.

Can Coutinho rekindle his great form from last season?Photo Credit: skysports.com

After an incredibly tough start to their Premier League campaign, Leicester will be buoyed by their midweek victory. The match also gave fringe players such as Islam Slimani and Demari Gray a chance to impress, with the former scoring a sensational goal to seal the Foxes’ win. Whilst the victory may have surprised some, I saw it coming. Leicester have been playing well, and have been unfortunate in a lot of games. The table gives a false reading for them at the moment, and I think they’re due a good result in the Premier League.

With Liverpool losing at the King Power in midweek, it stretches Leicester’s home winning run against them. The Foxes haven’t lost again the Reds’ at home since 2014, with them winning the last three games there. I can see another win coming at the weekend, with Liverpool struggling to show any signs of recovery.

Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Liverpool

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE LEICESTER 2-1- 12/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 MATCH GOALS- 1/1

SKYBET: FIRMINO TO SCORE FIRST AND 1-1 DRAW- 25/1

SKYBET: OKAZAKI AND SALAH TO BOTH SCORE- 8/1

SKYBET: COUTINHO TO SCORE A BRACE- 16/1

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES- 12/1

by ·Comments Off on Pro Tip Footy Accumulators – Friday 22nd September 2017

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by ·Comments Off on Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest – Match Preview

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest – Match Preview – A Midlands-based battle is about to commence this Saturday in the EFL Championship with Aston Villa hosting Nottingham Forest.

Both sides haven’t had the desired starts to their domestic campaign after eight matches in the league. The hosts are currently sitting 13th with 10 points whilst the visitors are 10th with 12 points. Aston Villa will leapfrog Forest in the standings with a victory this Saturday.

Saturdays hosts haven’t enjoyed the most exciting of campaigns thus far with mixed opinions on their chances of automatic promotion this season. Yet another positive transfer window in the summer saw many pick them in the driving seat for the season ahead, however we are yet to see the dominant force that their fans seem to think they are.

Their most recent league outing saw them dismantle Barnsley away from home, 3-0. Two first half goals from Albert Adomah gave the Villains a comfortable platform for young talent Keinan Davis to secure the three points. Villa will be hoping they can assert the same attacking prowess into this fixture to keep their league momentum.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Aston Villa to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 7/4

Nottingham Forest enjoyed a strong start to proceedings this season, however have recently taken their eyes off the ball. With only one win from their previous four league matches, Mark Warburton will be focusing on defensive tactics ahead of Saturdays match. Former Nottingham Forest midfielder Henri Lansbury could face his old side if he is cleared as fit enough to play. Forest will likely see some changes in personnel after their midweek fixture against Chelsea. With Liam Bridcutt, Armand Traore, Matt Mills and Daryl Murphy likely to return after the eight changes made by Warburton in midweek.

With last season’s nightmares still fresh in the minds of all surrounded with Nottingham Forest, a win could be crucial in their bid to not slip into the danger zone of the table.

Skybet Match Result – Nottingham Forest to Win – 4/1

Keinan Davis has impressed for Aston Villa Photo Credit: skysports.com

Having impressed against Barnsley, 19-year-old Keinan Davis could be rewarded with a starting place this Saturday. With many pundits believing he was the best player on the pitch, Davis could prove to be a more than useful asset to Aston Villa this season.

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Keinan Davis to Score Anytime in 90 mins – 2/1

 

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by ·Comments Off on NFL – Gameweek 3 Preview

NFL – Gameweek 3 Preview – We preview and predict the games taking place over the weekend from the NFL. We came close with our 8 Fold Acca last week, missing by one in the last game as The Cowboys were beaten convincingly against Denver Bronco’s. We go again this weekend!

 

Ravens at Jaguars

In London so no home crowd advantage for the Jags in this one, both teams have good defenses, but the Ravens have a few more weapons on offense that will give them the edge in a tight game.

Ravens to Win – 17 – 7

Flacco: 225 YDS, 2 TDs

Maclin: 89 Receiving YDS, 1 TD

Skybet Winning Margin – 7-12 Ravens – 4/1

Browns at Colts

Two of the worst teams in the league, both teams need a win. I’m going with the Browns in this one.

Browns to Win – 10 – 7

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Cleveland Browns -2.5 and Under 42.5 Total Match Points – 9/4

Giants at Eagles

Until Further notice, the Giants have the worse offensive line in the league, and as a result their defense has to stay in the field much too long and they tire out. The Eagles have looked better at 1-1 while the Giants are 0-2.

Eagles to Win – 20 – 14

Wentz: 250 YDS, 2 TD’s

Jeffery: 100 YDS Receiving, 1 TD

Ertz: 77 YDS Rec, 1 TD

Skybet Winning Margin – 1 – 6 Eagles – 11/4

Dolphins at Jets

Dolphins looked good in their opening game last week and while the Jets are competitive, the Dolphins will carry over their momentum.

Dolphins to Win – 21 – 10

Cutler: 200 YDS, 1 TD

Ajay: 115 total YDS, 2 TDs

Landry: 88 YDS Receiving

Skybet Home Team Points – New York Jets Under 12.5 Points – 7/2

Broncos at Bills

The Broncos defense continues to impress, requiring the offense to do little. I believe that will continues here, due to the Bills not having enough weapons to wear down the Broncos.

Broncos to Win – 14 – 3

D Thomas: 100 YDS, 1 TD

Broncos Defense: 1 TD

Skybet Handicap Betting – Broncos (-7) – 2/1

Saints at Panthers

Division rivalry with the top ranked defense in the Panthers against the top 5 ranked offense in the Saints. Bree’s and the Saints aren’t scoring in the redzone for as many yards they gain. TE Greg Olsen is out for the Panthers, however against the worst ranked defense in the league, he shouldn’t be missed much.

Panthers to Win – 28 – 20

Newton: 300 YDS, 3 TDs

K Benjamin: 100 YDS Receiving, 2 TDs

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Carolina Panthers -5.5 and Under 50.5 Total Match Points – 15/8

Steelers at Bears

The Steelers offense is rounding into form, against the struggling Bears, they will continue to develp the chemistry with all of their weapons.

Steelers to Win – 21 – 3

Roethlisberger: 300 YDS, 2 TDs

Bell: 110 YDS: 2 TDs, 1 Receiving, 1 rushing

Skybet Total Points Band – 0-36 Points – 9/4

Falcons at Lions

The two best NFC teams go at it and this should give us fireworks. Both offenses have been very impressive, while both defenses have improved. This will be a shootout featuring two of the top 4 NFL offenses and QB’s this year.

Falcons to Win – 31 – 24

Ryan: 300 YDS , 3 TDs

Jones: 125 YDS, 1 TD

Freeman: 100 YDS total, 1 TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Atlanta Falcons -2.5 and Over 50.5 Total Match Points – 9/4

Buccaneers at Vikings

Tampa looked impressive in their opener, while the Vikings with QB Sam Bradford healthy looked great week 1, him missing time in week 2  showed that their offense struggled mightily. For now he’s questionable to play, and while the Vikings defense is top 5 in the league, they will not be able to contain The Bucks all game.

Bucks to Win – 20 – 13

Winston: 225 YDS, 2 TDs

Evans: 100 YDS Receiving, 1 TD

Skybet Match Result – Bucaneers to Win – 5/4

Texans at Patriots

The Texans defense will show up, however as they do historically their offense will not be able to matchup with the Pats, thus leaving the defense out too long to tire. It will be tight early, but in the 2nd half I see the Pats Pulling away.

Patriots to Win – 24 – 13

Brady: 250 YDS, 2 TDs

Gillislee: 77 YDS Rushing, 1 TD

Skybet Total Points – 0-38 Points – 2/1

Seahawks at Titans

The Seahawks offensive line has been terrible to start the year, and while the defense has played up to par, they are facing a Titans team that will be looking to establish the run, and therefore ball control for the game. This game will be a close one with both teams looking to get their offense on track, in the end I’m going with the Titans at home.

Titans to Win – 17 – 13

Mariota: 200 YDS, 1 TD

Murray: 85 YDS Total, 1 TD

Skybet Total Points – Under 35.5 Points

Bengals at Packers

The Packers have 11 players on the injury report, however WR Jordy Nelson will play, and their offense line has a few key guys returning to action as well. The Bengals meanwhile haven’t scored a TD so far this season, and with the firing of their offensive coordinator they will be looking to get on the board. I have the game competitive early, with the Packers pulling away down the stretch.

Packers to Win – 24 – 14

Rodgers: 300 YDS, 3 TDs

Nelson: 88 YDS Receiving, 1 TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Green Bay Packers -8.5 and Under 46.5 Total Match Points – 11/4

Chiefs at Chargers

Alex Smith and the Chiefs have been impressive to start the year, on both sides of the ball, while the Chargers lost each of their games due to missed FG’s in the last minutes of the game. This will be competitive, I think the Chiefs have a few more weapons, and will pull it out down the stretch.

Chiefs to Win – 24 – 17

Smith: 270 YDS, 2 TDS

Hunt: 115 Total Yards, 1 TD

Kelce: 88 YDS, 1 TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Kansas City Chiefs -4.5 and Under 47.5 Total Match Points – 3/1

Raiders at Redskins

Sunday night primetime game with a matchup we don’t often see. The Raiders are coming in looking impressive to start the year at 2-0, while the Redskins are 1-1and are looking to have the big offensive game from QB Kirk Cousins they expect. Both teams are struggling on defense, so for this game I’m expecting a shootout. The Raiders in the end will continue to impress.

Raiders to Win – 28 – 21

Carr: 300 YDS, 2 TDs

Lynch: 85 YDS rushing, 1 TD

Cooper and Crabtree, 1 TD each

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Oakland Raiders -3.5 and Over 55.5 Total Match Points – 7/2

Cowboys at Cardinals

Monday night prime time game, after the Cowboys struggled and their blowout loss to the Broncos, its hard to imagine that type of performance two weeks in a row. The Cardinals have struggled and with RB David Johnson on IR, their offense won’t be able to keep pace with the Cowboys, I also expect a better and more motivated performance from RB Ezekiel Elliott.

Cowboys to Win – 24 – 10

Prescott: 200 YDS, 1 TD

Elliott: 125 YDS, 2 TDs

Skybet Home Team Points – Arizona Cardinals Under 15.5 Points – 7/2

 

6 Fold Win Accumulator – Steelers, Patriots, Dolphins, Packers, Raiders and Panthers All to Win – 4.37/1 – Skybet**

by ·Comments Off on West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview

West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview – West Ham host fellow London club Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium this Saturday in the Premier League.

Both sides haven’t had their dream start to proceedings domestically since the start of the season with the hosts only starting to show mild signs that their squad, that is capable of performing to a high level, actually can.

Tottenham have enjoyed a great start to their campaign in the UEFA Champions League, however they are continuing to have hiccups in the Premier League. Their most recent outing saw them draw to last season’s relegation fighters Swansea City.
The game could prove to be low scoring as both sides have had bore draws in their most recent matches. With both defences proving to be tight and organised, could it see a low scoring affair?

Skybet BTTS and Under/Over 2.5 Goals – BTTS and Under 2.5 Goals in 90 mins – 13/2

Tottenham are currently sitting in fifth in the Premier League on eight points after five matches. Harry Kane has begun to find his shooting boots after yet another dry August month for goals. Dele Alli is continuing to rise his stock with assists and goals and most importantly for Spurs fans, their new centre back Sanchez is fitting into the defence like a glove. Mauricio Pochettino will hope his sides attacking prowess will prove too much for the West Ham defence and will look to dominate the possession stats to produce the most chances. Can his side claim a big three points?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Tottenham to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 4/1

Carroll could be a danger to the Spurs defence if starting Photo Credit: skysports.com

Slaven Bilic has endured a stressful time as West Ham manager for as long as you can imagine. He seemed to have a positive transfer window with the introductions of Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez, getting fans excited at the London Stadium. Joe Hart has also begun to prove some of his nay-sayers he isn’t past it just yet with two clean sheets in the last two Premier League matches. West Ham are currently seventeenth in the Premier League with only goal difference keeping them outside of the relegation zone. With only four points to their name, a win is needed now more than ever to take off some of the pressure.

Skybet Match Result – West Ham to Win – 9/2

Kane and Alli have been in great form this month Photo Credit: skysports.com

Having seemed to have now laced up his shooting boots after taking some time to get going, Harry Kane will prove the biggest threat once more and has a good record against The Hammers. Can he find the back of the net?

Skybet Price Boost – Harry Kane to Score a Brace – 4/1

 

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by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Newbury – 23rd September 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from Newbury. Unfortunately the Ayr Festival has been called off so my selections switch to Newbury this afternoon with the feature The Mill Reef Stakes for up and coming juveniles.

 

14.15 Newbury – Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes (Group 3) (11f)

Over the years this has not been a race to think outside the box, in fact the first and second favourites have a high return and looking at the field it looks the same factor once more. David Simcock has won this the past two years and is represented here with Desert Encounter.

His four runs this season have not been over looked, winner of the Listed Buckhounds Stakes at Ascot back in May and was probably unlucky not to follow up at Goodwood when beaten by one of his closest rivals here in Second Step. Subsequently dropped to 10f, he equipped himself well when finishing third in the Coral Eclipse. The winner Ulysses went on to land the Juddmonte International Stakes at York. His last run was too bad to be true, never picked up in the closing stages when finishing a wayward sixth.

Meeting Second Step this time around, he will be tackling this renewal off level weights, different to when he was conceding 3lb for a half a length defeat, and he should be exploiting that advantage this time around. Second Step has gone on to show his consistency, finishing runner up in the Listed Fred Archer Stakes and once more had to settle for second in the Glorious Stakes at Goodwood with Scarlet Dragon back in third just a neck off him.

They dropped him back into Listed company when taking the August Stakes at Windsor, it was not the grandest of renewals, and there has been flaws in the form of that race since. Surprise package could be Johnson-Houghton’s Scarlet Dragon. He seems to run better at pattern level and bounced back from a disappointing run in the Ebor when runner up in the September Stakes behind Chemical Charge. He does though look just outside the recommendation that he can reverse the form with Second Step, and further turn over the race selection in Desert Encounter.

DESERT ENCOUNTER : 2pt Win @ 7/2 (BOG)

14.50 Newbury – Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) (6f)

Favourites have a cracking record in this over the years taking five of the past six renewals. James Tate’s Invincible Army has been up against some quality sprinters this year. It really all started when beaten favourite to land the July Stakes, however the form even of that run has upheld with US Navy Flag going on to win the Tower Stakes in Ireland, Alba Power improving to be just denied in this years top yearlings renewal.

He came on nicely when runner up to the smart Havana Grey in the Molecomb Stakes, and even though he was backed into favouritism on the day, Havana Grey is a good yardstick considering he has gone on to finish runner up in the Prix Morny & Flying Childers when beaten by the vast improving Heartache.

Once more he was put in as the favourite for this years Gimcrack and was surprisingly beaten by Richard Fahey’s Sounds of Mali who made a complete mockery of the race. All the frustration runs paid off when switched to the all weather at Kempton landing the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes and justified the market confidence. There would be no surprise to see him go off at the head of the market this afternoon, regular jockey on board in Martin Harley, should take this.

If anything was going to upset the apple-cart which i am sure it wont, as he says with confidence, then the consistent George Scott runner James Garfield has been a credit to the trainer this season. Despite only recording the one win which came at Doncaster, he did have previous good form when third in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes.

He was given the opportunity to step into pattern company and equipped himself that he belonged when finishing fourth in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes, to run even better when just denied in the Group 2 Acomb Stakes and had Lansky well beaten to almost four lengths, the front pair pulled quickly clear of the field, he looks the main danger to the selection here.

INVINCIBLE ARMY : 3pt Win @ 5/2 (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on Brighton vs Newcastle United – Match Preview

Brighton vs Newcastle United – Match Preview – After securing their first win of the season in their last home game, Brighton will be hoping to grab another three points. For Newcastle, a win would be their fourth on the bounce!

Brighton need to make the Amex Stadium a fortress if they’re to survive their first ever Premier League campaign. After beating West Brom 3-1 last time, there is cause for optimism, but they need to be winning games like this one. Last time out, they were unfortunate to come unstuck against Bournemouth. After taking the lead through Solly March, goals from Andrew Surman and Jermain Defoe gave the Cherries the win. Despite another good performance, Chris Hughton’s men came away pointless, a scenario they need to stop.

Can Knockaert find his form from last season? Photo Credit: skysports.com

Whilst they have only kept one clean sheet so far this season, the Seagulls have defended manfully, with Dunk and Duffy continuing to prove tough opponents. Where they need to improve is offensively. Anthony Knockaert missed the beginning of the season through injury, and it is imperative that the diminutive winger regains his form from last season. The Frenchman grabbed 15 goals and ten assists as Brighton secured automatic promotion, and the Amex faithful will be hoping to see him step up to the plate again this term.

For Newcastle, a win could be their fourth on the spin in the league. After a disappointing start, the Magpies have found some form, and now look like a side capable of avoiding an immediate return to the Championship. After scoring none and conceding three in their opening two games, they’ve now scored six and conceded one in their last four. Whilst there is no clear conclusion to this upturn in form, Rafa Benitez will be thrilled to see his team succeeding on the pitch. Another three points for the Toon Army could even see them finish the day as high as third.

Atsu has been in fine form for Newcastle so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Last season, Newcastle did the double over Brighton as they pipped them to the Championship title. A 2-0 win at St James’ Park in August was then followed up with a 2-1 win at the Amex in February. Those two games last year were the clubs first league meetings since 1992, although there have been two FA Cup ties since, with Brighton winning on both occasions.

I think Sunday will be a tight game. With both sides not wanting to give much away, I can see a draw on the cards. With the current defensive form of both sides, chances will be at a premium. With both sides lacking a natural goal scorer, I can see this fizzling out in to a well contested 0-0 draw.

Prediction: Brighton 0-0 Newcastle

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE 0-0- 13/2

SKYBET: BTTS AND UNDER 2.5 GOALS- 5/2

SKYBET: JOSELU TO SCORE FIRST AND NEWCASTLE TO WIN 1-0- 22/1

SKYBET: BRIGHTON TO WIN 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1- 9/4

SKYBET: KNOCKAERT AND ATSU TO BOTH SCORE- 14/1

SKYBET: HEMED TO SCORE A BRACE- 14/1

by ·Comments Off on Forest Green vs Swindon Town – Match Preview

Forest Green vs Swindon Town – Match Preview – Friday night football sees Forest Green host Swindon Town at The New Lawn. The home side have made a shaky start on their return to the Football League, but will be hoping to secure a second win of the season.

Since their return to League Two, Forest Green have found life tough. Their opening eight fixtures have yielded five points, and only one win. That win came back on the 19th of August, which leaves Rovers without a win in their last five league games. Tough fixtures against promotion hopefuls Lincoln City, Colchester United and Wycombe Wanderers have meant only goal difference separates them from the bottom two.

Doidge has scored four goals this season Phot Credit: EFL.com

Christian Doidge has proved to be a shining light in an otherwise dull season. The striker has managed four goals and one assist this season, but is without any in his last three. So far this season, Rovers have leaked 20 league goals, the joint highest in the division. With ten goals scored, the problem is evidently keeping the ball out of their own goal, and they will have to learn quickly if they’re to secure a second season at this level.

By contrast, Swindon appear to be a side on the up. The Robins now sit in eighth place, only three points behind third placed Accrington Stanley. If Swindon are to make an immediate return to League One, beating the teams around them will be key. A resounding 3-0 win away at Luton will give them some confidence, despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at Notts County.

Norris has been in good form contributing 5 goals for Swindon Photo Credit: totalswindon.com

Whilst they are only just shy of the automatic promotion places, Swindon have the second leakiest defence in the top half of the table. Only Wycombe in 12th place have conceded more, meaning if they could tighten up at the back, a promotion push could be a real possibility. On a positive note, the Robins have notched 12 league goals, with five of them thanks to Luke Norris. The former Gillingham striker has already equalled his goal tally from last season, showing his best form since joining them in 2016.

These two sides have never met in the league previous to this game. This leaves history ready to be written, as both teams scramble for three points that could affect opposite ends of the table. With both sides struggling to defend, and potent in attack, I think both teams to score would be safe bet. With Swindon in good form, I think they will just edge the game.

 

Prediction: Forest Green Rovers 1-2 Swindon Town

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE SWINDON TO WIN 2-1- 17/2

SKYBET: NORRIS TO SCORE AND SWINDON TO WIN- 11/4

SKYBET: DOIDGE TO SCORE FIRST AND FOREST GREEN TO WIN 1-0- 28/1

SKYBET: DRAW EITHER 1-1, 2-2 OR 3-3- 3/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 1/1