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Aston Villa v West Brom
If there's one thing that this Midlands derby has been renowned for in recent seasons then it has definitely been its tendency to produce goals. Eight of the last meetings between Villa and Albion have resulted in both teams getting on the score sheet, and six of those games ended with at least three goals being scored. In mathematical terms, Over 2.5 Goals has been successful in almost 67% of the last nine meetings then, yet that option is available to back at 2.1 here. There has been no evidence that either side has tightened up defensively this season so I'm all over the recent goalscoring trend to continue.

Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.1


Peterborough v Leeds
The team with the joint-best home goalscoring record, hosts the side with the most potent attack on the road. Little surprise then that markets like Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams To Score offer skinny prices to potential backers, and perhaps including them in a Betfair Multiple is the way to play. Posh have hit 16 goals in six home games so far at an average of 2.67 a game, while Leeds are scoring at an average rate of exactly two goals a game so far in five away trips. Equally telling, Posh have not managed a clean sheet at home and Leeds have only managed one on their travels. Peterborough have scored at least one first-half goal in each of their last three homes, and Leeds have netted once or more in the opening 45 minutes of each of their last three away games. Therefore, I'm anticipating these two teams will quickly revert to their 'score and be scored against' ways and backers of Over 2.5 Goals could be forming a queue before the players suck on their half-time oranges.

Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.62


Sheffield Wednesday v Colchester
Sheffield Wednesday produced two late goals to earn themselves a point in the typically thunderous Steel City derby last weekend. The Owls may feel they deserved a victory considering the amount of possession and chances they had. Their work-rate was as good as always, they just lacked an early clinical edge which has often been good this season. I think the Owls will be right up there in terms of the title this season, mostly based on this wonderful home record. It really is fortress Hillsborough, with six straight wins on their home patch earning their best home start in 30 years. Colchester are not quite as good as they were last season, but I am huge John Ward fan. The manager has lost a few of the men from last season, and his goal potency is not quite as it was. However, they have good character and good energy and at times have played well. But it's the inconsistency which is the problem, and was all too apparent in their 2-2 draw with Yeovil recently. They dominated for long periods, but conceded two sloppy goals. Ward has often been brave away from home, and certainly took the game to Huddersfield earlier this season. But the Owls are on a roll, and they can keep this magical run going at Hillsborough.

Back Sheff Wed to beat Colchester @ 1.82


Accrington v Cheltenham
John Coleman's team can be a handful for anyone. A rapid turnover of players each season - with year-long deals being the norm - is not ideal for team building. But each year Accrington seem to improve under their long-serving manager. Their home does not seem the fortress of last season, however. Mark Yates' visitors seem in fine enough fettle - three wins in a row and seven goals in that time - to continue their surprising run towards the top. Jimmy Spencer, on loan from Huddersfield until February, has scored in all those victories and four strikes in 10 appearances. The teenager's current side could be worth the gamble, to follow my 'Barnet beating Aldershot' risk last weekend, a risk that paid off.

Back Cheltenham to beat Accrington @ 3.0


Recommended Multiple
Back Over 2.5 Goals in Aston Villa v West Brom @ 2.1; Back Over 2.5 Goals in Peterborough v Leeds @ 1.62; Back Sheffield Wednesday @ 1.82; Back Cheltenham @ 3.0; The multiple pays approximately 18.0

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