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Blackpool v West Ham, KO: Tuesday 20:00

Everyone knows that games in hand are only any use if you win them - and as games in hand go, a trip to Blackpool is not the easiest. Ian Holloway's team selection for the FA Cup tie at Everton (he left out a number of regular starters) suggests he had an eye on this fixture, which is almost as important for the home side as it is for the visitors.

The Hammers will go top with a win, but a success for the Tangerines would move them third in the table. It's a tough one to call, given Blackpool are unbeaten in seven league games while the Hammers have won four of their last six. I think the way to go is to look for goals. Eight of Blackpool's last nine league games have produced Over 2.5 Goals, and they have only failed to score once themselves in those nine matches. Equally telling is the fact that five of the seven games they have played against their fellow top-six sides have also paid out on the 'Overs' market.

The Hammers have the best away record in the division, and average virtually 1.5 goals a game on their travels. Pair that with Blackpool's home scoring record (1.67 goals a game), and I suggest you just back goals and don't worry about at which end.

Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.04


Barnsley v Birmingham, KO: Tuesday 19:45

As Chelsea found out on Saturday, Birmingham are a very hard team to beat. In fact, no-one has lowered their colours since before Christmas - a 13-game unbeaten run during which time they have risen from 15th to fifth in the table. They have built that run around an excellent defensive record, conceding just four goals in their last 10 outings. Perhaps most interesting for this particular game, though, is Blues' record against the division's weaker sides: they have played 15 games against teams below halfway, winning 10 of them and losing just one. And, for 13th-placed Barnsley, that does not bode well - especially when you look at the Tykes' record against teams in the top six: they have lost four of the six games they have played, including both at home.

Keith Hill's side have been largely inconsistent, losing seven of their last 11 league games. They beat Portsmouth on Saturday, but that was against a side that is bad on the road with the added problem of having just gone into administration. This is all together stronger, and more buoyant, opposition.

Back Birmingham @ 2.2


Hull v Brighton, KO: Tuesday 19:45

It doesn't matter who you are, and what the circumstances are - losing a competitive game 6-1 knocks your confidence. So Brighton's mauling at Liverpool in the FA Cup will leave a scar or two - and that's before you throw in all the media chat about them scoring three own goals in the process.

The Seagulls are unbeaten in seven league games, but they have to try and pick themselves up and only three days later travel to face one of their fellow Play-Off hopefuls. Some in football say that after such a pasting the best thing is to play another game quickly: but the close proximity of this one, the miles they have travelled recently and the fact that Hull are also in a spot of form has steered me towards a home win.

While Gus Poyet's side were getting their behinds tanned at Anfield, Hull had a weekend off. They go into the game having not lost - or even conceded a goal - in five league games. Their last outing was an impressive 0-0 draw at a Birmingham side that is flying (see above). They have won five of their last seven at the KC Stadium, and conceded just three goals during that run. With Brighton having failed to score in four of the five away games they have played against teams above them in the table, the Tigers' tight defence could be the key here.

Back Hull @ 1.9

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