andypandy23

Didn't see you put those predictions in this thread, @andypandy23! Make sure you do next time so we can see those tips in the flesh.

Darran, you're on fire 

Bromley v Wealdstone I thought Bromley looked miles off it on Saturday against Barnet. They created very little and whilst Barnet's first goal should have been ruled out for handball, they fully deserved their victory. Wealdstone will be very happy with their 4 point return so far having beaten York and drawn at Eastleigh. They look overpriced to me to make it a hat-trick of defeats for Bromley.   Eastleigh v Barnet In quirk in the fixture list the two teams who the above two played on Saturday happen to also play each other on Tuesday. Eastleigh weren't great on Saturday. They created little with only one shot on target and an xG of just 0.42. Just like on Saturday Barnet have been backed already to win again, but I still think their is juice in the price. I was impressed with their performance on Saturday and it was pleasing to see given they are the biggest bet in the outright market. Clearly not many teams win their first 3 games of the season, but I think Barnet are more than capable of doing it.   Oxford City v Chesterfield This really should be a comfortable win for the away side. Granted Rochdale only beat them 1-0 on Saturday, but it could have been more and Oxford created very little with just 1 shot on target. They still look a side miles away from the quality needed and they now host the favourites for the title. Chesterfield have already scored 9 goals in their 2 games and they should be adding to that here against the weakest side in the division. They look well worth backing to cover the -1 handicap.   York City v Altrincham York have had a poor start to the season having lost both games so far and they may well lose again here as Altrincham look to remain unbeaten. They will have been disappointed that they didn't beat Dagenham, but it was superb effort to win at Woking on Saturday. They were very clinical in scoring 3 as they only had 8 shots for an xG of 0.77, but it they showed why they should never have been priced up as outsiders to win the league and with York looking like they need more time to gel I am happy to take them on.   Havant & Waterlooville v St Albans (Wednesday night) I'm still feeling my way with Step 2 and whilst I had a few teams on my shortlist this is the only game which survived the chop. Havant have lost both games so far and whilst they might have been a bit unfortunate to lose on Saturday on the stats, it was another defeat at home in 2023 for them. I am happy to take them on again and whilst we are getting much shorter odds I still think there is value. St Albans beat Weymouth on the opening day and then more than held their own at Yeovil on Saturday when losing 2-1 which is going to be one of the toughest games they play all season. Play like they have done so far and I think they will pick up 3 points here.   Salisbury City v Swindon Supermarine (Southern Premier South) Salisbury were my outside bet for the title and they beat my main picks for the title AFC Totton on Saturday in a really good performance. Amazingly they were put in at 9/4 to start with which was just a crazy price and whilst the market has obviously started to correct itself, I still think it hasn't gone far enough. They play a Swindon side who have lost both games so far and have conceded 11 goals in the process.    Concord Rangers v Hashtag United (Isthmian Premier) As I mentioned in the ante-post preview I can't stand Hashtag United, but you have to put those feelings to one side when punting and I think they are a bet here to beat Concord. Hashtag were involved in a great 2-2 with Dulwich on Saturday which gave a clue that they should be more than capable of holding their own in this division. Concord came down last season, but I don't think they will be in the promotion mix and they looked poor on Saturday against Enfield when losing 3-0. I suspect it could be one of those games that if it was taking place later in the season we would see the prices reversed so hopefully Hashtag can land the points here.   Dulwich Hamlet v Canvey Island (Isthmian Premier) Speaking of Dulwich I make them a bet to beat the other team from Canvey Island on Tuesday night. I'm not sure why Dulwich aren't favourites to win this and they look the better side to me. Canvey did come from 2 down to win 3-2 on Saturday against Haringey which was clearly a good effort and obviously they did very well last season, but whilst it is no gimmie, like I say I don't see why Dulwich aren't favourites so they are the value bet.    Potters Bar v Enfield (Isthmian Premier) No surprise that Enfield have been well backed already, but they look a really good bet. Potters Bar struggled last season after Sammy Moore left and I think they will again this season as well. They lost 5-0 on Saturday at Carshalton and they host and Enfield side who looked very good in a 3-0 victory over Concord Rangers.   Prices from around 7pm on Monday.   Wealdstone 1pt @ 15/4 with Bet365, Paddy Power, William Hill and Betfair (take up to 3/1) Barnet 1pt @ 7/4 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair, Betfred and Ladbrokes (19/10 with Hills and 15/8 with Coral and take up to 6/4) Chesterfield -1 1pt @ 7/4 with Bet365 (take up to 11/8) Altrincham 1pt @ 2/1 with Bet365, William Hill, Betfred and Ladbrokes (21/10 with Coral and take up to 7/4) St Albans 1pt @ 7/5 with Skybet, Betfred and Bet365 (take up to 5/4) Salisbury 1pt @ 11/8 with Betfred and Skybet (take up to 11/10) Hashtag 1pt @ 15/8 with Skybet, Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (take up to 6/4) Dulwich Hamlet 1pt @ 7/4 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (take up to 11/8) Enfield 3pts @ Evs with Skybet, Betfred (BetVictor are 23/20) (take up to 8/11)

This man hit 571 to 1 odds on 7 out of 8 games.
Man is a bookie nightmare. 

Oxford City v Rochdale City's defending looked hopeless against Aldershot and I am more than happy to continue to oppose them. Rochdale did OK in the live game against Ebbsfleet and I don't think there was much between the two sides at all. I certainly saw enough to give me the confidence to back them at a shade of odds against to beat the team I think will finish bottom.   Bromley v Barnet Barnet have been really well backed for the live TV game, but I still think there is some juice in the price. They were good last week when taking a 3-0 lead against Hartlepool and it was only a lapse of concentration which gave Hartlepool some late hope to get it to 3-2. Bromley struggled at Halifax and I just get the sense they are a little short at the moment so I think the North London side can beat the South London side.   Havant v Chippenham Havant lost the plot in the 2nd half of last season and they were especially bad at home. They weren't great last week when losing to Weston and so I am happy to take a chance on Chippenham who got off to a solid start with a win on the opening day.   Chester v Kings Lynn Chester had a very surprising loss on the opening day at Bishops Stortford and I think they will lose this as well. This is actually a game between the teams who finished 3rd and 2nd last season and Chester have got 6 players missing going into this game. Not all the players have been named, but they don't have a huge squad so it is going to hurt them. Kings Lynn battered Hereford xG wise last Saturday although they only got a point in a 2-2 draw. Still it was a promising start and they are a decent price to beat Chester.   Rochdale 2.5pts @ 23/20 with Bet365 and Coral (take up to 10/11) Barnet 2pts @ 15/8 with Coral, William Hill and Betfred (365 are a huge 11/5 and take up to 6/4) Chippenham 1pt @ 3/1 with Skybet, BetVictor and Betfred (take up to 5/2) Kings Lynn 1pt @ 19/10 with Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor and Bet365 (take up to 6/4)   (Odds correct as of Friday 7pm)

Great start to the season 

Aldershot v Oxford City I am not surprised that the home side have been backed already for this and I imagine that will continue to happen throughout the week. To be fair these two teams could easily have switched positions as Aldershot probably ought to have gone down, but the late managerial change to bring Tommy Widdrington in just worked. Whilst losing Tyler Cordner to York isn't great, they did get a 6 figure sum for him and whilst I don't expect them to finish any higher than mid-table, I do think Widdrington has done a solid enough job in bringing in new players to improve a struggling squad. The main reason for this bet though is that I think Oxford City are going to really struggle this season and I think they will be this terms Maidstone. They don't have much money, don't have many fans and the squad looks pretty weak for this level. I'd be a bit surprised if Aldershot weren't good enough to get off to a winning start and I reckon they will be nearer 8/11-4/6 come kick off not the odds against they currently are.   Maidenhead v AFC Fylde Because of Alan Devonshire I always think Maidenhead will stay up because he has done an amazing job over the years, but for the first time I actually think they could end up in the bottom 4 this season. They were still capable of putting in very good performances at home to the big clubs and they pushed both Notts County and Wrexham close at home last season and I suspect that might happen again this time around. They still were very close to going down though and were pretty average for most of the season. I don't really see them improving this season and for me that means they could finally go down. AFC Fylde certainly have the better squad and after winning the title last season I think they have the potential to be in and around the play-offs. I think they should be favourites for this even though they are away from home and look good value.   Rochdale v Ebbsfleet The first live National League game on TNT (the new name for BT Sport) is this one and I hope that both Step 2 champions can get off to a winning start. Ebbsfleet played some great football to win the title with ease last term and this is a real tough game for a relegated Rochdale side who haven't been at this level before. I don't think Rochdale are going to do a great deal this season and they might get a shock here. It wouldn't actually surprise me if Ebbsfleet have a bigger budget than their hosts and manager Jimmy McNulty was talking in the paper today that even the likes of Altrincham and Gateshead have been outbidding them for players. Bet365 are out on their own at 7/2 but plenty are bigger than 3/1 and I think this is a game priced up on what leagues they were in last season rather on what both sides might be capable off now they are in the same division.   Solihull Moors v Eastleigh As I mentioned in the Ante-Post preview I think Solihull could well go down this season. Neil Ardley left in the summer and I think it was because the budget was going in the wrong direction. All the key players have left and they look a side way weaker than last season. We are also talking about a side who didn't actually do that well anyway. New manager Andy Whing did a good job at Banbury, but winning a title at Step 3 is very different from managing at this level and to me he strikes me as the cheap option. If they were still going for promotion I don't think he would have got the job. Eastleigh haven't signed as well as I thought they might when it was announced Stewart Donald was coming back as owner, but they will still be going for the play-offs and this does look a very good game for them to get their season off to a winning start. I should add as well that they have still signed well, but I thought they might have spent even more cash than they have. One slight concern is they were poor away from home last season, but hopefully that wont matter here.   Prices from Sunday evening   Aldershot 2.5pts @ 11/10 with Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair, Betfred and Ladbrokes (6/5 with Bet365 and take up to 4/5) AFC Fylde 2pts @ 13/8 with Paddy Power, Betfair, Boylesports and Ladbrokes (9/5 with Bet365 and take up to 11/8) Ebbsfleet 1pt @ 16/5 with William Hill, Betfair, BetVictor, Betfred and Boylesports (Bet365 are 7/2 and take up to 5/2) Eastleigh 2pts @ 2/1 with Paddy Power, William Hill and Betfair (Bet365 are 11/5 and take up to 6/4)

Yes I remember 5 years ago as well sorry didn't get chance to post as was so focused on Fylde winning the league to top 5 years ago and my own side Gloucester making the play-offs

Hi Andy, for future reference it was to win the night. I.e, win the QF, SF and Final of the nights action.

Wealdstone v Dorking Wealdstone have only picked up one point in their last 7 games and you certainly get the sense they have run out of steam after their flirtation with the play-offs ended. If there was one game I would have said wouldn't have ended goalless it would have been Gateshead v Dorking although with the home side having an xG of 3.14 it clearly shows it shouldn't have ended 0-0. Whilst Dorking may have had some good fortune in getting a point, it did continue their superb run of form where they have only lost to Woking in their last 7, winning 5 of them. In that Woking game they were unlucky to lose as well. Even though they have secured a 2nd season at this level I still think Dorking look value to win at a side badly out of form.     Taunton v Worthing Taunton have not played well in their last 2 games and Worthing look well placed to beat them. Taunton have lost 2-0 to Dulwich and 3-0 to Hungerford, both sides in a relegation battle and in the case of the latter more than likely to go down. Worthing still need 1 more win to be certain of a play-off spot and if they can get 5th then they will be at home in the first round of the play-offs, so they have plenty still to play for. The other thing is they are clearly the better side so even money and a shade of odds on look worth taking.    Alfreton v Blyth Spartans A huge game for both clubs as the home side are trying to get into the play-offs and the away side are trying in the division. Alfreton drew against Gloucester last Saturday, but were very lucky to get a point and I was told by mates at the game that they looked very tired. They then went to Banbury on Tuesday night and again got very lucky to get another point. They have had a tough schedule trying to play catch-up on their games and Blyth are giving themselves a great chance of staying up. Their win on Tuesday at Farsley was huge as they are now out of the relegation zone on goal difference on the same points as Farsley. Farsley don't often lose at home so it was a very good win. If they can carry that form into this then I think they have a chance of beating an under performing Alfreton.   Southport v Kidderminster 6 defeats on the bounce for the home side and I really like Kidderminster here who look a great bet at odds against. Given how much they have struggled for wins and goals for most of the season it is rather surprising that they have managed to get themselves in with a chance of getting a play-off spot. They have only lost to Chester in their last 10 games and in that spell have conceded just 4 times. They have won 4 on the bounce including a huge 2-0 win at Fylde and they really ought to be winning this which may make things nervy for Southport depending on results elsewhere.   Carshalton v Wingate & Finchley (Isthmian Premier) The home side have already announced that their manager is leaving after the season ends on Saturday. They haven't won in 6 games and they lost to Potters Bar last Saturday which takes some doing. I wonder how motivated the players will be given they don't have a manager to impress and with Wingate winning 3 on the bounce they might just have a chance of winning this.   Merthyr v Hayes & Yeading (Southern Premier South) Hayes have had a really tough week. They beat Tiverton 7-0 on Monday, then had a cup final on Wednesday before going to Tiverton and drawing 0-0 on Thursday. That's a lot of football and with nothing on this game it would be no surprise if they are flagging a bit. Merthyr haven't played all week and on the whole they have been strong at home this season so I am happy to back them home team. Must admit I wasn't expecting the home side to be such a big price as I only checked Bet365 to start with and they are a fair bit shorter than everyone else.   Kings Langley v AFC Rushden & Diamonds (Southern Premier Central) Two relegated sides and whilst Rushden conceded in injury time last week it still continued their good run. They did have to play on Thursday night and lost to Rushall which wasn't a huge surprise. Kings Langley haven't won in 7 games and have picked up just two points in that time. Rushden just look too big a price again to pick up a final 3 points of the season as they have been playing better than their hosts.   Nantwich v Radcliffe (Northern Premier) Both sides need 3 points here as only a win will do for Nantwich in an attempt to stay up, but a draw on Thursday night has probably cost them their chance of survival. Radcliffe really should be in the play-offs, but too many draws has meant they are out of them on goal difference going into the final day of the season. That is highlighted by the fact they have lost 2 and drawn 4 of their last 6. I think they can win this though and possibly get themselves into the play-offs.   Dorking 1pt @ 2/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Coral (take up to 13/8) Worthing 2.5pts @ 10/11 as sent earlier Kidderminster 3pts @ 11/10 with Skybet, BetVictor and Betfred (take up to 4/5) Wingate & Finchley 1pt @ 16/5 with Betfair and Paddy Power (take up to 9/4) Merthyr 1pt @ 21/10 @ Betfair and Paddy Power (take up to 6/4) Rushden & Diamonds 1pt @ 13/5 with Betfair and Paddy Power (BetVictor are 27/10 and take up to 15/8) Radcliffe 1pt @ 5/4 with Skybet, BetVictor and Betfred (take up to 11/10)

Expected Goals

Torquay v Wealdstone Wealdstone had a nightmare of a night in their last away game when they lost 5-0 at Halifax, but they have bounced back with two home wins since then. Torquay keep struggling for points and it feels like because it is Wealdstone they are a bigger price than they should be here.   Banbury v Buxton Buxton kept their unbeaten run going on Tuesday by getting a late penalty to equalize against Fylde who they mainly kept to very minor chances. Banbury are struggling for form and with Buxton playing well at the moment I am happy to back them again.   Kettering v Chorley Kettering were awful on Tuesday night, but at home it is a different story on their dreadful pitch and so I will give them chance to bounce back as teams just struggle to beat them at home.   Kidderminster v Kings Lynn It was a bit of a smash of grab for Farsley as they beat Kings Lynn on Tuesday as they won 2-1 with a 94th minute winner despite having a low xG. Kings Lynn are recording some high xG's at the moment and we know how bad Kidderminster are at home and how few goals they score. If Kings Lynn can keep up their high xG here then that should be enough to see them score at least once and thus I expect that to be enough to win the game.   Braintree v Weymouth The home side are still undefeated at home and I am happy to back them against a Weymouth side who whilst are improving did lose to Chippenham on Tuesday night when failing to score whilst recording a high xG.   Wealdstone 1pt @ 9/5 with Paddy Power, Betfair, William Hill and Ladbrokes (take up to 6/4) Buxton 1pt @ 15/8 with Paddy Power, Betfair and William Hill (take up to 6/4) Kettering 1pt @ 21/10 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair and William Hill (take up to 15/8) Kings Lynn 3pts @ 7/5 with Paddy Power, William Hill and Betfair (take up to 6/5) Braintree 1pt @ 13/10 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (take up to 11/10)

Altrincham v Solihull Moors The home side had lost 4 on the bounce in the league, but they have turned it around with two superb victories against Woking and Barnet, the 2 sides along with Chesterfield who are battling for 3rd place. They rate one of the better bets of the weekend for me because I saw nothing from Solihull on Tuesday night to suggest they are about to turn their form around. They were pretty bad against Halifax and as I mention above they should have been defeated. Solihull just look so far off the pace at the moment and Altrincham can make it a hat-trick off victories.   Potters Bar v Folkestone (Isthmian Premier) Happy to carry on opposing Potters Bar and although Folkestone lost their star striker to Hornchurch the other week, they have been in very good form since. They should be odds on to win this.   Hednesford v Basford (Southern Premier Central) The home side are in big trouble off the pitch and you do have to wonder if they will be able to carry on next season. One thing is for certain is that if they do stay in business they will be playing in the league below as it has been a big struggle having won just 4 games. Basford have only won twice away all season, but apart from Rushden you would fancy any team to beat Hednesford right now.   St Ives v Barwell (Southern Premier Central) St Ives have had a virus going through the squad as well as injuries and suspensions and whilst they might have some players returning, I do think Barwell are worth backing here as they have been in very good form. They have lost just twice in their last 8 games and they were against Leiston and Tamworth so no shame in that.   Altrincham 2pts @ 13/10 with William Hill and Coral (take up to Evs) Folkestone 3pts @ 23/20 with BetVictor and Betfred (take up to 10/11) Basford 1pt @ 29/20 with Bet365 (take up to 5/4) Barwell 1pt @ 9/5 with Skybet, Betfair and Paddy Power (take up to 13/8)

Curzon Ashton v Gloucester Must admit I wasn't sure I would be tipping up Gloucester again this season, but we were very good last week against Bradford and getting a couple of players back from injury has helped strengthen the starting 11. Curzon have only managed to beat Telford, Buxton and Farsley at home in their last 9 home league games and Gloucester would be better than those 3 sides. They have also only won 3 times in their last 10 games overall albeit they got a decent win on Tuesday night at Alfreton. Curzon have been well backed which makes Gloucester a very backable price now which I am more than happy to take.   Spennymoor v Kidderminster Happy to oppose Kiddie again even though they have tended to do better away from home, but even so they still struggle for goals. The home side are in good form at the moment and although the price has come in a bit I still make them value.   Dulwich Hamlet v Tonbridge Angels Didn't get paid out taking on Dulwich on Tuesday, but what I wrote about them still stands and I am happy to oppose them again tomorrow. Tonbridge have bounced back well from losing 3 on the bounce, winning 3 and drawing 2 of their next 5 games. They did very well to beat Worthing on Saturday especially given Worthing's strong away form. They didn't score against Braintree, but in the other 4 games they scored 12 goals and with a leaky Dulwich defence I would fancy them to add to that tomorrow.   Hemel Hempstead v Weymouth Weymouth are probably the most untrustworthy side in the division as they just continue to not win games that they really ought to be winning like on Tuesday night against Concord. Hemel are unbeaten in 5 and I would make them favs to win this.   Worthing v St Albans I think Worthing can bounce back from the Tonbridge defeat as they had been in superb form prior to that game. I nearly put St Albans up as a big bet on Tuesday night when they went to Hungerford only for them to lose 3-0 which was a shocker from them and this is a very tricky game for them to face after that.    Gloucester 1pt @ 12/5 with William Hill and Bet365 (take up to 7/4) Spennymoor 1pt @ 13/8 with William Hill and Skybet (take up to 11/8) Tonbridge 2pts @ 21/10 with William Hill (Betfair and Paddys are standouts at 23/10 and take up to 7/4) Hemel Hempstead 1pt @ 31/20 with Bet365 (take up to 11/8) Worthing 1pt @ 13/10 with everyone apart form BetVictor who are 11/8 (take up to 11/10)

Halifax v Barnet Oldham really didn't make it very hard for Halifax to win on Saturday as they managed just one shot in the entire game. Halifax still had to rely on a rebound from a penalty for the winning goal though and I still wouldn't have them as turning the corner. Barnet continued their impressive run of form by winning 3-1 at Scunthorpe on Friday night. That is a decent effort given the new owner and new manger will have really got the crowd going. I just don't understand how Barnet aren't clear favourites for this as they are certainly the better side and they are unbeaten in 10 league games. Indeed in their last 10 games they have recorded 26 points which is the same as Wrexham and Notts County. They have also sneaked into contention for 3rd place. Their average xG for the season is just 1.25 yet their average goals per games is 1.93. That ought to be unsustainable, but they have just been so clinical all season and crucially at the moment they aren't conceding goals either with just 4 scored against them in that run of 10 games.   Maidenhead v Southend Fair play to the Southend players to still be getting as many points as they are given all the off the field issues and it seems like they haven't been paid for January yet. There is a real risk they could be forced out of business at the start of March as well. They won on Saturday, but they were playing a York side who also have issues of their own at the moment. Maidenhead look to be coming out of the other side of a bad run of form although they haven't always been playing that badly and at home they continue to be strong including giving Notts County a big scare. This is just the type of game that Maidenhead thrive in and whilst Southend should be favs I think there is value in the price about a home win.   Oldham v Dagenham & Redbridge Dagenham weren't ones to trust away from home earlier in the season, but that has picked up since they beat Chesterfield away and actually at the moment you would have to say they have been better away than at home. They lost on Saturday 1-0 at Wealdstone, but they had so many chances that they really ought to have got at least a point. As I have mentioned above Oldham stunk the place out on Saturday and if they play like that again there is only going to be one winner. Dagenham are too big a price not to back here.   Taunton v Dulwich One bet at Step 2 tonight comes in this game. Dulwich can't stop leaking goals and have conceded 18 in their last 6 and have lost five of those. Even in the game they won they conceded twice. Whenever I write about Dulwich I always mention the strange choice of manager and it really does seem his inexperience is showing at the moment. Taunton have only lost once at home all season and even managed to beat Havant last week in their first loss on their travels all season. Taunton surprisingly beat Eastbourne 3-0 on Saturday and if they continue in that form then they should be picking up another 3 points here.   Barnet 2pts @ 7/4 with William Hill and Betfred (take up to 5/4) Maidenhead 1pt @ 14/5 with Bet365, Coral, Paddy Power and Betfair (take up to 9/4) Dagenham & Redbridge 2pts @ 11/5 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Ladbrokes (you can get bigger on Betfair exchange and with Coral take up to 7/4) Taunton 2pts @ 13/10 with Paddy Power, Betfair, William Hill and Ladbrokes (take up to Evs)

@Darran you should lay some bets too, I find that gut feelings are more right about who won't win than who will. Something to do with how we are hardwired to look for winners.

Sorry wasn't around today to see this. I know this is after timing but that Chesterfield bet was a shocker. I was close to backing Barnet although didn't in the end, but Chesterfield were an awful price given how long Barnet's unbeaten record has been now. Amazed anyone thought they were good things. 

Barnet v Gateshead
Two sides I put up on Monday and both drew. Barnet weren't as good as they were on Boxing Day and were slightly fortunate to get a draw, whilst Gateshead should have won and conceded two poor goals. They were the better side and it was disappointing they weren't able to see it out. I do fancy Barnet here though as I thought they were so good on Boxing Day and they have been in such good form of late and even though they weren't at their best on Monday they still found a way to equalise. Not surprisingly they announced that Dean Brennan has had his contract extended because he is doing a hell of a job. I don't think there is a huge amount in the price, but I certainly think they should be shorter as they are the better team and I don't think the odds represent a play-off team playing a team in a relegation battle. Also, whilst Gateshead did go to York and beat them 3-0 they have struggled away from home this season having only won twice.
 
Wealdstone v Eastleigh
Great performance from Eastleigh to land the 3pt bet on Sunday, but of course Dorking's dreadful defending did help. As I have highlighted in recent weeks Eastleigh'sHMRC  form at home and form away is vastly different and whilst I didn't want to take advantage of that when they went to Dorking, and was right to do so, I do want to back Wealdstone to beat them. They have had a strange old season having started in good form, then losing the plot and now they are back in good form again having only lost to Barnet in their last 8 games. The fact Eastleigh couldn't win at Dorking and could only score 1 goal there and then scored 4 goals against them at home just highlights for me the massive difference. I would make Wealdstone favourites so am they are fair value here.
 
Darlington v Chorley
Frustratingly Chorley managed to get their first league away win since August when we were on Fylde on Boxing Day, but I am going to oppose them again here as they travel to current top of the table Darlington. We are getting odds against as well and I think that is a big price. Darlington did lose to Scarborough at home on Boxing Day 3-2, but they had a higher xG and then on Monday they hammered them 5-2. Darlington's only other loss in their last 10 games was to Fylde and they are playing very well at the moment. 
 
Hereford v Scarborough
Speaking of Scarborough I am going to put them up to beat Hereford because they look cracking value. Hereford look pretty poor at the moment. They barely created a shot of note in the two games against Kidderminster over Christmas although they did manage a goal which gave them a point on New Years Day whereas they lost 1-0 at home on Boxing Day. They haven't won in 6 games now and before that the win was only against AFC Telford. Scarborough have only lost that game on Monday and to Chester in their last 10 and for me are a better side than Hereford so I'm more than happy to back them at over 2/1.
 
Peterborough Sports v Southport
Southport have drawn half of their last 10 league games, but they have also only lost once and whilst overall their away form doesn't look great, they are now unbeaten in 5 on their travels and they look a big price here. Peterborough revealed earlier in the week that they are currently under a transfer embargo due to an unpaid VAT bill. As far as I know that hadn't been announced anywhere before, but clearly it means they have been stuck with the same squad for a while now and I don't think it is a coincidence that they have lost their last 3 league games. Granted they were spread out across December, but this will be a tricky game for them against a team who are hard to beat right now.
 
Barnet 1pt @ 5/4 with William Hill and Betfred (take up to 11/10)
Wealdstone 1pt @ 17/10 with William Hill, Ladbrokes and Coral (take up to 11/8)
Darlington 2pts @ 11/8 with William Hill and Bet365 (take up to Evs)
Scarborough 2pts @ 23/10 with Paddy Power and Betfair (Hills are 12/5 and take up to 7/4)
Southport 1pt @ 2/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (Hills are 21/10 and take up to 7/4)

Chelsea vs Manchester City
The Premier League matches continue to come thick and fast in the new year. It’s Chelsea versus Manchester City in this epic encounter that is set to kick-off at 8pm GMT on Thursday evening from Stamford Bridge.



Chelsea look a shadow of the team they had become under Thomas Tuchel and despite a positive start to Graham Potter’s tenure with the club it’s quickly gone horribly wrong. The Blues are now down in 10th position and 10 points adrift of the Champions League qualification places. That hasn’t been helped due to a run of just 1 win from their last 7 league games and that was a 2-0 win over an out-of-form and relegation-threatened Bournemouth at home.

The pressure will be on Potter to turn this form around after his side were held to a 1-1 draw against another relegation-battling side in Nottingham Forest away in their last league outing. The fact Chelsea have only scored 5 goals in their last 7 league games shows where a big issue lies. It is also alarming that the team have failed to even score in their last three meetings with Manchester City across all competitions.


Manchester City will be smelling blood after title rivals and league leaders Arsenal dropped 2 points in their 1-1 draw with Champions League-chasing Newcastle this week. Pep Guardiola’s side sit 2nd place in the top flight and are now 8 points behind the Gunners with a game in hand. The Citizens have only managed to pick up 1 win in their last 3 league games so their form is far from imperious.

It is just 1 loss from their 7 away league games so far this season including picking up back-to-back victories on their last two road trips in the league. City do also come into this game having seen off Chelsea by a 2-0 score-line in their EFL Cup clash back in November so they have the psychological edge. Striker Erling Haaland remains a solid pick for the scoring markets too having scored 4 goals in his last 3 appearances for the club.


Almost every season in the Premier League this is one of those fixtures that has either seen one of the two teams involved leading the league table or both in contention for a title battle. This season, it’s a bit of a more low-key affair as a team milling around the mid-table region host a club who are a number of wins off catching the league leaders. It’s a strange feeling.

You have to feel that Chelsea are not a confident bet right now under Potter and something needs to change. Will it be the manager? City can never be ruled out and even though their results have lacked consistency they still feel like the firm favourites here. The big question is whether they can win without conceding or if both teams will score. I have a feeling that City have shown they struggle to keep clean sheets against teams with attacking quality and Chelsea certainly boast that threat despite firing blanks recently.

Manchester City to Win & BTTS @ 12/5 with Bet365

First Goalscorer: Erling Haaland @ 13/5 with Unibet

Barnet v Boreham Wood Thought it was hard to see much value in the National League on Monday. Opposing Eastleigh away from home against Dorking was half tempting, but Dorking aren't really winning matches at the moment and Eastleigh did win at Woking in the FA Trophy this week. So the one bet will be Barnet in the live BT game. Not sure why Boreham Wood have been so well backed, but that means Barnet have drifted to value price. With the FA Cup, FA Trophy and the weather neither of these sides have seen much league action of late, but Barnet have only lost twice in their last 10 league games and one of those was the 7-5 freak game at Wrexham. Boreham Wood on the other hand hadn't won in 7 until they beat Oldham 2-1 in their last league match. That was slightly fortunate as it needed a 90th minute goal to win the match and Barnet will be a tougher game than Oldham. Barnet should be favourites for me so 21/10 is a huge price.   AFC Fylde v Chorley Really like Fylde here. They come into this game in great form in the league and whilst Chorley have yet to lose at home, away from home they have only won twice and both of those came in August. At evens/shade of odds on Fylde are too big a price for me.   Havant & Waterlooville v Eastbourne Ante-post wise I hope this bet is a loser, but Eastbourne are too big for me. Havant's home form has not been good of late as they have won just twice in their last 7 home league games. Eastbourne have only lost once in their last 9 games and in their last league game they won at Ebbsfleet so they are certainly over priced for this.   Hemel Hempstead v St Albans St Albans are in good form at the moment and have only lost to Eastbourne in their last 7 league games. They are a better side than their hosts here who have only beaten Chippenham, Hungerford and Bath in their last 10 league games.     Barnet 2pts @ 21/10 with Bet365, Coral and Ladbrokes (take up to 11/8) AFC Fylde 3pts @ 19/20 with Skybet (Coral are 21/10 and take up to 4/6) Eastbourne 1pt @ 7/2 with Betfred (Coral are 18/5 and take up to 5/2) St Albans 1pt @ 13/8 with William Hill (take up to 11/8)  

Not a bad Boxing Day afternoon!

Don't apologise. All about opinions. Croatia are favourites for a reason. I just feel that given Japan have already upset the odds twice this tournament they are worth the risk. What a story it would be!

I am with you !!!!!! Croatia is a team with a better technique and much more experienced, but Japan faced Germany and Spain very effectively. Its about a disciplined and very good to the physical type of game.  Maybe we see the surprise here. In the other match it will be an easy night for Brazil.

Kidderminster v Darlington 2 sides who are likely to be in the play-offs at the end of the season and I don't think there is much between them at which makes the drift on the away side pretty mental really. Darlo did have a little wobble where they didn't win in 4 games, but then the first two of those were a draw against Brackley and a loss to Kings Lynn and they are currently the top 2 in the table. They then lost 2-1 to Buxton who happened to score with their only 2 shots on target from just 5 shots in total. Then in the 1-1 draw against Leamington they had an xG of 3.42. They followed that up with an easy win at Telford on Tuesday night. Kidderminster are just struggling for consistency as highlighted by the fact they have won 4, drawn 2 and lost 4 of their last 10 games. They were involved in good game on Tuesday night at Scarborough which the home team won 4-2. Like I say I don't think there is much between those two sides so the price on an away win is way too big.   Spennymoor v Gloucester Gloucester were disappointing on Monday, but I did fear it might be one game too many and coming so close after the Kings Lynn effort that is what happened. The game was played in horrid weather though and whilst Bradford did deserve to win their 2 goals were down to keeper error and a deflection. Gloucester signed two more players before the game as I thought, but then you had a large part of the team who had barely played together. A few days training since will have helped on that front and they travel to a Spennymoor side who have won just 3 games this season and only 1 of those was at home. We of course had Chester to beat them on Tuesday night at a big price. They have drawn half of their league games so the draw is a concern, but I think we will bounce back from Monday's loss and add more misery to Spennymoor's season.   Slough v St Albans Opposing Slough has been profitable for us in recent weeks and I was right to swerve them against a Worthing side I wasn't that impressed with when I saw them play Dulwich last week. I am happy to take them on again here though against a St Albans side who are in really good shape at the moment. There has been plenty of improvement since they sacked their manager and they come here on the back of a 6-0 win over Hampton on Tuesday night.   Darlington 1pt @ 100/30 with William Hill (take up to 2/1) Gloucester 1pt @ 2/1 with Betfred, Betfair, Paddy Power, Skybet and Bet365 (William Hill 21/10 take up to 6/4) St Albans 2pts @ 17/10 with Bet365 (take up to 5/4