L1, L2, and Scottish Predictions > Feb 14th & 16th

[StevieDay1983]

[StevieDay1983]

Check out the odds and ratings for the matches scheduled in this section over the weekend. Tell us what predictions and bets you have for these games! 

[StevieDay1983]

Portsmouth vs Shrewsbury

The League One action returns relentlessly this weekend after a midweek schedule that is adding a whole new level of intensity to the fixture list. Here, I take a look at the clash between play-off chasing Portsmouth and lower mid-table Shrewsbury in a 3pm GMT kick-off at Fratton Park this Saturday afternoon. Who will prevail victorious in this hotly-anticipated match-up?

Portsmouth are in 6th place and really making a push for the play-offs. Kenny Jackett was being questioned earlier in the season with Pompey struggling to stay in the top half of the table but his proven methods are now appearing to work once again. Yes, the 1-0 loss away to Coventry in midweek was a blow but before that the club had won 5 league games on the bounce. They come into this match at home having remained undefeated at Fratton Park all season so far with 9 wins and 5 draws from their 14 home league games up until now.

Shrewsbury might be down in 17th place but Sam Ricketts will sleep soundly knowing his team are still 12 points above the relegation zone and only handful more wins should be enough to secure their place in this division next season. Salop haven't won in their last 9 league games and you have to question how much their epic FA Cup round that included a 4th Round replay against Liverpool at Anfield negatively impacted on their league campaign. They've only managed 3 wins from their 15 away league games so this could be a long away trip for the team.

This game looks all set to see Portsmouth pick up a business-like win. Shrewsbury need to put the cup distractions behind them and realise that their season isn't done yet. Just as much as a really poor run of results could see them get sucked into a relegation battle that a good run of results could even see them make a late charge for the play-offs. I'm backing a home win and I wouldn't be surprised if Pompey managed to keep a clean sheet in doing so.

Portsmouth to Win to Nil @ 2.45 with Sportingbet

Portsmouth HT/FT @ 2.45 with Coral

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[StevieDay1983]

Oldham vs Forest Green Rovers

OK, so in the League Two match preview of the week I'm going to be taking a bit of a risk here. It's Oldham versus Forest Green Rovers in a 3pm GMT kick-off at Boundary Park. The statistics state that it's the coldest ground in the Football League and judging by the ELO ratings that could very well be the welcome that the visiting side get and I'm willing to back that outcome.

Oldham might well sit down in 19th place in the table but they are 14 points clear of the relegation zone due to just one team going down this season after Bury's expulsion from the league. You may remember me telling you the story of my mate who almost died in our football club's Gillette Soccer Saturday drinking game when he had Oldham the day they lost 6-1 to Mansfield and had two men sent off. Their season has improved since then but turning draws into wins remains an issue. Back-to-back defeats have put an end to an unbeaten streak of 6 league matches but I still feel their home performances have been a lot more positive recently with the Latics unbeaten in their last three league games at home.

Forest Green Rovers were looking very good earlier this season. Mark Cooper's men were even being tipped for automatic promotion at one stage. Unfortunately, a poor run of results that has seen the club fail to win any of their last 6 league games has seen the Green Devils drop to 10th in the table and 6 points off the pace of the play-offs. Have the wheels come off their promotion bus? The optimistic fact is that they boast the second best away record in the division but they have only won 1 of their last 5 away league games.

I just think that given the value being offered on a home win, it's worth contemplating backing Oldham to get the victory here. The home side have been looking more competent recently. I'm willing to forgive their past two results because they were away from home. I think on home turf they'll provide stern opposition for Rovers who are in a state of turmoil on the pitch at the moment.

Oldham to Win @ 2.80 with BetVictor

BTTS @ 1.80 with Betfair

[malabgd]

Ipswich Town vs Burton Albion

Ipswich Town

Doubtful: Luke Garbutt (23/5 d), Teddy Bishop (4/0 m)

Out (injuries/other): Ben Morris (0/0 f), Tristan Nydam (0/0 m), Jack Lankester (0/0 f), Danny Rowe (14/1 m), Kane Vincent-Young (9/2 d)

Suspended: -

 

Burton Albion

Doubtful: Stephen Quinn (24/0 m), John-Joe O’Toole (21/0 m), Colin Daniel (21/0 m), Jake Buxton (22/1 d)

Out (injuries/other): Ben Fox (0/0 m)

Suspended: -

 

 

Gillingham vs Doncaster Rovers

Gillingham

Doubtful: Alfie Jones (27/2 d)

Out (injuries/other): Mark Byrne (18/0 m)

Suspended: -

 

Doncaster Rovers

Doubtful: Jason Lokilo (0/0 m, newcomer)

Out (injuries/other): Reece James (27/2 d), Alex Kiwomya (1/0 f), Alex Baptiste (2/0 d)

Suspended: -

 

Daily updated injuries and suspensions information from more then 100 football leagues and competitions worldwide at: www.injuriesandsuspensions.com

[gruja]

I dont have much time as i am on airport, but i find it hard to believe that BTTS on Cambridge - Bradford game is 2.00. Cambridge is in form team and 3 wins in a row since they sacked their manager (to be honest, i thought they will be into relegation struggle at some point) but new caretaker did excellent job and know they are sure as Stevenage continues to be dreadful.

At the same time, Bradford brought back their legend as coach and it is sad they didnt do that before winter break as he would probably level squad probably better and not allowing calibre of Vaughan and Doyle to leave the club. I dont like Garry Bowyer style of football and i think january slump is completely his fault as it was obvious that players tried to play for him, its not that they didnt run for him and anything like that. We know that he is offensive minded coach and his statements are also confirming that. He was unlucky in first game against Grimsby where in rather boring game they conceded equaliser at the death and afterward they managed to win against poor Stevenage after thrailing on the halftime. I am quite sure they will concede again, but i think Bradford have squad and ability to start firing on all cilinders as people expected before the season. Odds are drifting on a side of Cambridge as Bradford away record is woeful, but i will gladly take asian DNB with odds of 2.1.

 

I think both teams are complete, so no big handicaps in teams.

 

Cambridge - Bradford BTTS odds @ 2.00

Bradford DNB odds @ 2.1.

 

Good luck.

 

P.s i see similar value in Peterborough, with Btts and DNB on away side.