Against All Odds: Crawley to blunt The Blades

"Sheffield United need to start winning games if they want to secure promotion back to the Championship but they just don’t seem to have the creativity to put teams to the sword, especially at home."

Lay Sheffield United v Crawley Town @ 1.794/5 

Sheffield United are odds-on for their League One clash with Crawley Town this evening but with just one home win in their last seven, Paul Robinson thinks they have to be opposed.

The Blades were the pre-season favourites for the League One title and while they're still in with a chance of achieving it, the play-offs are looking more and more likely. They are currently fifth in the table, eight points off top spot and six adrift of the second automatic promotion place. They do have games in hand though, which if they won, they'd go second.

Danny Wilson's side have only lost six times this term - the lowest amount in the entire division - but they have drawn far too many, especially at home. At Bramall Lane, United have drawn their last three 0-0 and the 3-0 win over Colchester in February is their only league victory in front of their own fans since Boxing Day. In fact, they have won just seven of 19 at home this season, a win percentage of 37%.

Crawley Town have risen through the divisions in recent years and after finishing third in League Two last time, they were fancied in some quarters to earn another promotion to the Championship. Things haven't quite worked out after a bright start though and with just five games to go, they are in 13th place with 58 points.

In fairness to Richie Barker's men though, they haven't been losing too many recently. Similarly to their opponents, they have been drawing most of their matches, which would do us just fine tonight. The Reds have been defeated only once in their last nine and once in their last half dozen away from Broadfield Stadium.

Sheffield United need to start winning games if they want to secure promotion back to the Championship but they just don't seem to have the creativity to put teams to the sword, especially at home. Crawley are a resilient outfit and I feel they have been underestimated by the Betfair market for this one. Therefore, with United trading around the 1.794/5 mark, I have to make them my lay of the day.

Recommended Bet
Lay Sheffield United v Crawley Town @ 1.794/5 

Wagered: 98 pts
Returned: 86.74 pts
P/L – 11.26 pts (after commission)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)

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League One Betting: Brentford strong enough to blunt Blades in Sky TV clash

Sheffield United have wobbled a few times at home this season, notably the amazing loss to basement club Hartlepool over Christmas, so I wouldn't be in a rush to snap up the 2.407/5 on offer.

The League One betting bonanza continues this Saturday, with the first of two live Sky TV games over the weekend. Alan Dudman thinks Brentford are the ones to side with in the early kick-off at Sheffield United, in a match where goals might be few and far between.

Sheffield United 2.407/5 v Brentford 3.4012/5, the draw 3.55n/a

Live on Sky Sports 2, Saturday 12:45

The Sky cameras have chosen the right game this Saturday, with Brentford chasing Doncaster for the position at the top of the table. Sheffield United are only two points behind with a game in hand, and a chance to bounce back from a surprising 4-0 defeat to Stevenage last weekend.

These two teams met earlier in the season in November, in which the Londoners prevailed 2-0. Brentford boss Uwe Rosler described the Blades as the best team in the league after that victory, but key to the performance was an early goal, which allowed Rosler's side to sit back and defend. Sheffield United couldn't break them down at all.

Match Odds:

Sheffield United have wobbled a few times at home this season, notably the amazing loss to basement club Hartlepool over Christmas, so I wouldn't be in a rush to snap up the 2.407/5 on offer. The Blades have been better on their travels too, collecting 10 wins compared to seven at Bramall Lane. Tactically games on the road suit them better, as they can soak up pressure and hit opponents on the counter attack, whereas home pressure and fans dictate a more attacking and commanding display - and that has not always happened.

Brentford appeal at the 3.309/4 odds, and have a fairly decent record away from Griffin Park this season. They have lost only five times, and have conceded only 19 goals on the road from 18 games. Their overall form is two defeats from their last six outings.

Regular readers of this column will know my previous with Rosler's side - in particular with late goals. This was advertised once again last weekend with their 1-0 win against Preston. The winner came in the 96th minute, the umpteenth time this seems to have happened. So remember, backing in-running, get the fingers hovering over the back or lay buttons to cash out.

Opta Stats:

Uwe Rosler's side have not netted in the first-half of any of their last five league games. Therefore I would be keen on using the half-time draw market to back at around 2.1411/10. This of course brings into play trading opportunities to get involved in the 0-0 correct scoreline, which if proved right to around 60 minutes - will start to tumble dramatically.

The three clashes between Brentford and Sheffield United since the start of last season, which are the only league clashes since the 1988/89 campaign, have all finished 2-0 (with two in favour of the Blades).

Unders and overs:

Brentford are usually a keen exponent of the passing game, and are very patient in their build-up play. They were slightly different tactically last weekend in beating Preston, as Rosler had them a bit more direct, playing the ball forward quicker than anticipated. Here I think they might sit deeper again, and revert to soaking up the expected home pressure.

The feature of Sheffield United's run of one win at Bramall Lane in 2013 has been their inability to break teams down. Which sets up a perfect bet at the braver under 1.5 goals @ 3.2011/5. United have also kept an astonishing six clean sheets in their last seven matches. I would normally recommend under 2.5 goals, but at 1.654/6 it's too short, and would only get involved in that bet if there was an early goal (to enable backing at a higher price in running).

Recommended Bets
Back under 1.5 goals @ 3.7011/4
Back HT draw @ 2.1011/10
Back Brentford to win @ 3.309/4
Back Brentford to win 0-1 @ 9.30n/a

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Home and Away: Blades too sharp for Orient

Jonno Turner started the week in style with two winners from his opening two selections - and he's looking to continue that form as he focuses on two table toppers this evening.

Two winners from our two selections yesterday was a cracking start to the week, and we're looking to continue that success here with a couple more picks.

We're off to South Yorkshire for our first tip of the day - as Sheffield United host Leyton Orient at Bramall Lane, looking to secure their fifth straight league win.

Danny Wilson's side sit top of League One, and after a small blip around a month ago, look to be back on track in style - and formidable as at any point this season.

A 1-0 win at high-flying AFC Bournemouth at the weekend was impressive by anyone's standards, and Danny Wilson's side will be looking to secure their fourth consecutive clean sheet here, in order to extend their lead over second placed Swindon Town.

The Blades have no new injury or suspension news, and are likely to put out the same team that beat the Cherries, with forwards Dave Kitson and Jamie Murphy - who has scored in his last two outings - set to remain up top.

Visitors Leyton Orient travel north in the midst of a miserable run - and have won just one of their last five ahead of this clash.

Confidence down at Brisbane Road will have taken a knock last week, as the O's lost two games and were dumped out of the Football League Trophy - and the away side are likely to be missing key players too.

Martin Rowlands missed the defeat by Crawley at the weekend with a groin injury, and could join top scorer Kevin Lisbie and defender Gary Sawyer amongst the absentees.

Just one win from seven on the road suggests that Orient are susceptible to suffering travel sickness, and that has played a key part in their position of 13th in the table.

The hosts are unbeaten in half a dozen clashes against Leyton Orient - winning four and drawing two - and I expect them to take three points here, too.

Bet 1: Sheffield United (HOME) @ 1.73

Switching our attentions to a slightly more glamourous tie now - as Barcelona welcome Real Madrid to the Camp Nou in the second leg of their Copa Del Rey semi-final.

Barcelona are going well this campaign, and are unbeaten in 22 at home ahead of this clash - but the last side to beat them on their own patch was Real, and this is an encounter when the form book often goes out of the window.

Indeed, Barca have won just one of their last six meetings with their rivals, and haven't been at their best of late - a 2-0 defeat in Milan last week reminding us that Tito Vilanova's side are human after all.

And the Catalans have not kept a clean sheet in 11 games - a stat which makes rather interesting reading, given that they line up against an in-form Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored in his last five appearances against Barca (he is a cracking 2.3 to notch here).

Real Madrid go into this tie unbeaten in four, and welcome back key players such as Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema, who missed their 2-1 victory at Deportivo La Coruna at the weekend.

Visiting defender Pepe has already mooted that his side will have to 'stay true to their style' if they are to come out on top here, so expect a tough tackling performance (and plenty of acrobatics) - and that makes the 2.32 available on a sending off worth a look. There have been 28 yellows and one red dished out in the last five meetings between these sides.

This promises to be another fast flowing and exciting encounter - and, in truth, these El Clasico games can go either way. For that reason, I'm tempted by the whopping odds of 5 available on Real Madrid to win this outright. We've already concluded that they are likely to notch a goal or two here, and if they make their mark first against an off-colour Barca side, this game could be a traders' dream.

Bet 2: Real Madrid (AWAY) @ 5

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Barcelona are odds-on for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final with Real Madrid and despite the match

Jonno Turner scours the continent for his two Home and Away selections - and focuses on the top tiers in

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League One Previews: Blades to cut down Wycombe

English Football League / Alan Dudman / 09 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

New Sheffield United signing James Beattie

"Sheffield United's home form is ultra strong, with 32 points gained at Bramall Lane this season, with the healthiest goals-to-games ratio in the division."

Sheffield United have been excellent at Bramall Lane this season and Alan Dudman expects that to continue when the blades host Wycombe on Saturday; weather permitting of course.

Sheffield United v Wycombe, KO: Saturday 15:00, Match Odds: Sheff Utd [1.43], Wycombe [8.4], The Draw [5.1]

Like many teams last week, Sheffield United were frozen off at Colchester. This weekend looks fairly straightforward for the hosts however, and the Blades enter a critical phase with huge games to tackle later this month against Huddersfield and city rivals Wednesday. A lucrative points return in February could cause a shift in their current title odds of [9.6].

United boss Danny Wilson has brought in some excellent players in the transfer window, including Will Hoskins and James Beattie, adding to an already strong looking squad. In short, the home side look to have so much more quality as an attacking threat than Wycombe. Sheffield United dominated the game against Charlton recently and lost 1-0, and prior played equally well to tear apart Bury. Their home form is ultra strong, with 32 points gained at Bramall Lane this season, with the healthiest goals-to-games ratio in the division.

Wycombe climbed out of the relegation zone last weekend with a gutsy 2-1 win over Tranmere. They had to defend for long periods and were a shade fortunate to win. The three points were inspired by captain Gareth Ainsworth - who at 38 years of age shows no signs of letting up.

I worry about Wanderers and their defence here, as this season they have conceded six against Huddersfield, five against Brentford and four against the MK Dons. The fact that six of Sheffield United's last eight games have been over 2.5 goals leads me to several other markets if the price on the home team is too short for you.

Back Over 2.5 Goals @ [1.74]
Back Over 3.5 Goals @ [2.8]
Back Sheff Utd 2-0 @ [7.6] & 3-0 @ [11.0] Correct Scores

Yeovil v Scunthorpe, KO: Saturday 15:00, Match Odds: Yeovil [2.5] Scunthorpe [3.1], The Draw [3.5]

Yeovil are one of those teams I never seem to get right, I hope to change that this weekend. The Glovers have hauled themselves out of the drop zone to 18th position and have a genuine chance of survival. They fought hard last Saturday only to lose 2-1 at Sheffield Wednesday, conceding a late screamer in a really stubborn display.

Manager Gary Johnson recently took over from Terry Skiverton and collected a reasonably healthy seven points in January. Yeovil line up 4-4-2 but will be missing captain Paul Huntington through suspension. Seven of their last eight games have been over 2.5 goals but they have lost eight times at Huish Park this season.

Scunthorpe are the draw specialists in League One, with a staggering 13 collected this term. Manager Alan Knill compromised their attacking style a while ago for a more pragmatic approach, and they've drawn four of their last eight games. Knill could welcome back striker Jordan Robertson and midfielder Michael O'Connor, and his lengthy injury list is now showing signs of easing.

The Iron don't score too many away from home, but have only conceded 17 goals in 13 games. Stocky loan signing Jon Parkin could add a bit of fire up front, but a draw looks the best option.

Back The Draw @ [3.5]
Back 0-0 @ [13.0] & 1-1 @ [7.4] Correct Scores

MK Dons v Bury, KO: Saturday 15:00, Match Odds: MK Dons [1.65] Bury [6.4], The Draw [4.0]

The MK Dons haven't won since January 2nd, a surprise considering their squad strength. Manager Karl Robinson has a growing reputation as an accomplished coach, which has obviously helped in recently signing Newcastle star Alan Smith and lightning-quick Celtic midfielder Paul Slane.

Robinson recently spoke of the need to add to his attacking options, and a newspaper story linked Tottenham midfielder David Bentley with a loan move to Buckinghamshire, which signifies their intent if true. On the pitch the Dons are drawing too many games, and bar the 4-2 defeat to Stevenage, have been held 1-1 or 0-0 in five of their last six matches.

Bury are hugely inconsistent, having defended brilliantly against Charlton in the 1-1 draw, they lost 3-0 at Rochdale in a match they were described as dire. The Shakers were quite negative in their set-up at Charlton, but it worked in stifling the attacking options of the Addicks. The game might be a bit tighter than the market predicts, which gives In-Play options to either wait for a bigger price on the hosts, or back-to-lay the draw later in the game. Ultimately the MK Dons ought to win, but a narrow verdict seems likely.

Back Under 2.5 Goals @ [2.12]
Back MK Dons 1-0 Correct Score @ [8.0]

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The Championship Betting: Must win time for Blades and Lions

Championship / Andrew French / 28 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

Micky Adams’ Sheff Utd side have a tiny chance of achieving Championship safety

"It was the Blades' second consecutive 3-2 win, and the fact they have ground out those two successes shows they are prepared to fight for their survival."

For different reasons, Sheff Utd and Millwall need three points on Saturday, whilst Crystal Palace will be delighted if they can secure a point at Hull. Andrew French explains all.

Sheff Utd v Barnsley

Even to have a chance of staying up, Sheffield United need everything to go their way both this weekend and next. All they can do is win and hope - and I think they have every chance of doing the former. The Blades were all but down when they trailed 2-0 at Reading on Monday, but an amazing rally to win that game has given them a slender lifeline. It was the Blades' second consecutive 3-2 win, and the fact they have ground out those two successes shows they are prepared to fight for their survival. Visitors Barnsley have nothing to play for but pride - and they have won only once in their last eight outings. They have not won any of their last eight away games and, having conceded at least once in each of their last nine games, the evidence points to the home side being able to find the net.

Back Sheff Utd at [2.18]

Millwall v Swansea

One of four teams fighting for the last play-off slot, Millwall are on something of a roll - and how often do we see teams come from outside the top six with a charge at the end of the season? The Lions have won six of their last nine and were lethal in putting away a woeful Preston side at The Den last weekend, following up by just about sending Scunthorpe down to League One with a win at Glanford Park on Monday. Visitors Swansea are assured of being involved in the play-offs, but are not in the greatest form. Monday's win over Ipswich was their first in four attempts, and they have lost more away matches this season (11) than any other team in the top 10. They particularly struggle when visiting the division's better teams, losing seven of their nine games away to top-half opposition.

Back Millwall at [2.46]

Hull v Crystal Palace

A point will be good enough to make sure Palace are playing Championship football again next season, and while no team will ever admit to playing for a draw, you couldn't blame Palace for looking to keep it tight in this one. Their away record suggests they can't risk being too cavalier; their 16 defeats is the highest in the division and their sole victory on the road was way back on October 10. However, the Eagles have been far harder to beat on their travels lately, drawing their last two at Doncaster and Leicester. In fact, their recent run of two defeats in seven shows they have knuckled down just when they've needed to. Hosts Hull can, conceivably, still finish sixth - but it would take an incredible sequence of results. Instead, they are set for a mid-table finish and their home form must give Palace plenty of hope. The Tigers have failed to win 15 of their 22 matches at the KC Stadium, and have been beaten at home by two of the bottom three sides already this season.

Lay Hull at [1.86]

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The Championship Betting: Tractor Boys too sharp for the Blades?

Championship / Andrew French / 03 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Ipswich have won their last two league games under new boss Paul Jewell

"United boss Micky Adams is still seeking his first league victory since taking over at Bramall Lane – the Blades are now without a win in seven league games and they have lost four of their last five away from home."

In a game between new managers, Andrew French believes Paul Jewell's Ipswich will come out on top against Micky Adams' Sheff Utd; whilst wins are also on the cards for both Leeds and Millwall.

Leeds v Coventry

Coventry boss Aidy Boothroyd must really hate the sound of New Year revellers singing Auld Lang Syne. There's something about the turn of the year which seems to bewitch Boothroyd's sides: in his last season at Watford they were clear league leaders early in the season but fell away and missed out on promotion; Colchester were flying last term but saw their good form evaporate in the second half of the season. And now the Sky Blues are also on the decline - they were fifth in the table at the start of December but a run of nine league games without a win has seen them drop to 15th. Leeds, conversely , have been beaten just once in 16 league games since late October. They do draw a fair few, but the fact that they average more than two goals a game against bottom-half sides at Elland Road suggest they will be able to see off a clearly out-of-sorts Coventry.

Back Leeds at [1.72] to beat Coventry

Millwall v Doncaster

I'm surprised layers are prepared to price up Millwall quite so generously at The Den right now. Kenny Jackett's side have won five on the trot in front of their own fans, scoring 12 and conceding just one. The Lions have shown they can despatch bottom-half sides at home, winning six in eight attempts. Doncaster struggle defensively on the road (conceded 30 in 13 away games), particularly recently as they have shipped 11 goals in their last four trips, losing three and drawing the other. Further, Donny have not won away from home against a top-half side this season and have conceded more than three goals a game when they visit teams above halfway in the league. That suggests Millwall should be shorter than 1.91.

Back Millwall at [1.91] to beat Doncaster

Ipswich v Sheff Utd

A match which is a meeting of two managers faced with stopping the rot when they arrived at their new club - and at the moment, I'm more inclined to back Paul Jewell's Ipswich revival. The Tractor Boys have won their last two league games and also gained plenty of respect for the way they handled themselves in their Carling Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal. United boss Micky Adams is still seeking his first league victory since taking over at Bramall Lane - the Blades are now without a win in seven league games and they have lost four of their last five away from home.

Back Ipswich at [2.02] to beat Sheff Utd

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