As the festive football schedule heats up, three intriguing fixtures from the National League take centre stage for bettors this week.
Dagenham & Redbridge welcome Braintree Town in a matchup that pits a strong home side against a struggling Braintree team battling relegation. Oldham face York City in a clash between a strong home outfit and a visiting side looking to improve their defensive form on the road.
Finally, in another National League encounter, Boston United host Solihull Moors in a Boxing Day showdown where Boston’s desperate search for points meets Solihull’s attacking firepower.
This article breaks down each game, analysing form, stats, and trends to uncover the best value in the betting markets. Whether you're looking for goal-heavy encounters, defensive mismatches, or outright winners, these games offer plenty of opportunities to make your picks count.
Dagenham & Redbridge vs Braintree Town
Dagenham currently sit 15th in the National League with a record of W7-D7-L8, scoring 35 goals, which ranks them among the top eight teams in the league for goals scored. Despite their mid-table position, Dagenham boast the seventh-best home record, earning 21 points from 11 matches (W6-D3-L2).
Their only home defeats have come against league leaders York and Barnet, who are tied at the top of the table on goal difference. Notably, Dagenham have defeated strong sides like Gateshead (fourth) and Rochdale (sixth) at home, proving they can compete with the league’s top teams. However, defensively, they remain vulnerable, as only three teams have conceded more shots at home than Dagenham.
Their opponents, Braintree, have struggled since their promotion last season and sit 21st in the league, firmly in the relegation zone. They began the season with a defensive approach, with just two match goals in their opening four matches, including three 0-0 draws. A managerial change has brought a more open style of play, but this has come at the cost of defensive solidity. Since the sacking of the previous manager, Braintree’s matches have averaged 3.2 goals per game, with the team conceding at least two goals in all five matches.
On the road, Braintree’s form has been poor, with a record of W1-D2-L8, scoring just 10 goals while conceding an average of two per game. They have now allowed two or more goals in seven of their 11 away fixtures, including six of their last eight matches. This leaky defence will likely struggle to contain a Dagenham side that is strong at home and potent in attack.
- Best Bet: Dagenham win at 2.0 with Betway
Oldham vs York City
Oldham sit fifth in the division, just five points off the top, with an impressive record of W12-D7-L2, having conceded only 19 goals all season. At home, they have been particularly strong, boasting a record of W7-D3-L1 and scoring in every one of their 11 home matches. They average two goals per game at home and rank fifth in the league for shots on target from home fixtures. Their attacking potency has seen them score 38 goals this season, with only four teams netting more at home.
York, on the other hand, have an excellent home record but have struggled to replicate that form on the road. They have won just four of their 11 away matches (W4-D5-L2) and have now conceded in each of their last five away games, bringing their total to seven matches with goals conceded on the road. Notably, two of York’s four away clean sheets came against teams currently sitting 18th and 19th in the league.
While York have a solid overall defensive record, they have been vulnerable on their travels. Against an Oldham side that ranks fifth for expected goals and consistently finds the net at home, York’s defence will face a stern test. This clash could highlight Oldham’s strong attacking form, particularly on their home turf.
- Best Bet: Both teams to score at 1.80 with 888 Sport
Boston vs Solihull Moors
Boston United host Solihull Moors on Boxing Day in a clash between two sides in contrasting form. Boston have endured a tough season, collecting just 15 points from 22 matches and managing only three wins. Their home form has been particularly poor, with a record of W1-D3-L7.
However, they have managed to score in eight of their 11 home games, with both teams finding the net in the same number of matches. If Boston are to have any hope of survival this season, they must improve their home performances. Although they have failed to score in their last three games, all of those were on the road.
Solihull Moors, on the other hand, sit seventh in the table and firmly in the playoff spots with 35 points from 23 games, including 10 wins. Despite their solid position, defensive frailties have been an issue, with the team conceding in 17 of their 20 matches this season.
Solihull have been prolific on the road, scoring in nine of their 11 away games, and only two sides have scored more away goals than them this season. However, they have struggled for clean sheets, managing just one in their last 15 games—a dominant 6-0 win over Ebbsfleet.
Solihull have scored in 10 of their last 12 matches, with both teams finding the net in their last three and five of their last seven games. While Solihull’s defence can be leaky, their attacking firepower should prove too much for a Boston side desperate for points. A goal from Boston, who are fighting relegation is likely given the records of both teams, but Solihull will likely secure a comfortable win in this encounter.
- Best Bet: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 2.05 with Betway
Upcoming match previews and betting tips
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