Cheltenham's resurgence under Darrell Clarke contrasts sharply with Wycombe's continued struggles, setting the stage for a tactical showdown. Meanwhile, an anticipated goal fest in the Peterborough vs Wigan clash underscores the attacking prowess on display in League One this weekend.
Cheltenham vs Wycombe
When Darrell Clarke took over at Cheltenham in late September they had just one point and had scored just one goal from their opening 10 games. He has now been in charge for 17 games and if we exclude the opening game as he was appointed the day before their fixture with Lincoln they have a record of W6-D4-L6 and have the 10th best record in the division over 16 games which is very strong given where Cheltenham were. In contrast Wycombe over the last 16 games have a record of W1-D8-L7 and sit 3rd bottom over the that period.
Wycombe are in serious danger of being dragged into a relegation scrap and have now won just three of their last 20 League games. They haven’t won on the road since 7th October and have now scored just twice in their last six away fixtures. Manager Matt Bloomfield is still relatively inexperienced and the pressure is mounting.
Given the recent form of both clubs I am happy to take Cheltenham but want the draw onside so Cheltenham 0.0AH looks the best play which is best priced 10/11 with Bet365
Peterborough vs Wigan
Goals look on the agenda here with Posh the leagues top scorers with 54 goals in their 28 games. At home they are averaging 2.38 goals and have scored 2+ goals in 11 of their 13 home fixtures including in each of their last 10.
Posh sit 2nd for shots and no side has had more shots on target than them at home this season in League One. The hosts will set up with their usual attacking team and should continue their excellent home form but I do think they can be got aft and wouldn’t be surprised to see them concede. Posh have now played 13 times against the top half this season and have kept just two clean sheets.
Wigan have scored in 12 of 14 away days this season with 10 of 14 seeing both teams scoring. Across the season they have now found the net in 24 of their 28 games. Despite Wigan spending a large spell of this season looking over their shoulders at the bottom three they have now pulled away and without their 8 point deduction would sit 9th.
With both sides having such a strong record of goals I want to get with goals and the best angle is to take over 2.5 goals and for both sides to score which can be backed at 11/10 with Bet365
Tranmere vs Crewe
I am going to stay with goals as we drop into League Two with this game.
The hosts have seen 12 of their 14 home games have at least three with an average of 3.43 goals so far this season and both teams have found the net in 10. Rovers have now scored two or more goals in 10 of their home matches, so goals do look likely.
Nigel Adkins has made his side play open football with 15 of his 20 games having at least three goals and 13 seeing both teams to score. It’s fair to say that it took a little bit of time for Adkins to get his side to play with W1-D1-L5 in the opening seven games but now its W8-D2-L3, scoring in 11 with an average of 2.08 goals scored per game. However, over the last 13 games they have conceded in 11 with shut outs coming against Forest Green, who sit bottom and Harrogate.
Crewe have scored in 26 of their 29 games this season with an average of 1.90 goals scored per game. The Alex did have a little spell where they struggled to win games with W0-D3-L3 but have now bounced back with four wins from their last five. On the road Crewe have scored in 12 of their 14 away days which both teams finding the net in 10, so it’s no surprise that their away games average 3.36 goals. Only three teams have scored more per game on the road than The Alex and just four sides have had more shots on target.
With the numbers so strong for goals it makes sense to back goals. Over 2.5 goals is only 4/6 but if we add both teams to score as well we can boost this to 10/11 with Skybet
Best Bets
- Cheltenham 0.0AH at 10/11 with Bet365
- Peterborough vs Wigan – BTTS and over 2.5 goals at 11/10 with Bet365
- Tranmere vs Crewe – BTTS and over 2.5 goals at 10/11 with Skybet
