Six teams, six goals, and a 7/2 winner. That’s the plan for Saturday afternoon with our both teams to score treble, with all three selections coming from the Football League.
We’ve picked one game from the three FL72 divisions, and let’s just hope it will be an afternoon packed with drama… and, more importantly, goals.
Here are our selections,
Nottingham Forest v Bristol City
Nottingham Forest finally sacked Philippe Montanier last weekend, and will be hoping to see it launch an improved run of form. However, they shouldn’t expect to have things all their own way as they face Bristol City at the City Ground.
The Reds have struggled for results and goals in recent weeks, failing to win any of their last seven Championship matches. On a brighter note, 21 goals in 12 home games is cause for optimism, especially as the visitors have leaked 22 on the road.
Lee Johnson’s men have scored 18 on the road, though, even if that’s only resulted in two wins from 13. Tammy Abrahamm and co. are more than capable of capitalising on the vulnerabilities of the home defence too, just as they did in the 2-1 home win over Forest back in October.
Both teams score. Both teams concede. And both teams are joined on 27 points after 26 games. If that isn’t a recipe for a both teams to score winner, what is?
Walsall v Bristol Rovers
Goals have been a regular theme for Bristol Rovers this term, who sit in the top three in the League One charts for both goals scored and conceded. The Gas head to the Bescot on Saturday, and there’s no reason to think the goals will dry up at either end.
The visitors have lost their last five on the road, but they’ve only failed to find the net in three of their 13 away games overall. With the firepower of Matt Taylor and Ellis Harrison among their arsenal, Darrell Clarke’s side should score once more against a home side that has leaked 20 in 13 home games.
Jonathan Whitney’s men have scored 21 home goals too, though, while Rovers have shipped a massive 28 on their travels. That should allow the hosts to score, especially given the away side’s recent troubles on the road.
September’s reverse clash ended in a 1-1 draw. Do not be surprised if this one ends in a score draw too.
Accrington Stanley v Carlisle United
High-flying Carlisle have seen their form dip in recent weeks, but their hopes of automatic promotion from League Two remain strong. Saturday’s trip to Accrington offers a fantastic opportunity for them to get their hopes back on track, but they should be prepared for a test.
The Cumbrians have scored 21 away goals this term, and will be looking to Charlie Wyke and Jason Kennedy for attacking inspiration here. In truth, though, the bulk of their recent troubles have been in defence, which is highlighted by a run of eight straight BTTS winners in all competitions as well as 20 goals conceded on the road.
Accrington aren’t the most frequent scorers, but have found the net twice in each of their last two home games. Increasing their tally of 15 goals in 12 games at the Wham Stadium shouldn’t be too difficult for John Coleman’s side. Nevertheless, the gulf in quality means that Carlisle are likely to join the scoreboard, especially as seven of Stanley’s last nine home matches have ended in BTTS winners too.
The clubs shared a 1-1 draw at Brunton Park earlier in the campaign. Every aspect suggests that both teams will score on Saturday too.
