It’s the final weekend of fixtures before Christmas, so a weekend winner would be very handy indeed. Hopefully these six teams can provide it.
We’ve picked three games on Saturday’s BTTS coupon, and have huge optimism that this 7/2 treble will come in to make it a very merry Christmas. Here are our selections.
Stoke City v Leicester City
Claudio Ranieri’s men are still without a win on the road, and the champions will be determined to end that run on Saturday afternoon at the stadium. While they certainly boast the quality, they shouldn’t expect to have things all their own way against the Potters.
The Foxes will be more than a little concerned at their return of just six away goals, but Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and Islam Silmani are more than capable of notching against a home side that has conceded 11 in eight home games.
Stoke are having a fairly decent season, though, in spite of Tuesday’s 0-0 with Southampton. Mark Hughes’ men were restricted by the early red card there, so the lack of a goal shouldn’t be too concerning, especially against an away side that’s leaked 19 on the road.
It could be a close affair, but both teams should have their chances. Back both teams to score.
BTTS Yes @ 7/10
Gillingham v MK Dons
In League One, the MK Dons have seen positive steps since replacing Karl Robinson with Robbie Neilson, winning back-to-back league and cup home matches during the last week. And they’ll be heading to Priestfield with an added spring in their step, especially as their away form has largely been better than their home record.
The visitors have won five of 10 away games, compared to just one in the league at home. Perhaps more crucially, Dean Bowditch and co. have netted 15 on the road. Given their recent run, they should have every reason to believe that this form will continue against Gillingham, particularly as the hosts shipped four at Bolton on Monday night.
Justin Edinburgh’s men are no pushovers, though, and enter this clash on the back of a five-game unbeaten run on home turf. Meanwhile, 11 of 12 matches at Priestfield have ended in BTTS winners this term.
Both teams are stronger in attack than defence. Let’s hope that shows once more.
BTTS Yes @ 7/10
Southport v Eastleigh
Southport may be sitting just one point above the National League drop zone but goals haven’t been a problem for Steve Burr’s men at Haig Avenue, and they should fancy their chances of scoring against Eastleigh – even if they are up against it in terms of getting the win.
The home side have scored 16 in their 12 home league games while they additionally hit four away at Farsley Celtic in the FA Trophy last weekend. Given that the visitors have conceded 15 on their travels, the hosts will at least be expected to get themselves on the scoreboard.
Eastleigh are a stronger outfit, though, and have scored 16 at the right end on the road, as well as two at Halifax in the FA Trophy. Mikael Mandron and co. will be up for this one, which could be key to reigniting their play-off hopes under Martin Allen.
We’d edge towards an away win, but think the smarter money is with goals.
BTTS Yes @ 8/13
A £10 treble pays £46.80
