All eyes will be cast towards the FA Cup third round this weekend but there are also a number of matches across English football’s bottom divisions and we’ve mixed cup and league action for this BTTS treble.
We’re backing these six teams to start 2015 with a goal and are hopeful of turning £10 into £55 at SkyBet. It would certainly be a good start to the New Year.
Game on!
Charlton Athletic V Blackburn Rovers
The FA Cup clash between Championship rivals Charlton and Blackburn might not grab the headlines in terms of public appeal, but it is a match that could bring plenty of action.
Rovers have been a firm favourite on the BTTS coupon this term, scoring 35 and conceding 33 from their 24 league encounters. A lot of those games, including their last seven on the road have ended with both teams on the scoresheet and there is no reason to think that sequence will end in the capital.
The Addicks have hit a real bad patch in recent weeks, failing to win any of their past seven, but will be quietly confident at the Valley. Bob Peeters’ men were beaten 2-0 at Ewood Park just three weeks ago but they should be in with a better chance in front of their own fans, especially after scoring three in their past two home games.
A replay probably wouldn’t suit Charlton so the hosts must adopt an attacking approach. That should suit Blackburn, and our bet, just fine.
BTTS Yes @ 4/5 with SkyBet
Port Vale V Gillingham
Peter Taylor was one of December’s least documented managerial casualties but his former club will be hoping to enjoy a new lease of life, starting with the trip to Vale Park.
The Gills are hovering dangerously one place above the dreaded bottom four and have won just twice on the road all term. However, a return of 10 goals isn’t too displeasing and they can be confident against a home side that has leaked 15 in 11 home games.
However, Port Vale will be the favourites for this one and it would be a real surprise if Robert Page’s side fail to find the target. The hosts have hit nine in their past five home encounters and the uncertainties at Priestfield could help them in their quest for three points here.
This probably hasn’t got the makings of a seven-goal thriller but there should be ample opportunity for both teams to score.
BTTS Yes @ 4/5 with SkyBet
Exeter City V Accrington Stanley
Goals have been a common feature for League Two rivals Exeter and Accrington Stanley and we cannot see that changing as the two clubs collide at St James’ Park.
Exeter edged a five-goal thriller when these sides met in November at the Store First and there should be plenty of goalscoring opportunities in this reverse fixture. The hosts have registered 17 goals in just 12 home games whilst Accrington boast 14 in 11 away matches.
Equally pleasing, in terms of this bet selection, is the leaky nature of the respective defences. Exeter have shipped 13 times at St James’ Park whilst the visitors have conceded 22 on the road. It is worth noting that Stanley are improving under new boss John Coleman, but that shouldn’t prevent the home side from scoring too.
Last year’s corresponding fixture ended in a 1-0 win to the visitors. However, the hosts are a much stronger outfit this season and we’d expect both teams to start the New Year with a goal.
BTTS Yes @ 8/11 with SkyBet
A £10 treble returns £55.96 with SkyBet
