Another 50% day on Saturday for my pregame tips. Doncaster were generally woeful and lost 3-2 at home to Stevenage, but Huddersfield turned things around and won by the same scoreline so it was only a tiny loss money wise.
On a much brighter note I managed to tip 6 winners from 7 inplay bets on Twitter which really boosted the betting bank. I hope some readers managed to get on.
After doing a load more research today here are my best bets for Sunday’s games.
Nottingham Forest v West Ham
FA Cup 12.00pm
Sam Allardyce has made it clear that the FA Cup is far from a priority for West Ham this season, turning his attention to survival in the Premier League.
To add to their lenghty injury list which includes Tomkins, Morrison, Noble, Vaz Te, Collins, Carroll and Reid; skipper Kevin Nolan also misses out after picking up a red card at the weekend. Allardyce has already confirmed that up to 7 youngsters will get game time in this cup tie.
Forest, although solid, have been struggling for goals recently, but I think this game is where things turn themselves around. The return of Darius Henderson will make them more dangerous.
I considered taking the Nottingham Forest win, but I reckon there could be a fair few goals in this, and in my eyes the over 1.5 team goals holds more value.
Port Vale v Plymouth Argyle
FA Cup 3.00pm
League 1 Port Vale take on League 2 Plymouth here and I’m quite surprised to find the home side available at around even money for this FA Cup tie.
Looking a little further into team news, I also found that top scorer Conor Lavery has been blocked from playing by Sheffield Wednesday (he’s on loan at Plymouth). That’s going to affect their balance, and it’s not really what you need when you’re facing a club one tier higher.
Recent form has been good for the visitors, but Lavery has scored 3 of their last 8 goals. Importantly, first choice keeper Luke McCormick will also miss out, with replacement Jake Cole (only 1 appearance this season) deputising.
Port Vale have taken to League 1 like a duck to water after being promoted last season, and will want to stamp their authority over last seasons opposition (Vale beat Plymouth 4-1 and 3-1 last term).
Vale are likely to be without midfielder Chris Lines after picking up a knock at the weekend, but that’s about the only problem they have coming in to this game. Striker Gavin Tomlin has netted 3 in as many games and 21 year old Jordan Hudgill might have kept his spot in the team after scoring a consolation a the weekend.
In my opinion Port Vale will have too much for Plymouth, and at even money for the win I make it very good value.
