The weekend is always our favourite time of the week here at Goals Galore with so many fixtures to choose from domestically, we are spoilt for choice.
We have avoided the Premier League once more as the league continues to have low scoring games and too many clean sheets, however we have found solace lower down the tree. Our treble below contains a Championship belter and two ties from our favourite division for goals this season- League Two.
Mansfield Town v Morecambe – 3.00pm Saturday – SkyBet 8/11
League Two is where we start as two sides dreadfully out of form in Mansfield and Morecambe lock horns and attempt to turn their recent fortunes around. Mansfield have failed to register a win in nine matches and their previous fives ties have ended in defeat. Morecambe are in a more privileged position, higher up the table but in recent times they have tasted victory just once in eight games, a record they will be convinced of changing on Saturday.
Mansfield may well be struggling of late but they’re still managing to find the net, last weekend they lost away to Fleetwood but scored four goals on the way to a 5-4 defeat. In their last home tie The Stags lost to league leaders Oxford United 3-1 after getting a man sent off in the first half but managed to find the back of the net with just ten mean. Mansfield also stuck eight past St Albans in the FA Cup and I can see them adding to their goal tally this weekend.
Morecambe are the visitors on Saturday and come into the game also desperate to turn their recent results around. The Shrimps have a decent away record and have picked up important victories on the road this season in games they weren’t expected to win including Burton Albion, Bury and Newport County. I can see this being a close scoreline with plenty of goals.
Fleetwood v Oxford United – 3.00pm Saturday – SkyBet 5/6
We were pleased when our eyes scanned over this fixture this week as this match up is made for Goals Galore in what is a massive game for both teams. The Yellows of Oxford have a sensational away record having yet to lose and you would be brave to back them to suffer their first considering they are top of the table, however Fleetwood bring plenty to the party, they’re currently in fifth and are mounting a serious challenge for promotion this year.
Fleetwood have conceded at least one goal in each of their last nine home matches and with the league leaders visiting you just know they’re going to concede, so that gets that out of the way. Scoring certainly hasn’t been much of a problem later, they are scoring for fun, having found the back of the net 11 times in their previous three home matches including four Sarcevic goals. Anytime Goalscorer?
Oxford United are undefeated on their travels this season, picking up six wins and two draws, however they were held to a 0-0 draw in their last outing at home to Newport and I think this is a sign their form is coming to an end. I still expect The U’s to score as they have done so often this season but with injuries hitting their squad in time for the weekend, they may well struggle to win the goals race.
Wigan Athletic v Derby County – 3.00pm Sunday – SkyBet 8/11
One of our many signals we look out for when choosing our selections, are when two sides go into a game expecting to win. Wigan and Derby meet on Sunday and both will be disappointed at anything other than a play off place when the season ends, and therefore will be looking to fixtures like these to pick up three points.
Wigan have plenty to juggle this season with the Europa League being a distraction which must be having some sort of affect on their league form. On paper they have one of the best squads in the division but have yet to make their mark, and the pressure is mounting on new manager Owen Coyle. Loan signing Will Keane from Manchester United, and an England under 21 international is bound to give them a boost and with the likes of Holt, McArthur, Gomez and Maloney I expect the Latics to score a goal or two.
Derby County are the second most dangerous side in the division away from home, behind table toppers Burnley and that is why we have ourselves a cracker here. The Rams have scored at least one goal in their last seven matches and I fully expect them to do so here. Wigan will be tired after their Europa League game on Thursday and despite their attacking talents, they will find themselves wanting at the back. Derby have found the net against the most water tight of sides including QPR at Loftus Road who have conceded just two goals in total this season at home. This Derby side can breach any defence. Bring on the goals!
