A lack of Premier League and Championship football means we’ll be casting our attentions to the lower leagues for goals galore on Saturday afternoon, and we’ve picked three games in which we expect both sides to find the target.
With one game from League One and two from League Two, let’s hope that all six of our selected teams will find the target. Here are our selections.
Walsall v Shrewsbury Town
Table-topping Shrewsbury remain unbeaten after 11 games in League One and can make the weekend trip to Walsall in very high spirits. However, the Shrews shouldn’t expect to have things all their own way at the Bescot in what should be a very competitive fixture.
The visitors have netted eight in five away games and have found the net in all 11 league games this term. While Stefan Payne is leading the way, the fact that Paul Hurst’s men are scoring from all over the pitch makes an away goal look even more likely. Not least because Walsall have shipped eight in five home games.
Jonathan Whitney’s men have scored 10 times during that spell, however, which has been enough to see them remain unbeaten on home turf. While a poor away record has cost them dearly, the firepower of Tyler Roberts and Amadou Bakayoko should give them confidence of penetrating the Shrews defence.
Both teams can have reason for optimism. We’re backing both teams to score.
Carlisle United v Exeter City
Keith Curle’s Cumbrians have endured a strange opening quarter to 2017-18, and could be in for another difficult afternoon on Saturday afternoon as they take on high-flying Exeter. Nonetheless, the hosts have shown an ability to score goals, and can at least hope to give the Grecians a run for their money.
The hosts may have only picked up a single win at Brunton Park, but they do boast six goals in five games while Reggie Lambe and Hallam Hope are more than capable of finding the net. Given the long distance that Exeter have to travel too, a home goal looks fairly likely.
Nonetheless, it’s hard to ignore Exeter’s attacking qualities. Reuben Reid and Jayden Stockley have cumulatively notched 11 goals while Paul Tisdale’s side have registered 10 in five away matches. Despite conceding eight, that has seen them pick up 10 points on their travels.
Exeter’s recent poor form should leave the door open for Carlisle to score too. While we’d edge towards the away win, we think the best bet is to back goals.
Cheltenham Town v Swindon Town
Staying in League Two, Swindon make the short trip to Cheltenham with high hopes of getting their campaign back on track with three points that could fire them back into the play-off spots. But they should be prepared for a battle at Whaddon Road.
Cheltenham might be sitting in the bottom half but a return of 10 points from the last four games should inspire confidence from Gary Johnson’s side despite the fact that Swindon boast three clean sheets in five away games. If they can create chances for Mo Eisa, there should be goals in it for the hosts.
Nevertheless, David Flitcroft’s men have every reason to fancy their chances after winning four of five on their travels. Luke Norris and co. can take advantage of the home side’s defensive deficiencies, and a good away following should spur them on.
Both sides will be desperate to seal three points in this one. Whatever happens, it should be an entertaining clash with chances at each end.
