Sky Bet Weekend Preview - 21/08
AFC Wimbledon v Hartlepool United:
It is easy to see why AFC Wimbledon are odds-on at 10/11 with the title sponsors to win this, having started the League Two campaign unbeaten in their opening matches. They rode their luck a little in midweek at Southend but managed to prevail with a 1-0 success. That leaves them in fifth place while Hartlepool (3/1) sit second bottom in the early standings with nothing to show yet from their three League games plus a poor exit from the Capital One Cup. They’ll break the sequence sooner rather than later, but manager Colin Cooper admits his side are giving away goals cheaply and there could be some more here.
Top Tip: Over 2.5 goals at even-money.
Accrington Stanley v Luton Town:
Stanley are the 19/10 outsiders with Sky Bet having dropped to the foot of the table following a 4-0 loss at Shrewsbury in midweek – that is three defeats on the spin for James Beattie’s side. Luton (11/8) sit in mid-table after a steadier start but home advantage should help Beattie get some sort of return and the draw could be worth a look at 12/5.
Top Tip: Draw at 12/5.
Bury v Plymouth Argyle:
Plymouth Argyle (3/1) lead Bury (10/11) on a goal difference in the early stages of the campaign with the home side having steadied the ship after home defeat on the opening day. The Pilgrims battled out a 1-1 draw with Stevenage in midweek, grabbing a point thanks to an ultra-late penalty. Both of these sides look capable in front of goal, which ought to make for entertaining fare here.
Top Tip: Both teams to score at 5/6.
Cambridge United v Morecambe:
Morecambe may be top of the league after a perfect start to the league season but they rate as 5/2 chances here with Sky Bet on the road. Cambridge look sure to provide a decent test though on their own patch after a 2-2 draw in midweek at York and it would be a surprise if this were not a well-fought contest with some goals. Those fancying early action might be interested in the 4/1 that both teams score in the first half.
Top Tip: Draw at 9/4.
Carlisle United v Southend United:
Carlisle United could not break the deadlock at Cheltenham in midweek despite a lively debut from Ipswich loanee Jack Marriott. But it at least secured a first point of the season and offers them something to build upon. They are 9/5 chances with Sky Bet for a first victory. Southend (7/5) were edged out by Wimbledon in midweek but should have got something from the game as they created numerous chances. With that in mind and Marriott’s sharp form, goals could be on the agenda.
Top Tip: Both teams to score at 8/11.
Dagenham & Redbridge v Mansfield Town:
The Daggers were efficient in midweek as they saw off struggling Hartlepool on the road and are 7/5 with Sky bet to follow up back at home. Mansfield like to keep things simple and defend well on the whole and they go into this as 15/8 chances with the draw 23/10. This looks like being tight and a low-scoring prediction could be the way to go with your wagers.
Top Tip: Under 2.5 goals at 8/11.
Exeter City v York City:
Exeter City are in search of their first Sky Bet League 2 win of the season when York make the long journey down to Devon on Saturday. The visitors are the 6/4 favourites to claim victory as they look for their opening success after three draws in a row. Exeter can be backed at 9/5 and the draw is available at 9/4. There has been a goal in the last 10 minutes in all three of York’s opening matches so take a look at the 18/1 for the first goal of the game to arrive after the 81st minute.
Top Tip: First goal to be scored after the 81st minute at 18/1
Newport County v Burton Albion:
Newport will hope this is the weekend they claim their first Sky Bet League 2 point of the season but they face a tough task against high-flying Burton. Newport are 19/10 to pick up three points but Burton have been priced up as the favourites at 7/5. The draw can be backed at 9/4. Stuart Beavon, who has scored in two of Burton’s first three games, is the 6/1 favourite to score first, while Newport duo Rene Howe and Aaron O’Connor are both available at 7/1.
Top Tip: Stuart Beavon to score in both the first and second half at 18/1
Northampton Town v Shrewsbury Town:
Shrewsbury have enjoyed their return to League 2 so far with seven points acquired from their first three games. Next up is a trip to Northampton and the Shrews are 13/8 to claim three points on their travels. Northampton are 8/5 to claim victory and the draw can be backed at 23/10. There has been over 2.5 goals in all three of Shrewsbury’s League 2 matches so far and you can get evens for that bet to come in again.
Top Tip: Over 2.5 goals at evens
Oxford United v Portsmouth:
This match at the Kassam Stadium sees fourth from bottom host fourth from top. Visitors Portsmouth are the 7/5 favourites to walk away with the three points, while Oxford can be supported at 15/8 and the draw is 23/10. Pompey striker Craig Westcarr is the 5/1 favourite to net first. The top two Oxford contenders are Danny Hylton and Carlton Morris, both priced up at 6/1. Goals have been the main problem for Oxford so far this season and a low-scoring contest could be on the cards.
Top Tip: Under 1.5 goals at 9/4
Stevenage v Wycombe Wanderers:
Stevenage are the 13/10 favourites to claim victory against a Wycombe side who suffered their first League 2 defeat of the season in midweek. You can get 21/10 for the Chairboys to bounce back with three points and the draw is 23/10. The game has been goalless at half-time in two of Stevenage’s first three matches of the campaign and you can get 13/8 for no goals to have arrived by the break on Saturday.
Top Tip: Half-time score to be 0-0 at 13/8
Tranmere Rovers v Cheltenham Town:
Tranmere picked up their first League 2 win of the season in midweek and are 11/8 favourites to make it back-to-back victories on Saturday. Cheltenham provide the opposition at Prenton Park and the Robins can be backed at 19/10 for the three points. The draw is available at 12/5. Both these sides will be hoping to prove their credentials and it could be close so going draw/draw in the half-time/full-time market is an interesting option.
Top Tip: Draw/draw in half-time/full-time market at 4/1
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