League One betting, Charlton - Scunthorpe

The Addicks made a perfect start with all three wins over decent oppositions. Bournemouth at home and two away wins at pretty tough places, Notts County and Colchester (goal diff 6-1). Goalie, Rob Elliot, stays for now, since club has rejected an offer from Newcastle. After 10 years, Jason Euell, returned to the Valley and should make a first start for the club.

After a relegation from the 2nd tier, Scunny had to release several players (total of 10), including few keys. They started the season with two draws and home defeat in previous round vs. North End. I don’t expect too much from them this season. Glanford Park should be a hell place for many league sides and that should be enough for avoiding relegation, but far from play-off ambitions. Winger, Jimmy Ryan, will face a fitness test, while skipper Cliff Byrne (DEF) and Jordan Robertson (STR) continue to miss out. 

Honestly, I am well surprised with these odds on Charlton. The hosts are serious promotion contenders and have been playing quite well, not a single reason to stop now. Early pick, since I expect it's gonna drop to 1.65-1.70. 

Bet: Charlton -0,5

Odd: 1.80 Pinnacle

Stake: 7/10

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Championship 30 Apr - Preview of the round, betting tips and previews

Nottingham Forest - Scunthorpe

The most interesting will be the fight for the last play-off space. Forest have clear calculation. They’ll get it with six points from games against, all but predictable, Scunny at home and Palace on the road that could be a real last day cracker. The main problem is defence line that conceded 17 goals on last 7 games. Scunny could be able score and push this game in over. But also, a sensation is not a strange word for the visitors. They defeated Forest at home, where also trashed the leaders QPR (4-1). On the road shocked Hull and Reading. It’s an easy choice to leave this game alone.

Leeds - Burnley (1:45 cet)

Leeds need to win both times (in last round they’ll visit QPR who btw. could face a penalty and points deduction at Tuesday) and to hope Forest (and Millwall of course) will slip somewhere. After they wasted many points in last five rounds it’s not so big chance, but Leeds are the kings of drama and since the end of golden era in 90s just very few times they haven’t presented a stressful finish to their fans. Burnley noticed only a draw at home vs. Pompey, it could affect their morale but they’re still one point above Leeds. Draw is unacceptable for both sides and whoever will take a lead, will also try to improve goal difference for the final ranking. I could give some advantage to Leeds, but my main choice will be goals.

Millwall - Swansea

There will be hell, the Lions are in the race again and packed Den will host Swans. They won six of last nine games and big boost is a return of their key man and top scorer, Steve Morison, after he served a three match suspension. Swansea have secured their play-off spot where they will probably face Reading. Reasons for a good effort are 4th place (playing re-match at home) and improving recent away record (a draw and four defeats out of last five) and self-confidence before decisive matches. It will be hard, since Swans have a discouraging record on the road against top side teams, losing seven out of nine. Another thing is very interesting. In the previous game, Brendan Rodgers left on the bench probably his best player - Scott Sinclair. He said that young player has never played the full season, looks very tired and he’ll try to manage it. If you’re afraid for the best player, the Den is definitely not a place for him. So, maybe he will just save him for play-off.

Derby - Bristol City

Derby are safe, but looked in a very good shape, putting some more than decent displays recently. Defeated Leeds at home, grabbed a point at Loftus Road and undeservedly lost at Norwich in 96th minute. A win in the last home game could be a satisfaction. This will be also the last game for Robbie Savage and I can expect some additional effort from the players for their skipper. City are also safe, but look like they are already planning summer holidays as they’ve noticed four defeats and a draw out of last five. They will also miss the best striker, Nicky Maynard.

Hull City - Crystal Palace

Hull blew their play-off chances, Palace need a point to be mathematically safe. The hosts haven’t won in 15 of 22 home games, losing vs. bottom sides Scunny and Sheff Utd. Palace are a tough nut to crack on the road recently, taking two points from last two trips (Donny and Leicester). Four of last five games between these clubs ended undecided. This game has a draw written all over it. 

Bet 1: Leeds - Burnley, over 2.50, Odd: 1.80 Interwetten, Stake: 8/10

Bet 2: Millwall -0.25, Odd: 2.11 Canbet, Stake: 8/10

Bet 3: Derby to win, Odd: 2.30 William Hill, Stake: 7/10

Gamble: Hull - C.Palace, draw @ 3.75 bet365, Stake: 2/10

(Early bets, since the odds will probably drop tomorrow.)

*table taken from bet365.com

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Preston - Coventry

Preston demolished Scunthorpe in the previous round (0-3 away), they’re still far from relegation line (10 points), but they’ll probably give a good try. That win stands alone, but lately North End played against the team from the top. Against Leeds and Burnley lost, but took a draw vs. Norwich, Nott Forest, QPR and Watford. Preston have never lost at Deepdale against City (6 wins of last 7) and have just one defeat in last 13 both at home and away. No injury worries for Phil Brown.

Coventry are in a better position (8 points above the line), but actually facing a free fall since they have just one win out of last 17 games (winless in last six). Manager Boothroyd paid the price for poor results, they have a caretaker Andy Thorn, played a draw at Burnley (2-2) in the midweek, but actually Coventry are the best chance that Preston have to keep their hopes alive. Some important players are sidelined, or in doubt. Striker King is suspended, defender Cranie injured, while another striker Platt and skipper Carsley will have a late fitness test.

This is the first “make or break” game for Preston, they boosted the confidence with impressive display at Scunthorpe and Coventry surely aren’t unbeatable. I expect a tough match, but believe in Phil Brown’s capabilities and predict a home win. 2-1 correct score.

Bet: Preston -0.25
Odd: 2.07 Canbet
Stake: 7/10
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Scunthorpe - Nottingham Forest

At the first glance, Nott Forest look like an obvious choice. Both sides are going in the opposite directions and their recent forms leave no doubt.
But, first I was struggling to find any value in the offered price. 1.70-1.80 for away win in Championship? Then realized Forest actually have Cardiff on the corner in, which I assume, will be a game of the season for them. So, I don’t think they’ll push till their limits tonight, in their minds they will probably be somewhere else, Billy Davies wouldn’t certainly like to see some injuries in the mud of Glanford Park and Forest defeated Scunthorpe just once in last six occasions, both at home and away.
I don’t have any problem to leave this game alone. No bet.

Pity for Cardiff last night...
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Saturday's results

Considering shocks yesterday, I should be satisfied these games. However, I could buy a house from a money that Scunthorpe have burnt in past 2 years.

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Reading - Scunthorpe 1-2  LOST

Sheffield Wednesday - Dag & Red 2-0 WON

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Statistics:

Yield: +2%

Profit: +0.32

See all bets

Reading - Scunthorpe

Reading have been significantly improving under Brian McDermott (in charge since last December). In pre-season, they defeated Wolves 2-1 and S’ton on the road 4-2 and raised self confidence. Squad’s quality should guarantee a fight for a play-off. Federici is, in my opinion, best goalie in the second tier. Sigurdsson scored a bunch (think 17) from midfield role, Simon Church and Shane Long have a future in Premier as well as few more players. McDermott worries about the fitness of some players. Ingimarsson, Kebe and Noel Hunt should be fit, Chris Armstrong is out.

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Scunny’s survival from previous season was a miracle, not surprise. But, problem is they lost attacking duo Paul Hayes (went to Preston) and their talisman Gary Hooper (Celtic) who were keeping them over the line. There’s still enough time to hire some players, but at this moment they’re contender number one to relegate. Their hope, as always, will be home turf Glanford Park. Last season, they collected only 15 points on the road of 23 games (16 defeats)! Skipper and right back Cliffe Byrne will probably miss this one, along with new loan signing Nolan.

 

Reading probably couldn’t wish a better rival for the season opener. Scunny will probably try to defend with all players waiting for set-pieces (as they were doing whole last season), but when they concede first the game will be over. I see a few goals margin.

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Bet: Reading -1ah

Stake: 8/10

Odd: 1.93 Pinnacle

View on hm... negative weekend

Birmingham – Arsenal

"Brum have nothing to play for, but will try to give some importance to themselves in a title race. They won’t look tired. On the other hand, this is the highest importance for the Gunners. They definitely have potential to score few. Over 2.5 for me. bet365 offer 1.88, Pinnacle 1.83."

1-1 lost!

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Tottenham Hotspur - Portsmouth

"To make a good result at White Hart Lane, team should have very strong defensive abilities. Pompey currently don’t look even competitive. Defensive line with James on goal (made a sensational error vs. Chelsea) doesn’t promise anything more than another defeat with big margin. My bet is -2 ah. Pinnacle offer 2.11."

2-0 draw

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Bolton - Manchester United

"Utd have been doing hard all season to reach the top and I can’t imagine they lose the points against Bolton. However, they’ll try to keep some energy for Champions League game and won’t suggest any big handicap. Bet is Utd -1 ah. "

0-4 win!

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Sheffield United - Scunthorpe

"Scunny will fight, they need points but feel safe as Palace continued with their free fall. On the other hand hosts are chasing play-off. They definitely have quality for that, I expect very strong squad for this game and in such occasions, Bramall Lane become a hell place for visiting teams. I predict a win with few goals margin and choose -1 ah. 2.09 at Pinnacle."

0-1 lost!

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I'm dissapointed with Gunners, but really shocked with Sheff Utd. It was, actually my main pick of the weekend. I didn't have time to post here (posted only at SoccerVista)  a gamble Blackburn 2-2 ht/ft, but at the end a negative weekend and worst week in 2010.

With a waiting for better days, more will follow.

Good luck to all.

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Sheffield United - Scunthorpe

Sheffield United are 10^th, seven points far from play-off zone. They have had two problems recently. Their sensationally bad run on the road. Seven consecutive defeats (one goal scored) and two draws in last two games. And injury crisis that forced them to loan players. But, situation has been improved on that field as skipper and key defender Chris Morgan returns to the squad after suspension. Boss Blackwell was forced to play with just one player in attack, Richard Cresswell (4 goals in last 3 home games). For today’s game two important players will have a late fitness test, key striker Darius Henderson and another striker Henri Camara. I expect Henderson from the start. Blades last time lost at home 2^nd November (0-1 vs. Newcastle) and since than have 8 wins and 3 draws. Also, they have kept clean sheets in eight of their last 11 home league games.

 

Scunny are 20^th with five points more than clubs in relegation zone (have a game in the hand) and it seems they’re on the good way too keep the status. They’ve noticed two crucial wins in last two rounds against direct opponents from the bottom, Plymouth and Peterborough. However, it is fair to say one of those was hit by injury crisis and second is far worst in the Championship. Also, their record on the road is not something that should be proud with. They’ve noticed just 12 points (just Posh are worse) and conceded 42 goals (the biggest number in the league). Major concern for manager Adkins is condition of best player and key striker, Gary Hooper after his injury. Interesting thing is Adkins removed his main man from the squad for match vs. Newcastle on the road, as he kept him from potential injury and for more important games. I won’t be surprised to see same thing again.

 

Scunny will fight, they need points but feel safe as Palace continued with their free fall. On the other hand hosts are chasing play-off. They definitely have quality for that, I expect very strong squad for this game and in such occasions, Bramall Lane  become a hell place for visiting teams. I predict a win with few goals margin and choose -1 ah. 2.09 at Pinnacle.

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Saturday's hell

Bolton 0 - 0 Fulham

Bolton dropped to one place off the bottom three after failing to break down Fulham in a goalless encounter.
Mark Davies saw a shot diverted on to the crossbar, one of a number of vital saves by Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer. 
The closest the visitors came was when Nicky Shorey's free-kick was deflected on to the roof of the net. 
In the final moments, Bolton's Johan Elmander shot wide when clean through, while Kevin Davies harshly had a goal ruled out for an alleged push. 
The omens were there before the game, Bolton having won only two of their last 13 and Fulham none of their last 11 away games.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle:
"I think it is fair to say we certainly didn't get what we deserved from the game. 
"I can't be evasive - we have scored a very good goal in the game. Everyone in the stadium knew it was a goal, bar one man. 
"That is hard to take, that leaves a bad taste in the mouth. It was clearly a terrific goal. The referee has deemed Kevin has pushed the defender with two hands. I knew at the time there was no contact and I've seen the re-run - certainly not any two hands that I've seen. 
"Every point is a good point in the Premier League but the galling thing is we were deserving of three." 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson:
"They had by far the better goal chances in the game but we have got a very good goalkeeper and a resilient, hard-working and determined team. 
"I congratulate the referee on the strength of his decision and having watched the video I think Brede was just about to head the ball when he felt the push. 
"Of course I don't think you'd expect me to say anything other than it was a good decision and I don't think I'll be expecting Owen Coyle to say anything other than, 'We was robbed'. 
"But I don't think in 2010 we have had an awful lot of luck with decisions and deflections and things like that."
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Scunthorpe 1 - 2 Crystal Palace

Neil Danns scored in injury time to give troubled Crystal Palace victory over 10-man Scunthorpe.
Darren Ambrose had put Palace ahead from a well-worked corner, before the Iron had Marcus Williams sent off for a professional foul on Kieran Djilali. 
Scunthorpe, who had most of the early chances, looked like they had earned a point when David Mirfin headed home from a corner with six minutes left. 
But Danns drove home from the edge of the area to give Palace the points. 
Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins:
"It was disappointing to have a player sent off and we shall be looking to see if we can appeal. 
"This is only the third game in 11 we have been beaten and each time it has come after we have had a man sent off. 
"Having said that, we had chances early in the game that we should have taken - it should have been beyond reach for Palace by half-time." 
Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock on his side's third victory since the club went into administration:
"This business has drawn us all closer together, both players and supporters. These players just do not know when they are beaten. 
"It was disappointing that we let Scunthorpe come back on level terms after going down to 10 men but Neil Danns has come up with a last-gasp winner and it's a terrific result for us."
www.bbc.co.uk

Scunthorpe - Crystal Palace

Scunny are slowly moving away from relegation zone. They sit at 17th place, seven points far from the line. They’re in the excellent run of results as they’ve noticed four wins and a draw in last five league games. Even in Cup defeat against Man.City (2-4), team made an excellent display with no respect and fighting spirit. In previous round they defeated QPR on the road (1-0). Players are full of confidence, while boss Nigel Adkins has almost all players fit and available. Only concern is defender David Mirfin with a hamstring problem, but new signing Michael Raynes is ready to replace him.

From serious play-off challenger, Palace became a contender for relegation. Dropping into administration and 10 points deduction made the Eagles are now 20th with just four points far from relegation zone. They’re also in good shape as they have just one defeat in last nine competitive games. Last one was Cup victory against Wolves. However, financial worries and relegation fight could make a big mentally impact on Warnock’s young starlets. Second worry is limited number of players. Warnock probably won’t use all places for substitutes, while the best eleven played tough game at Tuesday (Scunny didn’t). And last smaller clubs have a problem (that became a rule), after big win usually comes big down. Alan Lee suffered a head injury against Wolves but will be patched up in order to partner Butterfield in attack.

Scunthorpe currently play as a title contender. In last 4 matches they have collected 10 points from possible 12, while Hayes and Hooper consist a killer duo in attack. Smaller and low quality pitch is a place where only hosts can pass. I give a clear advantage to Scunny and expect a home win, but suggest dnb as a bet. However, home win remains as a gamble.

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Peterborough Utd. - Derby County

Peterborough lie at the bottom of the second tier with just three wins in past 24 rounds. They’re surely serious contenders for relegation, but something that gives a faith in better days is their results at home in past few weeks. They have just one defeat (Barnsley 1-2) in last six games (with two wins and three draws). Posh avoided defeats against very strong sides Boro (2-2), Swansea (2-2) and Cardiff (heroic comeback from 0-4 to 4-4). Have noticed victories against fellow strugglers Scunthorpe (3-0) and Watford (2-1). This game for hosts is to be or not to be and will probably dedicate their fate for this season. Three on-loan signings, forwards Reid and Mcleod and midfielder Livermore are available to play. Posh have scored in every home game this season.

 

Derby slowly become a serious contender for moving in the third tier. They’ve noticed three defeats in last four games (fourth game was vs. Newcastle on the road where the Rams somehow kept the goalless draw) and scored just two goals in their last six games. Real disaster came against another contender Scunthorpe, when they were trashed at home 1-4 and were booed off by the own supporters. After that, they passed League One side Millwall after penalties (0-0). Their performance looks without a clue, harmless in attack with insecure defense line. Also, dressing room atmosphere is not so good as papers are full of rumors that boss Nigel Clough has lost players’ support. Derby could be without defender Miles Addison for the game as he has a foot problem.

 

Posh are fighting at home and I don’t expect their less effort than usual. Visitors don’t look competitive currently and this is ideal opportunity for hosts to run from relegation zone. Also, home players didn’t have competitive fixture during the week as Derby did and on hard pitch at London Road that in combination with today’s rain became even worse could be also a big advantage to home side. 2.30 at Pinnacle, home win.

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Middlesbrough 0-1 Man City

Manchester City overcame a spirited Middlesbrough side to maintain Roberto Mancini's unblemished record and book a place in the FA Cup fourth round.
Benjani broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when he swept home an incisive pass from Martin Petrov. 
Boro impressed with their work-rate and commitment, but struggled to create. 
Their attacking play improved after the break, however, with Rhys Williams heading over their best chance as City squandered several opportunities. 
The win maintains City's flawless start under new Mancini, who has now guided his side to three wins in three games, with six goals scored and none conceded. 
But while Mancini might have racked up 10 Coppa Italia wins as a player and manager, his team selection will have left some onlookers questioning his determination to build on that notable cup record in England. 
Adopting a conservative approach, the Italian made five changes to the City line-up, leaving Benjani to plough a lone furrow up front and handing young defender Dedryck Boyata a first-team debut. 
Even with City in fine form since he replaced Mark Hughes, it was a risky call by Mancini and on another day it might have backfired. 

Boro, labouring 26 places below City on the league ladder, had won just twice in 10 games since Gordon Strachan's late-October arrival on Teesside.

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Scunthorpe Utd.  1-0  Barnsley

1-0 P. Hayes 68.min.

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Blackpool  1-2  Ipswich T.

0-1 J. Colback 3.min.  
1-1 B. Ormerod 51.min.  
1-2 O. Garvan 77.min.
www.bbc.co.uk

Two more

Scunthorpe Utd. - Barnsley

Home side has just a single win in last eleven games. Big problem will be missing their key striker and best goal scorer Gary Hooper. Midfielder Michael O'Connor is in doubt as is first goalie Joe Murphy. Midfielders Andrew Wright and Grant McCann are suspended. The Iron will have a best friend in bad pitch.

Visitors are in run of eight games without a defeat. No injury worries, best eleven should start the game.

Can not imagine home win here. Odd around 1.85 for dnb2 looks like a gift.

And one gamble.

Blackpool - Ipswich Town, Away win.

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That's it. See you soon.

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Saturday

Portsmouth 1 - 4 Man Utd

Wayne Rooney's hat-trick helped guide Manchester United to victory over bottom-of-the table Portsmouth.
Rooney put the visitors ahead from the spot after he was brought down by Michael Brown only for Kevin-Prince Boateng's penalty to haul Pompey level. 
Ryan Giggs crossed for Rooney to slot in and the Welsh winger was then fouled to allow the England striker to grab his third with a second penalty. 
Giggs added a late free-kick as United kept the pressure on leaders Chelsea. 
The win moved United to within two points of Premier League table-toppers Chelsea, who play Arsenal on Sunday. 
It was Giggs' 100th Premier League goal and capped a performance of vision and verve which has been the trademark of an illustrious career - and this a day ahead of the his 36th birthday.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had to watch from the stands as he began the first of a two-game touchline ban and, in an even first half, it was far from comfortable viewing for the Scot before his team eased away to victory. 
Portsmouth had new manager Avram Grant in charge and, although he will take encouragement from the display, he knows his side need to start converting some promising play into points. 
The Fratton Park side have bemoaned a lack of fortune this season with seven of 10 Premier League defeats being by the odd goal. 
They certainly did not lack a fight and fervour to their play against United but it was a lack of composure in front of goal against the top-flight champions rather than luck which proved their downfall.
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Scunthorpe 1 - 1 Leicester

Martyn Woolford scored with the final kick to earn Scunthorpe a point against promotion-hunting Leicester.
Martyn Waghorn outpaced David Mirfin to latch on to Jack Hobbs' header before firing past Joe Murphy from an acute angle as Leicester opened the scoring. 
But substitute Woolford struck sweetly from the edge of the box as Leicester paid for some poor finishing. 
The visitors should have been out of sight by then while Scunthorpe were indebted to Murphy for some fine saves. 
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: 
"I am disappointed because we had chances in the first half to score more goals. 
"But I am not going to have a go at my players because overall this was another good away performance. 
"There was just one ball into the box that we did not deal with - and it has cost us. 
"But we have scored a lot of late goals to win games in recent weeks. It was somebody else's turn to do the same to us." 
Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins:
"I thought we deserved it. Obviously we made life difficult for ourselves by giving away a poor goal in the opening few minutes. 
"Leicester are a difficult side to break down and don't concede many goals. 
"But we showed great spirit, we kept going until the end and finally got the goal we deserved. 
"Our home form has generally been good this season, and this was another good result for us against a team up there near the top of the table."

www.bbc.co.uk

Scunthorpe Utd. - Leicester City

Scunthorpe make their debut in second tier, currently they’re two points from relegation zone. They had some bright moments during the season, but it seems they already reached their limits and started to sink. Five competitive (four in league) defeats in a row, 17 goals conceded and just two scored in them! Far ago things went wrong, I don’t think they’ll bounce back this season and see them in League One next year. Their home record is much better, they have noticed 4 wins from eight games and took three scalps to be honored with. Preston and Sheff.Utd. 3-1 and Newcastle 2-1 were the victims of underestimation and that record calls on caution. Small teams are always motivated to put the maximum effort against the strongest, especially if they come to Glanford Park with injury problems (Utd. and Newcastle). Goalie Joe Murphy has served a suspension and will return after missing out against Watford last weekend (0-3), while midfielder Grant McCann may also return to the side. No new injury worries for boss Nigel Adkins.

Leicester also are in debut season, but their record and ambitions are opposite. They have made a very good run of results that saw them at the third place. Team is well balanced with excellent Matty Fryatt in attack (scored 9 league goals so far). They’re also in excellent physical condition. As the game comes near to the end, Foxes establish domination in game. Most of their games are decided in the second half and they have seven wins with one goal margin. After shocking home defeat against WBA (1-2), Leicester bounced back against Plymouth. They were dominating all of the game, but lacked in creating a chances and scored deep in additional time. And that’s their main problem, playing against the teams that defend with all players. Their big advantage today will be hosts’ intention to attack as Scunthorpe don’t know differently. Skipper midfielder Matt Oakley is back after a suspension and could replace Andy King. Defender Aleksandar Tunchev and midfielder Stephen Clemence remain the only absentees with long-term injuries.

Beside Peterborough, hosts are main contenders for relegation. Lack of quality, low level of team discipline and attacking and nice to watch style of play (habit from lower division) are the major reason for their sinking. Can not see any sign of possible improvement in the near future. On the other side, Foxes are with Newcastle the most compact squad in Championship. I don’t expect too much surprising results from them. Will be ups and downs, but will be always in top six. 2.34 at Pinnacle. Away win.

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League One and Italians

Leeds failed again. Now they have to keep young talents in the club. Striker Jermaine Beckford (34 goals) and young midfielder Fabian Delph are now thought to be targets for Premier League clubs. Millwall scored from their first threat, booked a ticket for Wembley and now wait for the second finalist. A draw from the first match makes MK Dons a slight favorite (as Leeds was) against Scunthorpe Utd.. Visitors hardly reach play off, have four draws from last five games and defeated Dons this season, on the road. Home win is expected, but I don't think odds about 1.85 represent the risk and will skip this one. And again, away goals don't count. 

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I'm taking one day without betting, though Pisa, in Italian serie b, looks like a good pick. Will host Piacenza and desperately need three points to make a safe gap from the relegation zone. Three round left and nobody in Pisa wants to leave a status decision for a last game when they'll host Brescia. Piacenza is safe, but has six draws from the last seven games! When some league is in the finish (especially second league), I don't believe too much in fair play. Bwin offers 2.00 if You want to try, but my money stays in a wallet.

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New betting weekend is in front. Will be some analyzes and predictions. Stay tuned.

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League One

Scunthorpe 3-0 Cheltenham

Scunthorpe eased to victory against already-relegated Cheltenham to move into the last League One play-off spot. 
The Iron, who must avoid defeat against Tranmere on Saturday to confirm their play-off spot, went ahead when Paul Hayes netted from close-range. 
Skipper Cliff Byrne drilled in to double the lead and Henri Lansbury skipped inside and drove in a third. 
The game ended on a sour note when Yuri Berchiche's challenge left Lansbury with a suspected broken leg.

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Northampton 0-1 MK Dons

Northampton missed the chance to secure League One safety as they were beaten by play-off bound MK Dons, with Aaron Wilbraham grabbing the only goal. 
The Cobblers now play Leeds on the final day of the season when a point should be enough to beat relegation. 
Milton Keynes went ahead when Wilbraham turned in a cross from Jason Puncheon. 
Northampton applied some late pressure but Luke Guttridge's shot was blocked and Adam Watts had an effort cleared off the line.
www.bbc.co.uk

Gutless Norwich and the sight on Tuesday

It is simple. You can not win with defending. Especially if you play against tough defence as Reading has. Not a single attempt on target for 90 minutes, I think. I lost my money, they lost Championship and that's it. 

In League One, play-off contender Scunthorpe will host relegated Cheltenham. With three points, host will skip 6th Tranmere. Home side is an absolute favorite, but odds for home win are miserable. I fancy over, but the best you can get is 1.65 at Expekt. 

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In other game, Northampton will seek a point to secure their League One status, as they host MK Dons (who already qualified for play-off). Home side have two wins and a draw from last three games. Looks in a good shape. Will try to finish the job tonight, 'cause at Saturday will travel in Leeds, while rivals have easy games at home. Will be without captain Chris Doig (groin), on-loan defender Jared Hodgkiss is set to come in at right-back, while top scorer Adebayo Akinfenwa should start despite not being 100% fit. 

After four consecutive wins and secured play-off, Dons relaxed and lost at home against Walsall. Their only motive tonight can be to finish 3rd and choose Scunthorpe (Tranmere), instead Leeds (Millwall). Will be missing defender Sean O'Hanlon (knee) and on-loan midfielder Stephen Gleeson (ankle).

Usually, I won't bother myself with this one, but Pinnacle offers 2.62 for a home win and I'll follow with a small bet.

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Champions League

Too many talks these days about Barca's superiority. Yes, their team is masterful and it's a real enjoy to watch. But, the fact is in Spain league they always have a space on about 30 metres from opposite goal to accept the ball, look around and make a pass, or do some combination. Don't think Lampard and Essien (followed with others) will allow that. Plus, a duel between Hiddink and Guardiola should give an advantage to visitors. Simply, I don't think any club from any country can play equal with English clubs and see Chelsea as a finalist (Chelsea to pass is about 2.40).  Also, I would like to see Arsene Wenger squad (about 2.30 to pass) as their opponent. Won't bet seriously, just enjoy in footie. But, it is stronger than me to make a sweet, little, gamble combo on "outsiders". Chelsea and Arsenal to pass in final.

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That's all for today, lads. Cheers.

Leicester 2-2 Scunthorpe

Defender Michael Morrison scored twice for League One champions Leicester as they came from behind to draw with play-off chasing Scunthorpe. 
Morrison's fired in his first from close range after following up Steve Howard's blocked header from a corner. 
Paul Hayes slotted in from a Martyn Woolford low cross and Grant McCann scored a penalty after a foul on Hayes to put the visitors in front. 
Jack Hobbs nodded across goal for Morrison to tap in the Foxes equaliser. 

Leicester: Stockdale, Powell (Ajdarevic 63), Morrison, Hobbs, Edworthy (Berner 63), Dyer, Andy King, Oakley, Gradel (Dickov 79), Fryatt, Howard.
Subs Not Used: Mattock, Warner. 
Booked: Howard, Powell, Edworthy. 
Goals: Morrison 16, 77. 

Scunthorpe: Murphy, Wright (Mills 9), Pearce, Mirfin, Byrne, Woolford (Togwell 87), McCann, Trotter, Sparrow, Hayes, Hooper (Lansbury 46).
Subs Not Used: Lillis, May. 
Booked: Byrne. 
Goals: Hayes 57, McCann 66 pen. 

Att: 30,542 
Ref: Mark Haywood (W Yorkshire).
www.bbc.co.uk

Leicester City - Scunthorpe Utd.

Two more rounds in League One. Almost everything is known. It is left to see who will be the second direct promoted team, Peterborough Utd., or MK Dons and who will grab the 6th place for play-off, Tranmere Rovers or Scunthorpe Utd.. The champion is Leicester, definitely became with away win in Southend 2-0. Entire season Foxes have been saying they don't belong in League One, now their ambition grows. Chairman Milan Mandaric told this is just the beginning and Premier League isn't a dream. Players are full of confidence, fans are in ecstasy. Significant characteristic of their performance this season is they never lack in motivation, especially when they play against the opponent who is worthy of their respect. Scunthorpe, for example. Southend, Leeds (away, 1-0), or Millwall (1-0 away). At home, they're superior, with just one defeat, conceding 14 goals in 22 games, far best the defence in the league and second best attack (MK Dons scored two times more). Striker Steve Howard is recovered from a virus, returned to training on Wednesday and should figure. 

With two consecutive home defeats (Huddersfield Town 1-2 and MK Dons 0-1), visitors fell below the play-off line. 6th Tranmere Rovers have a point (and a game) more. At the last round (Northampton Town away, 3-3) they displayed solid performance, but thankfully to some silly mistakes by the defence line, managed to concede three times from relegation contender. Now, they have three games to save the season. They probable couldn't wish the worse opponent, than today's. Champion on their own ground! First-team coach Andy Crosby could return after recovering from a stomach bug. Sam Togwell comes back after suspension and Joseph Mills could be restored after being on the bench midweek. 

Scunthorpe has no other way, than to attack the champions and try to take off the smiles from their faces. I think they only can make them angry. Expekt offers 2.15 for a home win and that's fine for me. And a gamble bet on 1-1 ht/ft.