In the Premier League, it’s the final weekend before the international break, and all 20 teams will be desperate to seal a vital three points.
Crystal Palace V Bournemouth
Both Crystal Palace and Bournemouth will feel that they have a fantastic chance of winning. Let’s hope that leads to a game of intense entertainment at Selhurst Park.
Saturday’s rivals are two of only three top flight sides yet to register a point while the hosts are the only ones yet to score a goal. Alan Pardew’s men have looked vulnerable since the start of 2016, but the addition of Cristian Benteke should give them a far greater hope of scoring against the Cherries. Meanwhile, Tuesdsay night’s 2-0 cup win over Blackpool may also inspire a slight confidence boost in front of goal.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to overlook Palace’s problems, and that should open the door for Bournemouth to net their first away goal of the league campaign following the disappointing late loss to West Ham last weekend. With the quality of Josh King, Callum Wilson, and Benik Afobe in the attacking line, even a run of three away games in a week shouldn’t stop them scoring.
Last year’s corresponding game saw the visitors clinch a 2-1 victory. We wouldn’t be confident on backing the outcome one way or the other here, but we do think goals will be on the cards once more.
BTTS Yes @ Evens with William Hill
MK Dons V Peterborough United
Milton Keynes Dons have enjoyed a far better start to this season than last, and are already well on track to be challenging for promotion back to the Championship. Karl Robinson will be particularly pleased with the fact that his men have scored in all six competitive fixtures this term, and they may need those attacking players to be at their best to see of Peterborough.
As always, goals have been a common feature at both ends of the pitch when Posh are involved. Grant McCann’s men have already scored nine and conceded six in the league while five of their six competitive games have been BTTS winners.
With Tom Nichols and Marcus Maddison already amongst the goals, the visitors can be optimistic. However, their defensive weaknesses are likely to be exposed at the Stadium:MK against one of the League One favourites.
At odds of 6/10, it’s not the best price in the world. On the other hand, the selections has been made this short for a reason. Let’s hoe it lives up to the billing.
BTTS Yes @ 6/10 with William Hill
Hartlepool United V Newport County
In League Two, Hartlepool United have started 2016-17 with a run of four straight BTTS winners. As Craig Hignett’s men welcome Welsh side Newport to Victoria Park, we see no reason to think that trend will end.
The hosts have bags of attacking potential in the form of Billy Paynter and Padraig Almond while they can also take some confidence from their 1-0 win in last year’s corresponding contest. A return of five points signals a fairly decent start for the Pool too, and that optimism should hand them an even greater incentive to attack.
Visiting Newport have scored in both of their away games this term, though. Manager Warren Feeney will be looking to Marlon Jackson, Jennison Myrie-Williams and the experience Jon Parkin for inspiration. Those attacking threats should at least give the travelling fans something to make their long journey worthwhile.
However, County might need more than one goal to seal all three points here. It’s not impossible, but the smarter money has to be on Hartlepool to continue their BTTS sequence.
BTTS Yes @ 10/11 with William Hill
A £10 treble pays £61.10 with William Hill
