Saturday’s football coupon isn’t as full as usual due to FA Cup matches being split across the whole weekend, but the afternoon’s entertainment should still provide plenty of drama. With a little bit of luck, it’ll deliver goals too, not least in our three selected matches.
Here are our selections. Good luck!
Bolton Wanderers v Barnsley
Without being brilliant, Bolton’s form in the Championship has certainly improved over the past few weeks and the Trotters now genuinely have a glimmer of hope in their bid to beat the drop. Having said that, they still sit rock bottom, which is why they must go for the win against an out-of-form Barnsley.
Phil Parkinson’s men have scored in all but one of their last eight matches, with those seven all ending in BTTS winners. Gary Madine and co. should fancy their chances of a goal against the Tykes, who have conceded 15 on the road already. If they perform as they have in recent weeks, there’s no reason to think they’ll struggle.
Still, the hosts don’t keep many clean sheets, which should provide Barnsley with a source of optimism. Given that they’ve not scored in three, the end has to run soon for Paul Heckingbottom’s men. After Bolton shipped five at title favourites Wolves, the visitors can look to capitalise in this one.
It’s hard to predict the outcome, but there’s likely to be some suspect defending on show. With this in mind, we’re backing both teams to score.
Bristol Rovers v Rotherham United
FA Cup action means that there’s only two games on in League One, but that should be more than enough to provide us with goals galore as Rotherham face Bristol Rovers at the Memorial.
The Millers have been frequent scorers at home and while their away record isn’t quite as good, the likes of Kieffer Moore should give them a great chance of goals against a home side that’s lost nine of its last 10 in all competitions.
Rotherham haven’t been in great form either, though, losing far more often than they win in recent weeks. With eight of their last nine competitive games ending in BTTS winners, there’s every reason to fancy another here. Meanwhile, that poor form should inspire Darrell Clarke’s men as they bid to bring their terrible run to an end.
Neither side can be particularly confident at the back. Let’s hope that leads to a game of goals in Gloucestershire.
Halifax Town v Barrow
National League side Barrow are certainly looking better under the stewardship of Adrian Pennock, and they will head to the Shay with every reason to fancy their chances of securing a positive result. Even so, they shouldn’t expect to have things all their own way.
Halifax’s recent form isn’t great, but Billy Heath’s men will view this as a winnable fixture as they hope to build upon last weekend’s 3-3 draw against Eastleigh. Tom Denton and Adam Morgan should convert any chances that come their way, especially as the visitors have shipped 19 on their travels.
Still, it’s hard to overlook Halifax’s problems, particularly as Barrow have picked up in recent weeks. The visitors have scored 15 on the road while the hosts have conceded 14 on home turf. With Byron Harrison and co. looking to keep that run going, there should be an away goal on the cards.
Things have changed a lot since the 0-0 stalemate at Barrow back in August. While a draw could well repeat itself, there should be goals in this reverse clash.
