Not many weeks left of the season unfortunately but there should be plenty of goals flying in as teams fight for the final places at the top and bottom. Look at our BTTS for the weekend….
Newcastle v Swansea – 3.00pm Saturday
Both teams to score odds – 3/4 with Ladbrokes
Newcastle and Alan Pardew have been ridiculed all week by the press as both club and journalists have locked horns once more. Swansea have far more bigger fish to fry as they find themselves in an implausible relegation battle.
Newcastle have been on a torrid run and appear to be well set for their summer holidays after securing a place for next seasons campaign. Alan Pardew has been at war with the tabloids and the intensity has greatly risen since last Saturday. Even though Newcastle technically may have little to play for, Alan Pardew will be absolutely desperate for three points as will the fans after some very poor performances at home. I am expecting the Magpies to at least score and I would be surprised if the Toon suffered another home defeat.
In contrast Swansea have it all to play for and a vital three points at St James’ Park would all but seal their safety, on the other hand another defeat will pile huge pressure on their final games as they can still get relegated. The Welsh side certainly haven’t improved since sacking Michael Laudrup and things could go from bad to worse. This Swansea side have way too much talent to go down and I can see them scoring here.
Doncaster Rovers v Derby County – 7.30pm Friday
Both teams to score odds – 3/4 with Ladbrokes
Steve McLaren has been piling the pressure on Burnley this week as the mind games continue with the Clarets starting to slip in their quest for the second automatic promotion slot. Derby still have hopes to take second and will need to register a win here to continue that dream. Doncaster should not be underestimated though and this short trip on Friday evening is far from straight forward for County.
If Doncaster manage to survive for a further year in the Championship it will be mainly thanks to their impressive home form which has earned them 31 of their 43 points. Donny have racked up victories against Leicester City, Wigan Athletic and QPR at the Keepmoat Stadium this season and scoring a goal here should be a minimum expectation. Paul Dickov’s men still need to ensure safety as they are just three points above the bottom three and will go all out for points which should see them deliver a goal or two.
It was only a short time ago Derby had the best form in all four divisions in the country and their away from was frightening. Motivation will be high as McLaren and his side will know that if they fail to win here and Burnley overturn Blackpool, all hopes of an automatic spot will be gone. I am expecting the away side to leave with all three points.
Port Vale v MK Dons – 3.00pm Friday
Both teams to score odds – 8/13 with Ladbrokes
These two sides have little separating them in the league after 42 games, Port Vale sit ninth with one less point than opposition today MK Dons who are a place higher in eighth with an extra point giving them the edge in the league table. There is little at stake for both sides which could leave us with an open game.
Tom Pope has had yet another terrific season and has hit home 16 league goals during their first campaign back in League One and goals have been scored throughout the season. Port Vale are suffering plenty of injuries at the moment and the end of the season couldn’t come quick enough, even though they will want to finish as high as possible. In the reverse tie, MK Dons won 3-0 and Vale played very poorly that day, and will have a point to prove. I am expecting a score draw.
MK Dons have won their last five away games which is an incredible feat at any level and will take confidence in Port Vale’s penchant to concede at home as they have done in over 80% of their games. Karl Robinson’s side will want to continue their run on the road which is the polar opposite to their home record. Dons will attempt to by playing their trademark passing football which they’ll want to take into next season and score a goal or two doing so.