It’s the second week of the campaign, and we’re hoping the early season excitement will lead to goals, goals, goals as we bid to land a huge 88/1 treble on the BTTS & Win coupon.
We’re backing three home team wins, but think the visitors in each of those games will have at least one goal to cheer. A winner here would cover us for the whole season, so let’s hope our picks can deliver.
Derby County v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Gary Rowett’s Rams started the season with a reputable 1-1 draw away at Sunderland and will be eager to follow that up with three points in their first home game of the campaign on Saturday. However, they shouldn’t expect to have things their own way at the iPro, especially as visiting Wolves have enjoyed a fantastic start of their own.
Nuno Santo’s men registered a fantastic 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at Molineux, and will be fancied to score again through the attacking qualities of Nouha Dicko, Leo Bonatini, and co. However, the fact that Derby conceded just 20 home goals last year suggests that the visitors could be limited to just one here.
That would hand the hosts a fantastic chance of securing three points. They’ll be looking to Chris Martin, Andreas Weimann, and Matej Vydra for inspiration in the attacking third. That firepower, combined with the away side’s defensive weaknesses, should lead to at least a couple of goals.
Ironically, Wolves’ last away game in the Championship also came against Derby, which ended in a 3-1 win to the hosts. A repeat scoreline would suit us just fine.
Colchester United v Stevenage
League Two rivals Colchester United and Stevenage both opened their campaigns with BTTS winners last weekend, but neither of them managed to taste victory. Having both lost in midweek too, it hasn’t been the best of starts in either camp. Still, we think that might change for one of them here.
Colchester may have lost on the road last Saturday but they did grab a goal at Accrington. Meanwhile, a goal against Aston Villa on Wednesday suggests that John McGreal’s men can find the net against a Stevenage side that have, like them, shipped five goals in just two goals this term.
Stevenage did net three in their home draw with Newport, but this should be a far tougher test. Despite the fact that they are likely to score, their defensive vulnerabilities could open the door for the hosts to capitalise.
Goals look likely and, with home advantage on their side, we’re backing the Eagles to prevail.
Leyton Orient v Maidstone United
Following a bit of a reality check on the opening day, Leyton Orient grabbed their first win of the National League season in their opening home game under new boss Steven Davis. Against a Maidstone side that has started poorly, they should be set for a second win at the Matchroom.
The O’s have undergone a lot of change on and off the pitch over the summer, but their squad still boasts bags of quality for this level. Dave Mooney and co. are sure to fancy their chances of goals, especially as the visitors have picked up just one point from their opening two. A home win looks likely.
Maidstone are up against it this year, but Jay Saunders’ men can score in the capital. Joe Pigott has already opened his account for the season and could be the away side’s best chance of goals again here. Still, those defensive problems could be punished by the hosts.
Orient won their opening home game of the campaign via a 3-1 scoreline against Solihull Moors. Don’t be too surprised if we see a similar scoreline against Maidstone.
