It’s slim pickings for those looking at the top-flight, with a limited fixture list whilst the Premier League continues its own version of a winter break, so let’s take a look at the wider offering from English football’s lower leagues at the weekend.
Arsenal v Crystal Palace – 12.30pm, Saturday 20th January (TNT Sports 1)
It’s been a fairly dismal start to the year so far for Arsenal. Dumped out of the FA Cup by Liverpool and now winless in their last four games in all competitions. It isn’t all doom and gloom however, and they can move level on points with second placed Manchester City with victory over struggling Crystal Palace.
The Gunners have dropped just five points on home soil this season thus far, but there is little value in the 1.24 with kwiff for the hosts to trouser all three points at the Eagles’ expense. Palace have punched above their weight on their travels this season – turning over Manchester United at Old Trafford and picking up useful points at West Ham and Manchester City.
Admittedly they have only won one of their last 11 in all competitions, but they have hit the net in 10 of their 13 matches on the road this term. The 2.20 available with kwiff for both teams to score looks the value in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Stevenage v Barnsley – 3pm, Saturday 20th January
Away from the Premier League it may be worth looking at Barnsley, who travel to League One play-off rivals Stevenage. Sat in fifth place at the time of writing, the Tykes arrive here unbeaten in their last 10 games in the league and came from behind to beat Carlisle midweek.
Stevenage meanwhile, are enjoying a fine first season back in League One and sit seventh in the table after a good start to the season. Steve Evans’ side have struggled for consistency since the busy festive period, beating Shrewsbury 1-0 at New Meadow and then suffering back-to-back defeats. That recent form could open the door to Barnsley, who are proving to be greater travellers this term.
The Tykes won the reverse fixture 2-1 at Oakwell before Christmas and it’s worth noting that ‘both teams to score’ has landed in 11 of their last 12 matches. With Neill Collins’ side in great nick at present I’d much rather take a chance on the 6.0 on offer for a Barnsley win and both teams to score.
Brentford v Nottingham Forest – 5.30pm, Saturday 20th January (Sky Sports Main Event)
Brentford have been struggling badly of late, sitting just three points clear of the drop zone, and they will be hoping that the return of star striker Ivan Toney can provide them with a first win in seven against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.
Toney has missed the last eight months through suspension but was hot property before that sanction, scoring 20 goals and providing a further four assists in the league for his side last term.
Ring-rust is to be expected, however Toney has been keeping busy during his suspension and has looked sharp in behind closed doors matches for the Bees of late. The Bees’ talisman scored a hat-trick against Southampton u23s and followed-up by finding the net against Brøndby earlier in the month.
Should he be lacking a yard or two on his first start of the season his ability at set pieces may allow him to hit the ground running. Toney scored 21 goals in 35 games in all competitions last term, with 13 coming from the spot (6) or from a set piece (7).
Toney will fancy his chances of hitting the ground running at the weekend against a Forest defence that boasts the fifth worst defence in the league. Back him at 1.96 with kwiff to score on his return.
Sheffield United v West Ham – 2pm, Sunday 21st January (TNT Sports 1)
There’s been very little to write home about for Sheffield United so far this term but they have shown a slight improvement in their performances since the return of Chris Wilder, picking up four points from a tough run of games.
It is at Bramall Lane where their strengths lie and, although they were defeated at home by fellow strugglers Luton on Boxing Day, they were unlucky losers. West Ham are enjoying another fine campaign and sit sixth in the league, meaning that they aren’t obvious candidates for an upset here. However, it may just be a good time to catch the Hammers after a disappointing FA Cup exit at Bristol City in midweek.
David Moyes’ side are a match for anyone but will be without a few key names here, with star man Mohammed Kudus at AFCON and Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio all injury doubts. The Blades picked up a confidence-boosting 4-0 win at Gillingham in the FA Cup a fortnight ago and it really is a case of now or never if they are to survive. With a few improved displays fresh in the memory, it might be worth siding with them at 1.58 in the double chance market with kwiff.
Premier League Week 21 Selections
– Both teams to score in Arsenal v Crystal Palace at 2.20
– Barnsley & Yes (FT Result & BTTS) against Stevenage at 6.00
– Ivan Toney to score anytime in Brentford v Nottingham Forest at 1.96
– Sheffield United or draw (Double Chance) against West Ham at 1.58
Prices are correct at the time of publication, but can fluctuate. Please Gamble Responsibly.
Please note that the information provided in this article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
18+
Supercharge your bets with kwiff.
By Nick Seddon
