Home and Away: Back Leicester to out-fox Brum

12Apr 2013

Betfair

Jonno Turner looks to action in England and France as he aims to end the week with a bang...

We're off to Leicester for our penultimate pick of the week - as the Foxes host Birmingham City at the King Power Stadium, looking to secure a much needed three points in order to move them back into play-off contention.

The hosts go into this one having suffered two defeats on the bounce in front of their own fans, but a 1-1 draw at Brighton last time out will have boosted confidence in the home camp.

Nigel Pearson's side have three games from their remaining five on their own patch, which could prove hugely important if they are to stake a claim for promotion to the top tier once again - and they will be looking to take advantage of a Brum side which is in the midst of a miserable campaign.

The St Andrews side go into this game sitting 13th in the Championship - and, it would appear, not in any immediate danger of being dragged into the drop zone.

That being said, the Blues are just six points clear of the relegation places, and will be keen to get more points on the board as soon as possible in order to increase that gap.

But two without a win threatens to undo the good work performed by an impressive March, which saw the visitors take maximum points at both Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough.

However, with Leicester having so much to play for, I think that they will prove to be too hot to handle for Lee Clark's side, and I'm backing them for the win, as they aim to make the most of their home advantage.

Bet 1: Leicester City (HOME) @ 1.72

Switching our attentions to action in France now, and Ligue 2, as fourth-placed Angers travel to Niort - aiming to pile the pressure on the top three with the end of the campaign in sight.

Stephane Moulin's side go into this one high in confidence following two wins and a draw from their last three away from the Stade Jean Bouin, and will be desperate to maintain that positive form as a win could lift them into second place, depending on the results of Nantes and Guingamp.

Les Scoistes, who finished 11th in the top tier last season, have hit form at just the right time, and line up for this clash without a loss in their last half a dozen.

And 13 goals notched in that time shows just how lethal the visitors have been in the final third - a stat that will act as a warning to their hosts Niort here.

Pascal Gastien's side have won just one of their last five on their own patch, and the pressure is on them to secure maximum points from this clash, as they sit in 15th place in the table - just a single point outside the drop zone.

Just one clean sheet from their last six suggests that les Chamois have been struggling at the back of late, and that could be key in this fixture.

The hosts must make the most of their home advantage if they are to climb away from the danger area, especially with Le Mans - who occupy the last relegation place - winning their last outing, and possibly at the beginning of a resurgence.

Unfortunately for the Stade Rene Gillard side, I can't see them getting any share of the spoils here, as Angers look to make their move into the top three.

Bet 2: Angers (AWAY) @ 2.56