Lays of the Weekend: Zola to get one over old pal Gus

28Dec 2012

England - The Championship

Christian Crowther visits the Football League for his final lays column of 2012...

Two old Chelsea teammates will no doubt share a warm embrace at the Amex before kick-off for this one but it's certainly the visiting ex-Blue who has more to smile about this Christmas. Gianfranco Zola's Watford side have made a concerted push into the play-off places in recent weeks whereas Gus Poyet's Brighton have huffed and puffed, resulting in three frustrating draws on the trot. Zola has the Hornets playing some fantastic football at present and is profiting from the prolificity of Matej Vydra and Troy Deeney. Brighton's troubles can largely be attributed to a propensity for drawing at their often packed state-of-the-art stadium. It's now three draws from their last four on the south coast.

Lay MK Dons to beat Coventry @ 1.99

Considering MK Dons have put together two more home wins than any other side in League One besides Brentford, not many would have predicted a Boxing Day defeat to Walsall at Stadium mk. But win the Saddlers did, and in some style, thanks largely to Will Grigg's first-half brace. This has been a rocky period for the Bedfordshire club, who have lost two of their three league games this month. Therefore, a visit from one of the division's form sides, Coventry, could round off a disappointing December for Karl Robinson's team. Under Mark Robins' stewardship, the Sky Blues have turned their fortunes around admirably. They've been especially formidable on the road, winning five in a row away from the Ricoh Arena.

Lay Portsmouth to beat Yeovil @ 2.42

Since the departure of boss Michael Appleton to Blackpool, Pompey have struggled immensely and, with a points deduction to come, are in grave danger of another relegation. The south coast outfit just can't buy a win at present - you have to go back to October 20 to find their last League One victory - though three draws in their last four league games, all against decent sides, shows some signs of improvement. Next up a Yeovil side in decent form having only been beaten once in their last five outings in all competitions. They sit happily in mid-table, something the long-suffering Portsmouth fans can only dream about.