League One Betting: Cherries to continue title push this weekend

6Apr 2013

Betfair

Alan Dudman is hoping Eddie Howe's Bournemouth can grind out another victory this weekend in their quest for the League One title. Elsewhere, don't expect many goals at Hartlepool and Portsmouth.

Bournemouth 1.61 v Notts County 6.60, the draw 4.20

The Cherries now sit in second place in League One after their run of five successive wins. Eddie Howe's team were also my ante-post selection to win the title, and they now trade at 4.80 but have played a game more than current leaders Doncaster, and two more than Brentford.

The key to Bournemouth's revival and an even closer look into the form table, has been the return of key players. Charlie Daniels and Tommy Elphick into the line-up has got them back to their defensive best and they have conceded just two goals in six games (with four clean sheets). 'Hollywood' Harry Arter's return has been crucial too, whilst the ability to allow Matt Ritchie to push up further ahead on the pitch is always likely to produce a moment of magic.

Howe's tried and trusted 4-4-2 also involves the tremendous scoring run of forward Brett Pitman, who has netted in all five of his recent outings. His finishing technique is of a high standard, which gives this team the edge on so many rivals.

Notts County are not in brilliant form away from home. They were under old boss Keith Curle, but haven't won on their travels since the start of February. New boss Chris Kiwomya has stated there will be changes in the summer, and the Magpies are settling for mid-table.

Such is the strength of the Bournemouth play at the moment (clean sheets and controlling games with possession), they deserve their outright price. I am more tempted with a correct score coupled with a shut out however.

Recommended bets:

Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.95

Back Bournemouth to win 1-0 @ 7.0 and 2-0 @ 8.0

MK Dons 2.0 v Crawley Town 4.30, the draw 3.50

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson described his team as 'knackered' following their two wins over the Easter period. The Dons are best known for their free-flowing football and passing teams to death, however (and in the words of midfielder Stephen Gleeson), they were terrible yet won twice over the extended weekend.

The Buckinghamshire side are three wins from four and are still in with an unlikely shot at making the play-offs. The squad has suffered with injuries and suspensions, but they are alive in their bid, and are scoring goals (14 in their last eight games). The return of Gleeson from injury has also been a big plus.

Crawley might have blown their chances of a Wembley opportunity following their Monday defeat at Shrewsbury, but they do look a good team when on song. Manager Richie Barker likes his side to play football and keep the ball. Town did both of those over Easter, but do struggle to break teams down.

The midfield battle will be most intriguing here, as the visitors have a very influential passer in the shape of Matt Sparrow who can control a match by pulling the strings, whether he can do that here will be another question.

The Dons are not playing at their best but they are on a roll, they need to be aggressive and with an early goal might set up an overs bet.

Recommended bets:

Back over 2.5 goals @ 2.20

Back MK Dons to win @ 2.0

Hartlepool United 2.50 v Bury 3.0, the draw 3.45

Hartlepool against Bury is a proper basement clash. The north east club are on a dismal run of eight games without scoring a goal and are minus the services of veteran forward Steve Howard, who has been allowed to leave on loan to Sheffield Wednesday. A bizarre decision, and I cannot see how they can score this weekend.

Bury are one win from seven and their fight to stay in the division might just be over. Manager Kevin Blackwell has been unable to fill his bench on recent occasions and have only 15 senior players left, as their inspirational captain (and top scorer) Steve Schumacher is out for the season.

As you can probably tell, it's not going to be a great affair. Bury are nervous at the back and up front, Pools last scored under the old King. The home team have been involved in three 0-0 scorelines from their last seven, which I think is the best way to play Saturday's encounter.

Recommended bet:

Back the draw @ 3.45

Back 0-0 @ 10.0

Portsmouth 2.44 v Stevenage Borough 3.05, the draw 3.60

The man with the pink v-neck and blazer combination is back, well at Stevenage anyway, as Graham Westley has returned for his latest stint at the Lamex Stadium, Hertfordshire.

However I am more interested in what's happening at Fratton Park recently, and the quite staggering feat of manager Guy Whittingham in guiding Pompey to a position where they can still survive. With two defeats in 11 they are looking far more resilient than those around them. Portsmouth are also playing more consistently now with a settled team, key of which has been their defensive platform by not conceding goals.

All five of the south coast club's last five games have been under 2.5 goals, and their back line has shown recently against Tranmere they will be equipped in dealing with aerial balls into the box - which will be expected here from a Westley team.

This looks a perfect under 2.5 goals encounter with the ability to trade the 0-0.

Recommended bets:

Back under 1.5 goals 3.40

Back under 2.5 goals 1.86

Back Portsmouth to win 1-0 @ 8.0