The Four by Four column: A quartet of English football selections

16Feb 2013

Betfair

Every weekend, four of betting.betfair's football writers will contribute one selection each from the top four leagues in English football, giving you, the readers, an exciting Fixed Odds Multiple option...

MK Dons 2.3 v Barnsley 2.9; The Draw 3.1

I'm using FA Cup weekend as an opportunity to briefly abandon the Premier League, instead focussing on the fifth-round tie between MK Dons and Barnsley, one of those strange situations where the team from the lower division are favourites.

Sometimes such a setup is justified, as when Brighton sank Newcastle in the third round, however Newcastle's outsider status was fuelled by a run of 10 defeats in 13. Barnsley, by contrast, have been revitalised by David Flitcroft's appointment, winning six of their last seven and drawing the other.

Their priority is securing Championship survival but they won't be overlooking the FA Cup, as evidenced by Flitcroft's decision to take his whole squad on a scouting trip to Doncaster to watch MK Dons extend their winless run to four matches in midweek.

Karl Robinson's side have also won just one of their past five at stadiummk, so aren't ideally prepped for eliminating the 2007/08 semi-finalists, who last exited to a lower-league club in 2006.

Michael Lintorn's selection: Back Barnsley to win @ 2.9

Crystal Palace 2.0 v Middlesbrough 3.7; The Draw 3.4

I doubt there's ever been a side sent out by Ian Holloway whose priority wasn't to attack, and with the visit of Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon this has all the ingredients for a highly entertaining encounter.

Boro play some good football, some very good football in fact, but defensively they've been pretty poor recently and Palace will smell blood. Selhurst Park has witnessed no shortage of goals this season, with game there averaging around the 3.5 goals per game mark.

Some top-of-the-table clashes can be dire affairs with both sides setting out not to lose, but Holloway and Tony Mowbray are managers in a different mould - they set out to win in an entertaining fashion, and this game should be no different. I fancy both sides will score but lets take a chance on the game containing at least three goals.

Mike Norman's selection: Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.83

Walsall 2.1 v Notts County 3.4; The Draw 3.3

Notts County are seeking their seventh manager in just over two-and-a-half years, following the recent sacking of Keith Curle. Earlier in the season they were doing quite well under the former Manchester City defender, and his record of 11 defeats in 49 league games was deemed not good enough. It's no wonder star midfielder Alan Judge's reaction was to say he is 'sick of the upheaval'.

Walsall meanwhile are flying under the radar as unlikely play-off contenders. Manager Dean Smith has guided them to ninth with an astonishing run of eight wins from their last 10. Their current position would have been highly unlikely earlier in the season, having gone 16 matches without a win.

The Saddlers have a bit of style and swagger, and can hit teams with pace and flair. They produced a marvellous second-half display on Saturday to beat promotion chasing Doncaster 2-1, with striker Febian Brandy notching his fifth in eight games. I also liked full-back Andy Taylor's delivery throughout the game.

Smith's side have won seven of their 16 matches at home this term, but have conceded nearly as many as they have scored. However, such is the way they can stretch a defence, it should make for a good overs game in which they can win.

Alan Dudman's selection: Back Walsall to win @ 2.1

Southend 2.37 v Northampton 2.9; The Draw 3.1

With Port Vale offering poor value to beat Morecambe, Southend at least are a decent price. There is no let up in games for Paul Sturrock's men, who have a Johnstone's Paint fixture next Wednesday after last Tuesday's defeat to revitalised Cheltenham. Danny Mayor is the left-sided boost Sturrock has been looking for and potentially has the ability to revitalise Britt Assombalonga, who has not scored in 10 appearances.

The hosts need to rekindle their touch in front of goal, having scored just four in seven matches. They may still have just enough, however, as the poor travelling Cobblers have only gained points in one of their last four away games, a victory at Aldershot.

Ian Lamont's selection: Back Southend to win @ 2.37

Recommended Multiple

Back Barnsley @ 2.9; Back Over 2.5 Goals in Palace v Boro @ 1.83; Back Walsall @ 2.1; Back Southend @ 2.37; The Multiple pays approximately 26.0

Multiple prices are based on our Fixed Odds product, so any winnings are exempt from commission.