English League One
2011-01-28 - Colchester Utd vs Peterborough Utd
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football : England : nPower League One
Friday 28th January 2011 – Kickoff 7.45pm
Eleventh placed Colchester United play host to sixth placed Peterborough United in what could be a real humdinger at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Friday night with only four points separating the two sides going into this match.
Colchester United
Despite Peterborough's current league position of 6th, it's Colchester that appear to have the edge over their opponents at home if you take into consideration both sides recent results; the U's have lost just once at home in their last seven, which was a surprising 0-2 reverse to Brentford.
But despite that loss, Colchester have still racked up impressive wins over Notts County 2-1, Leyton Orient 3-2, Hartlepool United 3-2 and beating league leaders Brighton 2-1.
Their home record reads 5-6-2 21/20, and they’ll no doubt be regretting draws against Yeovil Town and Dagenham & Redbridge who currently occupy two of the bottom four places.
They also possess a few dangerous players going forward; leading scorer is midfielder Andrew Bond (6 goals, 1 assist), along with fellow midfielder Anthony Wordsworth (5 goals, 3 assists) and forward Ian Henderson (4 goals), while creativity has been provided by ex-Bristol City defender Brian Wilson (1 goal, 4 assists).
Manager John Ward has also secured the services of Huddersfield Town defender Nathan Clarke on loan for the remainder of the season as Magnus Okuonghae is injured, Paul Reid has departed and Pat Baldwin is suspended. Three seasons ago, Clarke contributed with 12 assists during the 2007/08 season.
Peterborough United
Peterborough United have their home form to thank for their current position of sixth; however, their away form for a side chasing promotion leaves a lot to be desired as their stats of 3-2-6 14/21 suggest.
The Posh have won only once in their last six away matches which was a 3-1 victory at Walsall – big deal I hear you say as The Saddlers sit rooted to the bottom of the league.
Peterborough have recently lost away at Hartlepool United 0-2 and Brentford 1-2, but it's the away losses at Southampton 1-4 and Brighton 1-3 that have prevented them from really making headway into the upper reaches of the division.
But let it not be said that Peterborough don't know their way to goal – they are the league's highest goalscorers with 50 goals to their credit, but it's their defence that is not too far behind in terms of goals conceded (46 in total), with only bottom of the league Walsall conceding more.
Their firepower is well documented; Forward Craig Mackail-Smith (12 goals, 5 assists) leads the way, but he’s lost his partner in crime Aaron Mclean (10 goals, 2 assists) as the forward moved to Hull City. However, a new strike partnership is emerging with Lee Tomlin (4 goals, 1 assist) along with goals from forward George Boyd (4 goals, 2 assists), and creativity provided by Tommy Rowe and Adam Clayton (both with 3 assists) – you can see why Peterborough score on a regular basis.
The Betting Verdict :
This should be a very entertaining match, but I feel Colchester United might just sneak this one given their greater consistency and Peterborough's propensity to concede goals – 3-2 to Colchester United.
The Pick :
Colchester 3-2 Peterborough
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main Pick : I'll take Colchester United round ball (AH 0) @ 1.70 with bet365 as I also can't rule out the possibility of a draw (a score draw if that helps).
