Eng. Championship
2011-08-27 - Doncaster Rovers vs Bristol City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : English Championship
Saturday 27 August 2011 - Kickoff 3pm
Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers were expected to have a tough season on their hands, but the start has been increasingly difficult thanks to an injury list that is as long as Sean O'Driscoll's arm. With a limited depth of squad, Rovers will want to make sure they are not cut off at the bottom of the table, even at this early stage.
4 games have already been written into the books for the 2011/12 Championship season and Doncaster have lost all 4 games, scoring just 1 goal and conceding 7. They are 0-0-2 at the Keepmoat Stadium, losing both games 0-1 and the team is bottom of the table as the only one in the Division that is yet to secure a point.
Doncaster have lost 4 games in a row since beating Tranmere in the 1st Round of the Carling Cup, the latest being a 2nd Round defeat in that competition to Yorkshire rivals Leeds United. Their form in the Championship has been bad for some time, having not won in 16 League games. Doncaster have not won in 11 home games in the League, and they have scored just 6 goals in their last 14 at the Keepmoat.
Brian Stock, Shelton Martis, Mark Wilson and James O'Connor are all hoping to return to the squad for this game. However, Billy Sharp, Ryan Mason, James Chambers, Martin Woods and Adam Lockwood are all missing.
Bristol City
Bristol City are a little disappointed with their start to the new campaign after their initial struggles last season, and the latest setback they suffered was a 0-1 defeat to Swindon Town in the 2nd Round of the Carling Cup at home.
The Robins are 17th in the Championship having gained 4 points from their opening games of the season. They are 1-0-1 away from home this season, scoring 3 goals and conceding 4.
The team were hammered in the first half of their defeat at Cardiff, but did bounce back with a 1-2 win at Leicester in their last away game. Bristol City had been indifferent away from home in the run in to the end of last season and things look like shaping up the same way this season. Over their last 11 away games in the Championship, Bristol City are 5-1-5.
Dean Gerken is an injury doubt which could mean former England International David James starts in goal. Nicky Maynard and Marvin Elliot are both in line to return to the side after being rested in the Carling Cup game, even though Leicester were rumoured to be bidding for Maynard.
Head to Head
Goals have been at a premium when these sides have played each other in recent seasons, with 9 of the last 12 meetings ending with 2 goals or less.
All of the higher scoring games have come at Ashton Gate in recent times, with the last 6 games at Doncaster all finishing Under 2.5 goals.
Doncaster should feel they can get their first points of the season if recent history is to be believed as they have lost just 1 of the last 6 meetings between these sides at home.
The corresponding fixture ended 1-1 last season.
Prediction
Both teams, but particularly Doncaster Rovers, have been struggling at this early stage of the season and I can only believe that the international break cannot come soon enough for them.
It is hard to pick a winner but the 1.80 being dangled about Under 2.5 Goals looks too good to pass up.
Doncaster have been struggling for goals in the League, failing to hit the net in their opening 2 home games and the statistic that they have scored just 6 in 14 home games in the Championship must be a real concern for a side known to like getting the ball down and playing.
Bristol City have been involved with some high scoring games away from home so far this season, but they have struggled here in the past and may feel that 1 goal will be enough to win the game.
Either way, I would be surprised if we saw a goal-fest on Saturday afternoon at this venue so I think the 1.80 is worth chancing.
The Pick :
Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Bristol City
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.80
