English League One
2011-12-10 - Sheffield United vs Rochdale
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football – England – League One
Saturday 10th December 2011 – Kickoff: 1500hrs
Fifth placed Sheffield United will be looking to record a third successive win when relegation-threatened Rochdale visit Bramall Lane as the hosts look to step up their automatic promotion claims.
Sheffield United
The Blades are unbeaten in their last four at home, and indeed have lost just twice at home so far which were reverses at the hands of third placed Huddersfield Town and league leaders Charlton Athletic – so, understandable losses and no hidden surprises yet.
Their home record stands at 6-2-2 21/14, and only MK Dons and Charlton (23 goals apiece) have scored more home goals so far. They have also recorded wins over MK Dons and Carlisle United recently, along with a 2-2 draw in the local derby with Sheffield Wednesday.
With Notts County visiting next match up at Bramall Lane, The Blades will certainly want all three points in today’s match.
Sheffield United have also progressed to the third round of the FA Cup with a narrow 3-2 win over Torquay United last weekend. Striker Ched Evans (5 goals), scored a brace in the last match, and also has Richard Cresswell (4 goals, 4 assists), Chris Porter (3 goals, 1 assist) and midfielder Stephen Quinn (1 goal, 6 assists) as back-up.
Rochdale
Visitors Rochdale are hovering just above the drop-zone and have won just once in their last eight league matches which was at demoralised Preston NE a couple of weeks ago. Apart from that almost inevitable win, they’ve lost to Exeter City, Leyton Orient, MK Dons and Brentford, and have won only twice in all on the road so far.
Dale’s away record stands at 2-1-6 10/19, with only Chesterfield (23) and Sheffield Wednesday (19) who bizarrely occupy top and bottom places of the division, conceding more away from home.
Ashley Grimes (5 goals, 2 assists) is their leading scorer, and has assistance from midfielder Gary Jones (4 goals, 2 assists), Nicky Adams (2 goals, 3 assists) and forward David Ball (3 goals).
The Betting Verdict :
The fact remains though that these two sides are (should be) worlds apart in terms of depth and quality and I’m expecting a comfortable home win here for The Blades;
The Pick :
Sheffield United to win 2-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Pick :Take Sheffield United to win at 1.67 at Pinnacle
