Eng. Championship
2012-05-09 - Birmingham City vs Blackpool
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : English : Championship
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012, 8:00PM GMT
PREVIEW
I had a feeling Blackpool would grab the win in the 1st leg, but I didn't think they would be able to do so with just 1 goal. The Tangerines blanked the Blues 1-0 and now head to Birmingham to complete the tie, for the right to play West Ham in the playoff finals. Birmingham should not be blanked again, especially since they need the win and are at home where they have an impressive record. But Blackpool have kept clean sheets in 4 of their last 5 matches, so will have to work very hard here.
Blackpool are no strangers to this playoff. Two years ago they went all the way and got themselves promoted to the Premiership. They have a 1-0 lead now, and although they are rightly underdogs for the win, we still have a 2.20 priced bet riding from the first game on Blackpool to qualify. I still like that bet. Because while I expect Birmingham to score and make a contest of this, no team has thrown away more points from winning positions than Birmingham, who chucked away 31 points. Blackpool helped themselves to an extra 32 points when in losing position, league best. Combine that and what do you get? A real live dog in Blackpool, reading to knock Birmingham out of the playoffs.
Blackpool had not beaten Birmingham in 4 previous tries before that win last week, but Birmingham have done well at home when entertaining the Tangerines, winning 6 of their last 7 at St. Andrews. Marlon King will be one to watch out for, as the Blues striker has scored in both the league meetings against Blackpool this year.
I am concerned about Birmingham only managing to win 3 of their last 9 home matches in all competitions, even though they have not lost here in their last 5 matches coming into this match. Blackpool play some great attacking football and teams that have done that to Birmingham have had success this term. West Ham clawing back from a massive deficit to draw 3-3 and of course Portsmouth coming from 1-0 down to destroy Birmingham are two results that spring to mind. Blackpool are a serious danger late in the game, scoring 27 goals in the last 15 minutes of Championship games, more than anyone else in the league.
BETTING VERDICT
Birmingham could win this and still get knocked out, but remember that while Birmingham chase the tie, Blackpool will always have chances to score. If this ends in a Blackpool win, do not look shocked.
I'll keep it very simple as I'm expecting a few goals. Best to have a punt on both sides to have a say in this and enjoy what should be a cracking encounter.
The Pick :
Both Teams To Score
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Both Teams To Score @ 1.83
