English League One
2012-05-11 - Stevenage vs Sheffield United
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football – England – League One
Play-Off Semi Final 1st Leg
Friday 11th May 2012 – Kickoff: 1945hrs
Broadhall Way is the venue for the first of the League One play-offs now that the regular season has concluded. Stevenage and Sheffield United clash in the first of two legs to determine who faces off for a spot in the Championship.
Stevenage
Stevenage enjoyed a solid run of form towards the end of the regular campaign posting three wins on the trot at home against Carlisle United, Brentford and Bury, and were undefeated in their last six matches including a 6-0 away win at Yeovil Town.
Perhaps too many draws though held back Stevenage in finishing higher than sixth, who edged out Notts County on goal difference on the final day of the season. Their home record finished up on 10-10-3 36/23, and they drew four of their last seven at home.
Stevenage's play-off place was earned through team work and with no superstar striker, the likes of Laird (9 goals, 3 assists), Reid (7 goals), Freeman (7 goals, 8 assists) and Roberts and Bostwick both with 6 goals each, they have various outlets that create goal opportunities. Lawrie Wilson (7 assists) and ex-Birmingham City Robin Shroot (6 assists) are the other main key contributors.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United would have felt totally and utter sick of losing out to their bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the race for automatic promotion back up to the Championship. Wednesday clinched promotion on the final day with a 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers, while United could only manage a point at Exeter City.
The Blades will now have to endure a nervy couple of weeks as the play-off lottery begins, with any of the four remaining teams capable of claiming that final promotion ticket. Sheffield United’s cause certainly hasn’t been helped though by the conviction of their leading scorer Ched Evans (28 goals, 12 assists) who was found guilty of rape a couple of weeks ago.
Evans’ last game for United was in a 3-1 win over Leyton Orient in which he scored, but his arrest and subsequent conviction has coincided with a slump in form where they’ve gained just two points from their last three matches without his services; a 0-1 loss at MK Dons, and then 2-2 draws against Stevenage and Exeter City prevented them from claiming second place.
To make matters worse, striker James Beattie was sent off in the Exeter match and is likely to have to sit this one out. But it’s not all doom and gloom for the Yorkshire side as Lee Williamson (13 goals), Quinn (3 goals, 13 assists) and Cresswell (9 goals, 10 assists) have proved that they can step up when needed.
The Betting Verdict :
If Evans had been available for Sheffield United I probably would have given The Blades the nod in this one, but with home advantage and United’s recent dip in form, I’ll take Stevenage with the round ball to perhaps get the edge in this first leg; 1-0 to Stevenage.
The Pick :
Stevenage 1-0 Sheffield United
BEST BETTING TIP :
Value Pick :Consider a punt on Stevenage to win @ 2.62 at PinnacleSports
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
