Eng. Championship
2012-08-25 - Huddersfield Town vs Burnley
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football – England – Championship
Saturday 25th August 2012 – Kickoff: 1500hrs
The Galpharm Stadium beckons as Huddersfield Town look to build on their last-gasp point against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night in their second home match against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
Huddersfield Town
Jordan Rhodes, who was instrumental in The Terriers’ promotion campaign from League One last season, opened his Championship scoring account with a stoppage time equaliser to send the home fans wild and earn the home side their first point of the season.
What was perhaps equally as important was the fact that their prize asset played the whole 90 minutes following a minor knee injury which kept him out of Huddersfield’s opening match at Cardiff City.
The Terriers were a bit unlucky I thought going down 0-1 at Cardiff City in their first match upon their return to the Championship. It looked like Simon Grayson’s side had done enough to gain a point but we see it only too often at any level, that last-minute killer goal.
However, the fashion in which they’ve played so far and the late equaliser against Forest in midweek will only serve as a morale boost ahead of Burnley’s visit.
Aside from Jordan Rhodes, they also have Lee Novak and Alan Lee up front, along with a midfield consisting of attacking, creative players like Sean Scannell, Adam Clayton and Keith Southern along with the return of ball-winning Anthony Gerrard back from suspension.
Burnley
Today’s opponents, Burnley, had a disappointing season last term in the Championship finishing in mid-table, and actually had a better away record than their home one with a return of 10-2-11 28/31. The Clarets seem to be in a transitional phase at the moment following the huge success previously enjoyed under the guidance of former manager Owen Coyle.
Replacement manager Eddie Howe did great things at his former club Bournemouth, but this is a big step up and I get the feeling he’s still assessing who his best eleven are.
Nevertherless, their opening day win over Lancashire rivals Bolton (and manager Owen Coyle) would have been a sweet three points indeed, but the familiar problems on the road returned quickly with a midweek 2-3 loss at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.
This looks like a pattern that could continue for Burnley this season who should end up mid-table again depending on how they perform away from home again, like many of the Championship teams.
The Betting Verdict :
The return of Rhodes for Huddersfield is a massive boost for the home side, and even if he doesn’t play the full 90 minutes, I think they are still solid enough at the back to earn at least a draw, if not nick it by a single goal margin.
I’ll take Huddersfield with the round ball handicap (AH+0) as I sense a bit of value in this, but Huddersfield might just edge it 1-0.
The Pick :
Huddersfield 1-0 Burnley
BEST BETTING TIP :
Value Pick :Consider a bet on Huddersfield Town to win @ 2.51 at Pinnacle
Long Shot :
You could try Jordan Rhodes anytime to score @ 2.20, first scorer or last scorer @ 5.00 at bet365
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
