English League One
2012-08-25 - Brentford vs Crewe
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English League One
Saturday 25 August 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
Brentford
Uwe Rosler was feeling confident that his Brentford team would be able to challenge for a promotion spot this season as he felt the last twelve months in the job has allowed him shape the squad to his liking. While that is the case, he won't have been too impressed with the way Brentford have started this season, although it is very early days.
Brentford have failed to win any of their first three games this season and have scored just 1 goal in those games. They were beaten in the Capital One Cup at Walsall and then earned a point from a trip to Bury. However, they were brought back down to earth with a bump as they were beaten 1-3 here by Yeovil during the week.
The team finished 9th in League One last season, 6 points off the Play Off spots, and they were 10-6-7 here at Griffin Park. Brentford have now failed to win any of their last 3 home League games, losing 2 in a row, since they had a run of 6 wins from 7 games snapped.
Paul Hayes is back in the squad, but he may not start as he hasn't had much playing time recently. Harlee Dean could also return, while Jake Reeves is suspended.
Crewe
Crewe have been known for a couple of things in their recent history- one, they play an attractive attacking style of football and two, they are always bringing in their youth players and giving them a chance and that has produced some real talents over the years. This may be a season of consolidation for the team, but they have made an impressive start.
The side have started off with a mixed bag of results but they have progressed in the Capital One Cup with a win over Hartlepool and followed that up with one win and one loss in their opening League games. Crewe were beaten 1-2 by Notts County on the opening weekend, but they then earned the same scoreline in a win at Scunthorpe United.
Alexander finished in 7th place in League Two last season, sneaking into the Play Off picture before earning promotion. They had a 9-6-8 record away from home last season, but the level of opposition will be greater, for the most part, this season. Crewe had been unbeaten in 20 games before losing to Notts County last week, but they remain unbeaten in 10 away games.
Matt Tootle and Michael West have been ruled out and Steve Phillips is still recovering from surgery meaning Alan Martin will continue in goal.
Head to Head
The sides haven't met since the 2006/07 season when Crewe won both League games in the third tier of English football.
Brentford have lost their last 3 home games against Crewe, although they had won 3 in a row before this run.
Prediction
It has been a disappointing start for Brentford this season, but they do have a squad that is capable of better, although I wouldn't feel comfortable backing them at odds on to win a game on current form.
They will need to be at their best going forward if they are to pick up the three points as they face a Crewe side that have been effective going forward as shown by the 8 goals they have scored in the first 3 games they have played.
The game does look like one that will produce a few goals as both are decent sides going forward, even if Brentford haven't shown that so far. The Bees did score 36 goals in their 23 home League games last season and they are getting healthier in the forward positions and will likely need at least 2 goals to beat a Crewe team that will still be confident after their successes at the end of last season.
Over 2.5 goals has been priced at odds against here and that looks the call as the last three games between the teams have also seen at least 3 goals scored.
The Pick :
Brentford 2-1 Crewe
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00
