English League Two
2012-09-15 - Bradford vs Barnet
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English League Two
Saturday 15 September 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
Bradford
It is hard to believe that a little over ten years ago, Bradford were a Premier League side, yet here they are in the League Two Division and will only some expectation they can challenge for a promotion spot. Bradford's case should be an example for all the teams that chase the Premier League dream outside of their financial capabilities as that has seen them freefall down the tiers.
Bradford have had a mixed start to the new campaign, but they have put 7 points on the board, although that is only good for 14th in the table at this moment in time. This is a competitive Division so Bradford fans shouldn't be worrying just yet, especially if they can maintain their 2-0-0 record at home, scoring 6 goals and conceding 1.
The team had a three game winning run ended with a bump at Rotherham United and they have now failed to win any of their last 2. However, the fans can point to their home record where they have suffered just 1 defeat in their last 17 games in all competitions, including the fact that Bradford have won 4 of their last 5 here since that loss to Crawley Town.
Ricky Ravenhill could return to make his first start of the season after an injury. Nakhi Wells will need to pass a fitness test to determine his availability.
Barnet
While Bradford may be looking up the table, Barnet were always going to be one of those sides that are avoiding the dreaded trapdoor back into non-League football. Their start to the 2012/13 season hasn't exactly inspired anyone to think their minimal aims are the best they can achieve this season.
That is down to the fact that Barnet have picked up just 1 point from their opening League games and currently prop up the rest of the League teams in English football. They have lost both away games they have played this season and are yet to score, while they have conceded 5 goals in those losses.
Barnet have lost 3 straight League games coming into this one and they have now lost 5 of their last 6 in all competitions. They did win back to back League games to close last season, but they remain their only successes in their last 16 League games. Barnet have struggled away from home and have a 2-2-7 record from their last 11 in the League.
Head to Head
Bradford destroyed Barnet twice last season, scoring 4 goals in each game, and they have now won 4 of the last 5 games overall between the teams.
However, it hasn't always been so easy at Valley Parade for the home side as they are just 2-2-1 here in the last 5 games against Barnet.
Prediction
I think Bradford will win this game, but I am not backing them at odds on to do so and instead will concentrate on this game having at least 3 goals scored between the teams.
Bradford scored 4 in both games against Barnet last season, while games here have generally been high-scoring. In fact, 5 of the 6 games they have played against one another at Valley Parade have ended with at least 3 goals scored.
Add to this the fact that Barnet have conceded at least 2 goals in 7 of their last 10 away games in the League, including in both this season, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if Bradford managed to get to 3 goals on their own.
Barnet haven't scored an away goal so far this season, and that is a concern considering that makes it 5 of their last 6 away games where they haven't troubled the scoreboard, but Bradford only kept 5 clean sheets at home all of last season.
Another concern is Bradford have only conceded 1 goal from their 5 home games in the League, but I do believe that is an exception to their usually penetrative defence.
It could be settled by Bradford on their own, but I believe Barnet may help out in securing the over 2.5 goals option at slightly under evens.
The Pick :
Bradford 3-1 Barnet
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.92
