English League One
2013-02-12 - Brentford vs Stevenage
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English League One
Tuesday 12 February 2013 - Kick Off 7:45pm
Brentford
It would be extremely easy for a team in the lower Leagues to lose focus when they have a big Cup replay at a team like Chelsea coming in the next few days and that is something Brentford have to ignore. The chance of being promoted to the Championship should focus the players minds, although you can't ignore human nature of being excited and looking ahead.
The Bees have dropped to 6th in the League One table following recent results, but they have 51 points which means they are only 5 off the leaders of the Division with this game in hand to play. Brentford have a very solid 8-5-2 record at Griffin Park this season, scoring 26 goals and conceding 17.
However, it shouldn't be ignored that Brentford have failed to win their last 2 games since a 2-2 draw with Chelsea here and they have now extended their run to 5 games without a win. Brentford have failed to win any of their last 4 home games since setting up the clash with Chelsea and they have conceded 2 goals in each of those games.
Stevenage
After surprising many by pushing for promotion to the Championship last season, this has been a much more disappointing season for Stevenage. With expectations raised at the start of the season, being well off the Play Off places was always going to be a disappointment to the fans of the club.
The side are down in 14th place in the League One table and they are 8 points behind their opponents in the final Play Off place. Stevenage have an 8-2-4 away record in the League, scoring 18 goals and conceding 14, and only Doncaster Rovers have won more games on their travels so far.
Stevenage were beaten 2-1 at Carlisle United at the weekend and they have lost 3 of their last 4 League games, while their poor recent run has extended to losing 6 of their last 8 games in the League. Even their away form has fallen away of late as they have lost 3 of their last 6 League games on their travels, including 2 of their last 3.
Head to Head
This will be the first League meeting between Stevenage and Brentford this season.
Last season, Stevenage won both League games including a 0-1 win here at Griffin Park.
Prediction
Considering the way Brentford have played in recent games, their odds on quotes look far too short, while the over 2.5 goals at odds against looks a big reaction to Stevenage's away record this season.
With Brentford both scoring and conceding a lot of goals recently, I am surprised the over 2.5 goals is being offered at a 2.10 price which looks a touch big.
This game could easily end up 2-1 either way and goals is my choice.
The Pick :
Brentford 2-1 Stevenage
