English League One
2008-05-15 - Carlisle United vs Leeds United
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
England, League 1 Play-offs - Semi-final 2nd leg
Thursday, 15th May 2008 - KO 19:45
CARLISLE UNITED
A disappointing end to the season meant Carlisle had to settle for 4th spot and a place in the playoffs this season. They ended the season only 2 points from an automatic promotion spot.
Carlisle will look to their incredible home record to ensure they are making a trip to Wembley next weekend and a chance to play for the right to join the Championship next season. They finished the season 17-3-3 at home where they scored 39 goals and conceded 16. Carlisle won the most points at home out of any other team in the division.
Carlisle's form had not been great coming into the double header with Leeds as they had only 1 win from their last 8 league games.
However the 1-2 win at Elland Road should have given them some confidence even though they have lost 3 of their last 5 games. They have only won 1 of their last 5 games at home, losing 2 of them and only keeping 1 clean sheet in those games.
David Raven returns from suspension but it is likely that Carlisle will stick with the same team from the 1st leg. Simon Hackney is looking to recover from a knock obtained in that game but if he doesnt make it, it is expected that Cleveland Taylor will deputise.
LEEDS UNITED
Leeds would have finished as runners-up in the League 1 if they had not been deducted the 15 points at the start of the season. Their mere presence in the playoffs is a testament to the efforts of firstly Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet and laterly of Gary McAllister.
Leeds finished 5th in the table, 4 points behind Carlisle, and had an away record of 12-6-5 with 31 goals scored and 20 conceded. They ended the season with only less away wins than the Champions Swansea and with the 2nd best away defence.
Leeds had looked in great form before the defeat in the 1st leg. They had a 7-1-1 record over their last 9 games and had kept 6 clean sheets in those games. They have also lost only 1 of their last 8 away games and won 4 of their previous 5. Leeds have only conceded 1 goal in their last 5 away games.
Jermaine Beckford will likely play even though he has a slight knock. Alan Thompson is also in the squad.
HEAD TO HEAD
This is the 4th meeting between the sides this season. Carlisle and Leeds both won their home games during the regular season, but Carlisle hold the advantage after winning 1-2 at Leeds on Monday night.
PREDICTION :
Carlisle know this tie is far from over and they could be considered fortunate to be holding the lead after the 1st leg in which Leeds had many chances to score.
I feel the late late goal from Leeds might give the edge - its like a team scoring just before half time to pull themselves back into a game they were unlucky to be losing.
Carlisle have had a good season but Leeds are still the form side and have been performing well on their travels of late. Carlisle on the other hand are probably on their worst form at home all season.
The Pick :
CARLISLE UNITED 0-2 LEEDS UNITED
