Diary of a Punter: Dropping down the divsions in search of value
Jim Knight's only selection was a winner in the Premier League last week but he's looking to Leagues One and Two to keep up his winning run this weekend
There was just one bet last week but it was a winner with more goals in the second half of the Tottenham v Swansea match added some very useful profit to the bankroll which now stands at over £70 for the season.It's back to two selections this week although I couldn't find anything worth risking my money on in the top two division of English football so this week's picks come from Leagues One and Two.
Coventry to beat Preston at 11/10 (2.10) with Paddy Power
The first comes from the midlands where a Coventry side resurgent under new boss Mark Robins have been on a superb run of form and have not only recovered from their early season slump, but are looking capable of putting together a run into the top half of the table.
The Sky Blues have won four of their last five League One matches and not only have they been picking up three points week in, week out, they've been doing it in style. A 5-0 win over struggling Hartlepool was impressive if nothing else but recent victories over Walsall (5-1) and last week's away win over promotion chasing Doncaster (4-1) showed just what the side are capable of.
Those league wins together with progression in the Football League Trophy and FA Cup mean it's now one defeat in 11 matches, nine of those ending in victory. This weekend they host Preston, who have just one win in eight in all competitions and they look at risk of slipping to another defeat at Ricoh Arena.
Goals have been a problem for Preston in recent games with only two scored in five matches and although they're relatively strong at the back, the in-form David McGoldrick could blow them away on home soil for the Sky Blues. 11/10 (2.10) looks more than a fair price for a home win and gets £10 of the bankroll.
Rotherham to beat Bristol Rovers at 23/20 (2.15)
Not only is this hopefully a good selection from League Two, it's also an industry best with Paddy Power. Rotherham have been in fine form of late and three wins in their last four meaning they're just two points behind the third automatic promotion spot.
Another encouraging statistic is that the visitors have won their last three on the road prior to a midweek trip to Notts County in the FA Cup where they also won, and also kept three clean sheets in those games, their form has actually been better away from New York Stadium in recent weeks. The Millers have got goals all over the pitch, Ben Pringle, Michael O'Connor and Lee Frecklington all contribute regularly from midfield and take the pressure off the strikers somewhat, Daniel Nardiello leads the line and although going through a little bit of a dry spell at the moment, is already into double figures for the season.
Bristol Rovers are a club in turmoil. They feel they should be doing a lot better than their current position and manager Mark McGhee was relieved of his duties after last weekend's 4-1 defeat to York.
vNew managers often bring a "bounce" in their initial few games but it's going to take more than an increase in motivation to get a side who have lost nine of thier last 11 to beat Rotherham.
The visitors are 23/20 (2.15) to claim victory and another £10 of the bankroll goes on this.
Win a free £20 bet
Well done to Luke Saunders who won this week's free bet with a double on the Manchester clubs to win last weekend at a shade over Evens (2.0). If you'd like to enter this week's competition just email betting@goal.com with your best weekend tip and price and use "Free20" in the subject line to enter. Entry is open to residents of the UK and Ireland and is limited to one entry per person, the winner must have a valid Paddy Power account to claim the prize and the editor's decision is final. Good luck!
Entry is open until midday on Saturday so get your emails in early to ensure your tip is counted.
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Balance at the start of the week: £577.30
Profit for the season: £77.30 |
| Coventry to win: £10 at 11/10 (2.10) with Paddy Power |
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| Rotherham to win at 23/20 (2.15) with Paddy Power | |
| Total staked this week: £20 |
Sign up with Paddy Power for up to £250 in free bets
Jim Knight is Betting Editor at Goal.com and has been tipping football games since he was old enough to place a bet. He is a Leicester City fan, writer and member of the We Are Going Up Podcast
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