Stick to what you know: that’s important advice both in life and with your betting.
With the international break laying waste to the domestic fixture list, we ended up ploughing the depths of the Vanarama National an African-based international contests as the basis for our both teams to score betting tips last week.
And it did not go well, so we’re delighted that a full programme of games awaits us this week.
So without further ado, who makes up our BTTS tips this week?
- Leicester City vs Manchester City: Both Teams to Score – Yes
- Hull City vs Ipswich Town: Both Teams to Score – Yes
- QPR vs Aston Villa: Both Teams to Score – Yes
- Peterborough vs Blackpool: Both Teams to Score – Yes
- Chesterfield vs Exeter City: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Leicester City vs Manchester City – Yes (3/4)
Manchester City have been outstanding from both an attacking and defensive perspective this season, although they have something of a defence-led headache to cope with this week.
Nicolas Otamendi is suspended for this trip to Leicester, and Vincent Kompany is not yet ready to return. Factor in the injury to Benjamin Mendy, and we note a Citizens side with a few holes to fill.
Claude Puel has galvanised Leicester since taking over, and in selecting a front three of messrs Vardy, Mahrez and Gray already the Foxes’ attacking output has improved.
They’ve netted four times in Puel’s 180 minutes in charge, and at home they are a particularly visceral outfit to observe. They could give Manchester City a real run for their money here.
Hull City vs Ipswich Town – Yes (8/13)
If you lived in the North East of England and were seeking a team to watch every week you’d surely opt for Hull City, whose complete commitment to attacking football is admirable but foolhardy.
They’ve shipped 30 goals in 16 league games, including ten in their last three, and they have kept just two clean sheets all season. Like we say, fun to watch (the Tigers have also netted 28 times themselves – the second highest tally in the Championship!), but not necessarily a recipe for success.
Can Ipswich uphold their end of the bargain? Hopefully: they have conceded at least once in each of their seven away days so far.
QPR vs Aston Villa – Yes (8/11)
We’re going to take a chance on QPR here: a side that creates plenty of chances but just lacks a recognised goalscorer to finish them off.
A BTTS wager is a risk then, but don’t forget that John Terry has suffered a broken toe and will be out until around Christmas time for the Villa.
We’re not convinced that Steve Bruce has great squad depth from a defensive perspective, and the Rs’ attacking vibrancy – they’ve netted at least once in 13/16 this term – should pay dividends on Saturday.
Peterborough vs Blackpool – Yes (4/6)
Many pundits thought Blackpool would do very well against Portsmouth last time out following the news that the despised Oyston family had put the club up for sale, and while they lost 2-3 they did at least showcase some attacking joie de vivre.
BTTS has also landed in five of the Tangerines’ last six, and as we know Peterborough are rarely shy of the magic mark either.
Some 12/16 of their matches has witnessed both teams scoring, with 10/16 delivering over 25 goals – a measure of their attacking excellence and defensive woes.
Chesterfield vs Exeter City – Yes (4/6)
Since Jack Lester took charge of Chesterfield his side’s games have finished 2-2, 2-2, 1-2, 2-0, 0-2 and 1-2, and as a dashing forward in his own playing days an attacking ethos as a manager is perhaps no surprise.
It’s certainly good news for goals-based punters, particularly with Exeter City in town. Five of their away days have delivered BTTS verdicts this term, and their inconsistent form since the end of September lends itself to goals at both ends of the pitch.