After a handsome win just prior to Christmas, our final football accumulator betting tips column of 2018 saw a return of 3/5, with Sunderland and Wycombe the last two teams to enter the naughty list for the year!
We took some time off over the hectic festive period – that really can be a bit of a graveyard shift for punters as fatigue and the need to rest players kicks in, so we’re happy to return on a more even keel this week.
Our hands are tied somewhat, with a few of the continental divisions enjoying their winter break and the FA Cup in full swing in England, but nevertheless here are some football acca tips that will hopefully get 2019 off to the best possible start.
| Match | Recommended Bet | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Burnley vs Barnsley | Burnley to Qualify | 1/2 |
| Crystal Palace vs Grimsby Town | Grimsby +2.75 Asian Handicap | 1/2 |
| Fulham vs Oldham Athletic | Fulham -1.00 Asian Handicap | 4/11 |
| Sheffield United vs Barnet | Sheffield United -1 Handicap | 8/11 |
| Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao | Celta Vigo +0.25 Asian Handicap | 1/2 |
| Five-Fold Acca Odds | 6.86/1 | |
Burnley vs Barnsley: Burnley to Qualify
There has been a marked improvement in the performances of Burnley of late, which have been rewarded with victories over West Ham (2-0) and Huddersfield (2-1).
Those have saw the Clarets propelled clear of the relegation zone in the Premier League, and while the temptation for Sean Dyche might be to rest players after the chaos of the festive period, there will also surely be a part of him keen to keep the momentum going.
As for Barnsley, they have bigger fish to fry. Fourth in League One, they will be desperate to return to the Championship at the first time of asking, and so you wonder how much emphasis will be placed on the FA Cup.
A Roses derby always stirs the loins of purists, and this ‘to qualify’ market gives us two bites of the cherry should the Tykes earn a draw at Turf Moor.
Crystal Palace v Grimsby Town: Grimsby +2.75 Asian Handicap
We are going out on a limb somewhat with this selection, but we’re more than happy to back anyone with a hypothetical two-goal headstart against shot-shy Palace.
Grimsby have enjoyed a fine spell of late, winning five in a row prior to their 0-1 loss to Mansfield last time out, and a trip to Premier League opposition is one they will relish.
In their last five Premier League matches, the Eagles have scored just four non-penalty goals, and their thin squad does not cope well with rotation. If Roy Hodgson opts to leave out key attacking figures on Saturday, they really could struggle.
This selection will win even if Grimsby lose by a two-goal margin; if they lose by three, half of our stake is lost. It feels like a ‘free hit’, to be honest.
Fulham vs Oldham Athletic: Fulham -1.00 Asian Handicap
When you’re battling for honours and silverware, the FA Cup can be seen as an unwelcome distraction.
But when you’re in the midst of a relegation battle, the competition can actually be a blessed relief when playing without the pressure of league duty.
Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is a wise old fox that has been around the block, and he will know that a cup run could work wonders for his side given how short of confidence they are.
It’s not as if they are awful either. They’ve only lost 4/10 at Craven Cottage in the league, and average more than a goal per game. Players like Mitrovic, Schurrle, Sessegnon, Kamara ad Cairney should, theoretically, take League Two opposition to the cleaners.
And that’s what Oldham are, ultimately: a mid-table side in the third tier of English football. They have also conceded ten goals in their last four games, including a 0-6 thrashing at the hands of Carlisle on Boxing Day.
Sheffield United vs Barnet: Sheffield United -1 Handicap
Our Spidey Senses are hardly tingling for a classic cupset at Bramall Lane, where the gulf between these two sides should be evident.
Sheffield United are going great guns once again under Chris Wilder, and he will be desperate to keep the good vibes going with a cup run of their own.
Three consecutive wins in the Championship have brought with them nine goals, and so Barnet may have to run the barricades if the Blades play with their usual intensity on Sunday.
The visitors, while comfortable in mid-table in the Vanarama National, boast the fourth worst ‘goals for’ column in the division, and barring a minor miracle it’s difficult to see how they can trouble the Yorkshiremen here.
Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao: Celta Vigo +0.25 Asian Handicap
Celta Vigo’s ledger prior to the festive break in La Liga – W2 D1 L3 – might not look all that promising, but they were compromised by playing both Barcelona and Real Madrid in that run.
Indeed, the hosts here are better than that record implies, and they are certainly solid enough on home soil (W3 D4 L2).
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, are still yet to win on their travels in 2018/19, and their woes are summed up by the fact that they have scored one or fewer goals in 12 of their last 13 La Liga matches. They will be without the suspended Raul Garcia and Yeray Alvarez here too.