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Written by Cornermanden. The author’s opinions and predictions are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Unibet. Odds and details may change between the time of writing and when placing a bet – always check before betting.
Another round of the League One season is here. Here are my thoughts ahead of the full slate list of League One round 8 action this weekend.
U’s In Good Form
Oxford United v Exeter City
I was bang on in my prediction for Exeter City at home to Leyton Orient a couple of weeks ago, where I said that I thought Exeter was bound to slip up and give away points at some stage. They did, but bounced back at the weekend by beating lowly Cheltenham Town by the odd goal to nil. Funnily enough, a young Exeter team followed that up by losing 9-0 (!) in the Papa John’s Trophy in midweek.
Much tougher tests await The Grecians when they travel to Oxfordshire to play Oxford United, a team that I have a bet on to finish 1st in the league (at 21.00).
I am a huge fan of Liam Manning, and a huge fan of this season’s Oxford United team. They are quick, energetic, well organised, and also have some flair in the attacking third of the pitch with several creative players with a goal in them. Ruben Rodrigues is a player that I like a lot, with his eye for a box opening pass among his array of offensive attributes. Kyle Edwards, a player I know well from his time at Ipswich Town, scored a ridiculous goal at the weekend, and is a quality player at this level. I’m just very “bullish” on Oxford this season, and think they’ll win a lot of games.
That should continue on Saturday against Exeter. I think the away team have overperformed, and my stance on Oxford is very strong. I like the home win price of 1.90 in League One round 8.
Low On Goals
Carlisle United v Derby County
Carlisle were one of the teams I previewed during the international break, so I won’t repeat myself here. I’m still keen on betting on few goals in their games, especially when they come up against stronger teams with more quality. Derby County are one of those, who typically play a bit more secure away from home. I’m taking under 2.5 goals at 1.94 here.
More Dross?
Portsmouth v Lincoln City
I haven’t really spoken a great deal about Portsmouth this season. But I like what I’ve seen and I think they have a quality manager in charge. Although John Mousinho is still in his first year as a senior football manager, he’s been convincing thus far. His Portsmouth side play an attacking brand of 4-3-3 with overload out wide and a big focal point in Colby Bishop up front.
They did score three quick goals in short succession in midweek against Barnsley, but that was more down to their opponent’s fault than anything else. I do think Pompey have attacking quality at their disposal, but home games against Cheltenham, Bristol Rovers and Exeter have seen them struggle to break down low blocks.
And a low block is exactly what Lincoln City will bring to the party here. I’ve written at length about Mark Kennedy’s defensiveness as a manager previously, and in an away game against Pompey, there’s absolutely no doubt that he’ll set his team up to defend and make things really hard for Mousinho’s boys. Their tight 3-4-3/3-5-2 gives them a numerical advantage in the middle of the pitch, which might cause some headache for Mousinho, who knows damn well what kind of challenge this game will be for them.
I also want to take this bet because both played in midweek; I just have a feeling (not empirical) that the third game in a week often is lower on tempo and energy than if the midweek had been completely off. Under 2.5 goals at 1.79 is my bet in this game.
Conclusion
I don’t expect much entertainment on Saturday afternoon for League One round 8. Here are my picks:
- Carlisle-Derby. Under 2.5 goals @ 1.94.
- Portsmouth-Lincoln. Under 2.5 goals @ 1.79.
- Oxford-Exeter. Oxford win @ 1.90.
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