A very interesting clash when two of the bottom three meet each other in what is sure to be a closely fought encounter which could end up costing one a place in the league come seasons end.
Cheltenham have eased relegation worries ever so slightly with three 1 – 0 wins in their last 4 home games. Indeed one of the reasons I fancy them to win this game is because of these three wins, each for different reasons. Beating Port Vale on January 2nd was another clash very similar to this one. Cheltenham were playing at home, against a team of fellow strugglers and needed a win as they do tomorrow. An early Paul Conner goal was enough as their defence stood firm to the Port Vale attack. Another of these wins was against Leeds. Quite simply, Leeds are one of the best teams in this league if not the best and any team that beats them deserves a lot of respect and credibility. As it turns out that is the only game in which Leeds were held scoreless all season to this point, a remarkable achievement for Cheltenham, a team so far down the league ladder. Their away form is shocking so they know that its games like this, especially the home ones that are going to determine their season.
Manager Keith Downing could hand debuts to loan signings Steve Brooker and Alex Russell.
Cheltenham’s last 5 home games
Cheltenham 1 1 Yeovil 06/11/2007
Cheltenham 1 0 Leeds 25/11/2007
Cheltenham 1 0 Luton 14/12/2007
Cheltenham 0 2 Huddersfield 22/12/2007
Cheltenham 1 0 Port Vale 02/01/2008
Bournemouth, as mentioned above are in deep trouble at this stage. They are a point below Cheltenham but more importantly have played a game more than the teams above them within reaching distance.
Much like their opponents here, their away form has been poor and they have failed to take anything from their last 4 games on the road. Credit where credit is due, they have scored in each of their last 9 away games, but the underlying problem is their defence with 12 goals conceded inside the last 6 hours of play. They haven’t fared much better at home and have the conceded more goals than anyone else in the league (44, almost 2 a game)
Injury wise, Kevin Bond has many players returning from spells on the sidelines which should help.
| Hartlepool | 1 | 1 | Bournemouth | 18/11/2007 |
| Yeovil | 2 | 1 | Bournemouth | 04/12/2007 |
| Tranmere | 3 | 1 | Bournemouth | 08/12/2007 |
| Northampton | 4 | 1 | Bournemouth | 21/12/2007 |
| Brighton | 3 | 2 | Bournemouth | 01/01/2008 |
Verdict
It’s hard to ignore the claims for a home win here. Cheltenham certainly appear to be making more progress in the attempt climb up the league standings. Their defence is on a par with most other teams in the league, its scoring that has been their downfall. Why not another 1 – 0 win.
Pick
Cheltenham win (2.20 @ canbet) 5 points
1 comment:
+6 points
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