A few Saturday picks

Swansea V Oldham

I may be about the only person that will oppose Swansea this weekend but I think its worth it.
Swansea have been in terrific form lately winning 10 of the last 12 and just powering their way through the league to open up a 10 point lead at the top of the table. Goals have not been a problem as they have flowed freely all season. 2 goals scored a game is an impressive stat and with only 22 conceded they have one of the meanest defences in the league. However with 4 games inside the last 12 days in the league and a dissapointing FA cup exit also to consider I think that fatigue has to catch up eventually.
Oldham are no mugs. They sit in 13 position but mainly due to a terrible home record in which they have recorded only the three paltry wins. Their away record makes much better reading though with only three defeats in 14 league games with a good scoring record ( 17- 11 ) With 7 games undefeated on their travels their defence has proven to be quite efficient with only 7 clean sheets overall. They grabbed lots of attention when they went to Everton in the FA Cup and controlled the home side to take a deserving victory proving that they can mix it with the best.

Verdict
Swansea have to feel the fatigue factor eventually and will slip up at some stage between now and the end of the season( though I do think they will win the league quite easily in the end)
Oldham are a team that are set perfectly to catch them out and have an away record that most teams can only dream of. A win is probably pushing my luck but if Oldham can demonstrate the same defensive qualities that they have in recent times then a low scoring draw is a very realistic shout. Small stakes though



Reading V Bolton

Its hard to see anyone backing Bolton at any stage unless they unearth some hidden goalscoring talent from somewhere.
Two consecutive 0 – 0 results and relegation is now a very serious threat. Against Fulham last Tuesday night they never ever looked like scoring but it must be said that Fulham looked content with the draw in what was a largely forgetable game. They are still winless on the road and have lost 8 games and have conceded just over two goals a game.
Reading although level on points with Bolton, are a far better team in my eyes. At home they have a 6-1-5 record with 14 goals scored and 17 conceded and they will look to their home form to see them out of danger at the wrong end of the table. They have conceded 50 goals which is a shockingly bad stat but it must also be taken into account that 13 of these came in two bizarre games.
They had two tough games in their last two outings with narrow defeats to Man U and Chelsea.

Verdict
Readings last two games were as hard as they get and although they lost both , they performed admirably in both. Their defence may not be the strongest but should be able to keep to keep a shot shy Bolton side out. Reading are a better side overall and will be eager to take the 3 points on offer.
Reading to win 1 or 2 – 0


PICK
Oldham double chance ( 2.25 @ paddypower) 2 points
Reading win (2.15 @ bet365) 5 points


Much more to follow in the morning (see my earlier post for info)