Saturday action

Newcastle V Fulham

A huge game for both sides here, as relegation is a major issue for both. It’s a difficult game to call as Newcastle are in a dire run of form and haven’t won a home game since early December. Fulham haven’t won away all season though. Kevin Keegan is still waiting for that first win since taking charge at Newcastle and playing the second from bottom team is as good a chance as he is going to get. The only advantage that Fulham have is that they have actually won some games this year and taken a few draws in recent times. The return of Jimmy Bullard has been a huge boost to the club and they have actually played a bit better than their results suggest.
What to say about Newcastle? Just 3points gained in 2008 sees them in real difficulty and they could badly do with 3 points. Their defence has been a shambles and the loss of Shay Given is a big blow to them. To describe their home form should not take too long either, just 2 points taken from a possible 15 in the last 5 games, 2 scored to 9 conceded, it makes for poor reading for any fans out there.

Verdict
Newcastle have failed to beat fellow strugglers, Middlesborough, Bolton and Derby at home in the last few months. Fulham on their day are as good if not better than any of these. The Cottagers have looked to draw their games on the road and they have succeeded against the lower ranked clubs. This is a huge game for both sides and a point doesn’t really help either. Fulham beat an in form Everton last week so they definitely have a bit more in terms of confidence. Im siding with the visitors here to create a mini shock and take their first away win of the year. As Fulham have a tendency to draw games il take them level ball as insurance for small stakes.

PICK
Fulham +0 (3.4 @ paddy power) 2 points




Scunthorpe V Ipswich

Its sh*t or bust time for Scunny and they are desperately in need of 3 points today. The worst thing about their league position is that they have been playing quite well but are just lacking a little firepower, especially in their away performances.
At home they look a little better and recent wins over Plymouth, Coventry and Charlton have been massive results.
Survival is fading fast and anything but 3 points here will surely condemn them to relegation.
Ipswich are lying in 10th spot but have their sights firmly set on the play-offs. A great 2 – 0 win over Charlton last weekend will have helped their confidence but on the road they have struggled.
Just 2 wins from 19 attempts and they were hammered 4 – 1 last time out by Barnsley. They are one of the better teams in the championship when given time and space to play the ball, as they were last week v Charlton. However an away trip to a side battling for points and survival is not going to yield any time to play around with the ball and Scunthorpe’s style of play wont suit Ipswich.
Verdict
Im siding with the home side here. Their need is greater and im not so sure what Ipswich have achieved away from home to be perceived as favourites for this one. Scunthorpe have got some good results at home to beck me up here. 2.88 for the home win, though it may be tight, is too good for me to turn down.

Scunthorpe (2.88 @ bet365) 3 points




Stoke V Blackpool


Just going purely on recent form for this one. Stoke are sitting top of the pile in the championship and have been banging in goals for fun. They have scored in each of their last 8 home games and look good to take 3 points here against 15th placed Blackpool. However one look at Blackpool’s away stats suggests they will be no pushovers. They are not afraid to go forward either and 7 goals in the last 4 away games show this. In fact they have only been kept out twice on their travels so they like to score goals too. They have conceded 13 in their last 6 away games so over backers would be quite happy with their efforts

Verdict
Stoke have stumbled a bit recently and need a win here to steady the ship. I think they are more than capable but it wont be easy, they have only kept 4 clean sheets at home all season and I don’t see them holding Blackpool out. Overs looks a good call

PICK
Stoke V Blackpool over 2.5 goals ( 2.08 @ canbet) 4 points