English League One
2012-05-12 - MK Dons vs Huddersfield Town
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : English : League One
Saturday, May 12th, 2012, 12:30PM GMT
PREVIEW
The MK Dons lost their last game of the season, 1-0 at home to Walsall, but I think that is because the team suffered a letdown having achieved their goal of making the playoffs. You see, the Dons had previously gone on a 4 game winning streak, where they conceded just 1 goal, keeping 3 clean sheets, including one against Sheffield United! They play their 1st leg of this playoff tie at home, where they will entertain Huddersfield Town.
The MK Dons have been in League One for 4 seasons, and would love to bounce back up to the Championship for the first time since they changed identity 8 years ago, but they have to get past a Huddersfield side they have not beaten in their lat 7 meetings. The two meetings this season both ended in 1-1 draws. At Stadium MK, Huddersfield have not been beaten in their last 5 trips, winning 2 and drawing 3. However, Huddersfield have not been commanding enough away from home in the run-up to this match, winning just 2 of their last 10 away games, of which they lost 3.
The Dons have been consistent in getting to the playoffs. This is their 3rd time in the playoffs in their last 4 seasons. Last year they fell to Peterborough at this stage, and 2 years before that it was Scunthorpe that knocked them out. Huddersfield too have playoff experience in recent seasons, losing to Milwall 2 years ago while losing to Peterborough in last years finals, giving them something in common with the Dons.
As far as the Dons are concerned, the main threat will come from Jordan Rhodes, who seems to score more for Town away from home, with 23 of his 36 league goals coming when on the road. To put that into perspective, Ched Evans, the leading scorer of Sheffield United, only has 13 away from home. Rhodes has been specially rested in the final two games of the season, to allow him to be fresh for the playoffs.
The Dons have Dean Bowditch and Charlie MacDonald, along with Alan Smith, who will try and improve on their recent home record of 2 wins in 5. Bowditch should be the main threat here for the Dons, as he leads the team with 15 goals this season
BETTING VERDICT
I like the Dons in this one. I feel the price being offered is good value, considering the Dons have been on a tear, winning most of their recent matches, while Town have lost a fair few away from home coming into this. The recent head-to-head is causing the books to disrespect the Dons, and I think we should take them to win here and take a narrow lead to Yorkshire for the 2nd leg.
The Pick :
MK Dons
