English League One
2012-12-21 - Swindon Town vs Tranmere Rovers
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : League One
Friday 21st December - Kickoff 7:45pm
Swindon Town
Swindon Town won at Oldham (0-2) last time out to move up into 7th place and just a point off the playoffs. Di Canio's men trail leaders Tranmere Rovers by 5 points and a win over that same side at home on Friday would put them right back into the automatic promotion mix.
Di Canio's side suffered 2 straight league defeats to halt their run up the table but have responded well going 2 unbeaten in the next 2. The 2 losses to Brentford and Notts County are both against sides that are also looking for promotion so they can't afford another loss on Friday to a top 6 rival.
At home the side has struggled in recent times with just 1 win in the last 3. Going further back it's 1 home win in 7 games with drawing games a real problem here (4 in 7).
Swindon Town has only scored 2 goals or more once in the last 5 at home. They won that game 4-1 against Yeovil and if they get 2 against Tranmere that might be enough for all 4 points. Defensively with 1 clean sheet in 7 here I think 2 might win them the game but scoring 1 is a must to even take a point.
Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers draw at Sheffield United (0-0) last time out to earn an excellent point. The draw means they remain top on 41 points but all of a sudden everyone has caught them up and they could fall as low as 5th if results go against them this weekend.
Moore's side haven't won in 5 games their biggest winless run of the season. The last 4 have ended in draws with the defeat to MK Dons (0-1) their only 1 in the last 8 league games.
Away from home Tranmere Rovers are 4 unbeaten however it's 2 games since their last road victory. Wins at Hartlepool (0-2) and Oldham (0-1) were workman like against 2 poor sides. Draws at Stevenage (1-1) and United were much better given the levels of both opposition.
3 away clean sheets in the last 4 games is a big bonus for Tranmere. Defensively they are tight and shutting out Sheffield United at Bramell Lane is excellent. The blank in the same game ended a 6 game scoring run away from home so I'm not concerned by the side in front of goal.
Betting Verdict
Swindon are odds on to win this game which I just don't get at all. The hosts have 1 home win in 7 games compared to Tranmere's 4 game unbeaten run including games at Stevenage and Sheffield United.
Swindon isn't scoring many goals, as mentioned above just 2 or more at home once in the last 5. Tranmere are excellent defensively with their 3 clean sheets in 4 plus given they seem to find 1 goal for sure and Swindon has 1 home clean sheet in 7 I think they can take something from the game.
I see the visitors scoring at least 1 goal and maybe a second. However, I can't see Swindon scoring 2 to win the game because with their defence that is what they will need.
At odds against taking the league leaders not to lose is the best bet here and I'm very happy to see such decent quotes for them.
Good Luck
The Pick :
Swindon Town 0-1 Tranmere Rovers
