Eng. Championship
2010-05-02 - Ipswich Town vs Sheffield United
A Sports Betting Pick by Armchair
Football : England : Championship
Sunday 2nd May 2010 – Kickoff 1pm
Ipswich Town entertain a Sheffield United side who must be kicking themselves that they missed a play-off berth this season.
Put quite simply, it’s been the away form that has prevented The Blades from progressing further this season, and it certainly becomes a factor in this match.
Ipswich Town (14th) Home : 8-11-3 24:20
At their Portman Road ground, Ipswich Town have become something of draw specialists, drawing 11 of their 22 home matches so far, but interestingly have only lost three at home in the process – only Newcastle United have lost fewer at home (0).
Overall, the Tractor Boys home record reads 8-11-3 24/20. Forward Jonathan Walters (8 goals) is their leading scorer and he scored a last-minute equaliser at leaders Newcastle last weekend to earn Ipswich a draw.
Midfielder Grant Leadbitter (3 goals, 8 assists) is the main provider, while young midfielder Jack Colback (4 goals, 4 assists) has impressed this season.
Ipswich Town are strong at home though, having lost only one in their last 17 matches, so they certainly have the momentum behind them out of the two teams.
Sheffield United (9th) Away : 4-6-12 22:35
Onto Sheffield United now, and whilst their home form has been very good (12-8-3 37/20), it’s been their performances on the road that has caused them a fair bit of pain; 4-6-12 22/35.
The dangermen are undoubtedly the two forwards; Darius Henderson (12 goals) and Richard Cresswell (11 goals) are the leading scorers, with Jamie Ward (7 goals, 4assists) and midfielder Mark Yeates (1 goal, 5 assists) backing up.
But, the Blades are on a dreadful away run at the moment, no wins in their last twelve on their travels, scoring only five goals in their last nine – compared to Ipswich Town at home scoring nine from their last nine.
The Betting Veridct :
I would normally have swayed towards a draw between these two sides, but given Sheffield United’s woeful away performances, I’m going for the value on offer for a home win.
