Newcastle + Blackpool [+116]
Both are in winnable positions at home today. Newcastle hosts Bolton which has lost four of its last five on the road and ten of 15 on the road this season. Newcastle have not dropped points at home in seven straight with five wins and two draws. Both have plenty to play for with Newcastle still in the running for a top four finish if Tottenham's struggles continue. Bolton is trying to continue to distance itself from the relegation zone. Newcastle have some injury concerns, but as long as the dynamic duo of Ba & Cisse are in the match .. this is a dangerous side. Blackpool gets Barnsley at home. Barnsley has been brutal in the road in the Championship with losses in nine of their last ten. In fact, overall they have taken points in just two of their last ten. Blackpool have been bitten a few times at home against teams that should have taken full points from, but this looks a good spot for them as they battle to remain in prime position for the playoffs. Blackpool remain without their top scorer, but have ample options that have produced with or without Kevin Phillips.
[England Championship] West Ham United- Birmingham City Over 2.5 [-110] West Ham has scored and conceded at home in seven of their last eight. Overall, they have been banging home goals of late with at least two scored in four straight. Birmingham remain a beacon for goals with seven of their last eight Championship road matches hitting for three goals or better. Overall, they have scored and conceded in ten of their last eleven.
Still think they pull it out, Barnsley have only managed one shot the whole first half as opposed to Blackpool's 8.
Watched some of Barnsley at home to West Ham & they looked out of sorts & have had very little time to recoup some confidence heading into this game, looked like they were just going through the motions as they have a 7 point buffer between them & the drop zone & should be safe to stay up. On the other end of the scale the home side seems hungrier than most & the spirit in the camp due to recent good form will hopefully drive them to overcome the 1 man disadvantage.
In saying that - may be worth a shot at looking at goals in the 2nd half as I'm sure Ian Holloway won't send them out to sit back out & absorb pressure for the whole 2nd half, may become end to end.
Watched the game through to the end, was not that bad west ham picked it up and brought it to birmingham in that second half tied 3 - 3 after being down 2 goals twice; great ending