Football – England – League One
Saturday 24th November 2012 – Kickoff: 1500hrs
Brentford, on the fringes of the play-offs now after a couple of strong wins, take on second placed Sheffield United who were pegged back by Crewe in midweek, and the hosts may well fancy their chances in getting something from this match too.
The Bees possess a strong home record which stands at 6-2-1 16/9, and are unbeaten in their last seven League One matches, and have lost just once in their last thirteen which was to fast-improving Doncaster Rovers. In their recent run of good form they’ve beaten the likes of Coventry City, Portsmouth, Carlisle United and away at 6th placed Swindon Town who are one of the clubs favourites for at least a play-off place.
Griffin Park has become somewhat of a fortress since their opening home defeat at the hands of Yeovil Town 1-3, and their win over Crawley Town 2-1 underlines what they are capable of in front of their home crowd.
Striker Clayton Donaldson (7 goals, 2 assists) scored again in the week at Swindon Town and will again be a threat on Saturday I daresay. He is also well supported by Jonathan Douglas and Harry Forrester (4 goals apiece) along with former Charlton forward Paul Hayes (3 goals) while Forshaw (4 assists), Logan and Forrester (3 assists each) have provided the bulk of the creativity.
Sheffield United will be relieved and kicking themselves all at the same time after squandering a 2-goal lead at home to Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night with The Blades eventually having to settle for a point after going 2-3 down, with striker Nick Blackman saving their blushes.
With League One leaders Tranmere Rovers being held to a 0-0 draw at home to lowly Walsall, Sheffield United missed the opportunity of going level at the top of the table. However, the fact remains that they’ve lost just once so far this season (away at MK Dons), but if they do have a weakness it’s perhaps drawing matches where they have been in winning positions.
Away from home they’ve struggled to gain a point at then-struggling Coventry City and second from bottom club Scnthorpe United, went a goal down at Colchester United and lost at The Dons. Their away record is still pretty strong at 4-4-1 8/5, but there is nevertheless an opportunity here for Brentford.
The aforementioned Blackman (7 goals) along with Neill Collins (3 goals) and creativity from Tony McMahon and Ryan Flynn will always create opportunities, but so does their defence with lapses of concentration.
Brentford are nicely poised following their away win at Swindon Town and they’ll be brimming with confidence, whereas The Blades might be a bit flat after seeing an almost guaranteed three points be reduced to just one at home to Crewe. Take the round ball on Brentford with the chance that they might nick this one.
Pick: Brentford AH0 (Draw No Bet) @ 1.90 Pinnacle
