DONCASTER ROVERS v PORTSMOUTH
Thursday 5th January 2017 – Kickoff: 1945hrs
Football – England – League Two Betting Tips
League Two leaders Doncaster Rovers play host to fourth placed Portsmouth at the Keepmoat Stadium on Thursday evening with Rovers leading the pack by a single point ahead of second placed Plymouth Argyle, but the hosts have won three of their last four matches overall.
Strange then, that Doncaster have been installed as only very slight favourites by the bookies with regards prices for this encounter, particularly as Rovers have beaten Grimsby Town, Notts County and Stevenage in recent matches along with a point away at Mansfield Town.
Even stranger when you consider Doncaster’s home record which stands at 9-3-0 23/10 as they remain the only side to remain unbeaten on home turf; incidentally, they’ve also won their last four on the trot at home, scoring 7 goals for and conceding just 2 in reply. Attacking trio Marquis (11 goals), Williams (8 goals) and Mandeville (7 goals) have scored 26 goals between them so far this term.
Visitors Portsmouth are also on a good run of form from recent weeks as they head up north on the back of a five-match run without defeat which includes wins over Grimsby Town, Newport County and Luton Town along with points gained in stalemates against Hartlepool United and Yeovil Town.
Portsmouth’s away record stands at a reasonable 6-4-3 14/12 and they’re unbeaten in their last eight matches on their travels, but I do feel as though the bookies have placed too much reliance on the Portsmouth of old, rather than the present-day Pompey outfit who have struggled to make any inroads thus far in getting out of League Two.
I think Doncaster hold the edge here, but I recommend the handicap option.
Pick: Doncaster Rovers AH+0.25 @ 1.69 Bet Victor
