Football – England – League Two
Saturday 31st January 2015 – Kickoff: 1500hrs
Southend United head into todays clash against York City looking for a third consecutive win in League Two which could see them leapfrog Luton Town and close the gap on the top three.
Southend have put together back-to-back wins over Oxford United and Portsmouth in their last two games which were both away from home. They return to Roots Hall for this afternoon where they hold an overall home record of 5-6-2 11/5 and goals have been at a premium on home turf this season.
Their last three home matches have all ended up in 0-0 stalemates against Burton Albion, Dagenham and Plymouth Argyle respectively, but The Shrimps have also kept no fewer than eight clean sheets at home so far this season, including five on the trot recently.
Visitors York City make the long trip south on the back of four matches without a win following draws with Plymouth Argyle and Burton Albion (both at home) along with defeats to Wycombe Wanderers and Stevenage.
The Minstermen had previously put together a six-match unbeaten run prior to the Wycombe defeat with wins at Cheltenham Town, Hartlepool United and Carlisle United but bear in mind that these victories were at bottom half opposition – the latter two being the bottom two clubs in League Two.
On the road, York’s record stands at 4-5-4 17/17 which at first glance doesn’t appear to be too bad, but they’ve actually beaten top half opposition just once from seven matches played (a 3-2 win at Stevenage way back in September of last year, and when the season was still new).
To wrap up, I believe Southend will be too strong for York at Roots Hall this afternoon, although the hosts may have to settle for a 1-0 scoreline.
Pick: Southend United straight win @ 1.80 Coral
