Npower League Two
Chesterfield (1st) v Oxford United (21st)
Tuesday 23rd November 2010 – 7.45pm
When I first looked at the odds for this fixture I was amazed by the generosity on show by the bookies, but I’ll cover the prices off later on. League leaders Chesterfield entertain lowly Oxford United at their b2net Stadium, and the Spireites will be looking to gain another three points to extend their lead at the top.
Fresh from their 2-0 win at Aldershot Town at the weekend, Chesterfield will be looking to get back to winning ways quickly following a 1-2 hiccup against Burton Albion weekend before last.
The Spireites home record stands at an impressive 7-1-1 28/15, as they bid to go one step further this season and gain promotion to League One. Their current standing of 1st spot is thanks largely to forward Craig Davies (12 goals, 1 assist) and midfielder Danny Whittaker (9 goals, 1 assist) who between them have accounted for 21 goals out of the total of 37. Striker Jack Lester (5 goals, 6 assists) has also made a valuable contribution.
Chesterfield have scored in all of their home matches so far.
Their opponents tonight are Oxford United, and I get the feeling that they are feeling the pinch in making the step up into League football – just the one away win in their first eight attempts, and now it’s five matches without a win on the road. They have lost their last three on the trot, conceding 10 goals in total and scoring just 3 in reply; 2-3 at Macclesfield Town, 0-5 at Bradford City & 1-2 at Rotherham United.
It’s looking like more of the same as they travel to League Two leaders, as their away record of 1-4-3 7/12 is hardly a confident base upon which to work on. Striker James Constable (6 goals) is their leading scorer, but hasn’t notched in their last five league matches. Fellow forward Tom Craddock (5 goals, 1 assist) is also up there in the scoring stakes, but otherwise there is little else in terms of creativity or flair, and largely depend on these two up front to make any headway – hence their troubles of late.
The Verdict: You’d have to back Chesterfield especially at home, and given Oxford’s poor away form at the moment, I can only see one winner tonight…
Main Pick: Chesterfield @ a very generous 1.80 with Bet365 – thank you
