Password protection removed 07/02/09 18.59

Sheffield Utd v Sheffield Wednesday

The steel city derby – Sheffield United are in good form, and Wednesday are improving. They also have a decent recent record at Bramall Lane. As the old adage goes, ‘form goes out of the window in a derby game’ – and with two relatively closely matched teams the odds on (1.94) around Sheffield Utd is too short. On that basis, they are a lay.

LAY Sheffield Utd @ 1.94 (Betfair) – 1 point liability

Plymouth v Derby

Derby go into this on the back of a hugely morale boosting victory at Nottingham Forest – coming back to win 3-2 after going two behind will do wonders for their confidence, and as Robbie Savage pointed out, a few months ago they would have lost that game four or five. They are undoubtedly a talented side, and it just remains to be seen if Clough can get the best from them. The signs are good. Plymouth only have one win in their last 13 games, and the 9/4 on a resurgent Derby looks big.

Derby @ 9/4 (Boyles) – 2 points

Scunthorpe v Cheltenham

Cheltenham have conceded 34 goals away from home and have only won once on the road all season. Their last five games have been ridiculous – 3-5, 3-2, 2-2, 3-1, 3-6 – and against a Scunthorpe side that are strong at home – 8-3-2 with 28 goals – there is nothing to suggest their defence will hold tight here. Scunthorpe are too short to follow but there is some value on over goals.

Over 2.5 goals @ 7/10 (Bet365) – 1 point

Swindon v Southend

Swindon’s performances are steadily picking up under Danny Wilson; only one defeat in four is amongst their best run of the season. Against a mediocre Southend side with only two wins on the road all season, there is some value on odds against.

Swindon @ 11/8 (Bet365) – 1 point

Rochdale v Morecambe

We’ve backed Rochdale for two consecutive weeks now, with two wins, so there is no reason to stray away as their hot streak grows. Morecambe have only two away wins all season, and Rochdale should overcome them at home – at admittedly slightly short odds. But a winner is a winner!

Rochdale @ 4/6 (Widely available) – 1 point