September 19 2008

The Football League

Victory over Plymouth is crucial if Crystal Palace are to edge away from that relegation zone, says betting tipster Danny Hayes.

It is safe to say Neil Warnock’s depleted side were outclassed by a superior Wolves team in midweek.

It was a spirited effort from the Eagles but the score-line could have been far greater, which means this is the sort of fixture that Palace must be winning otherwise alarm bells will start ringing.

Plymouth, themselves, were in disarray last week, a woeful performance saw them comprehensively beaten at home by Norwich and bottom of the league.

However that was quickly forgotten as they defeated Watford away on Tuesday and will give the South-west side some much needed confidence.

Nonetheless, their squad is one of the weakest in the league and they will certainly be setting up to frustrate on Saturday afternoon.

I fully expect Palace to be coming away with the three points but I hate backing odds-on in the Championship and this is the sort of tricky fixture where we have struggled to breakdown teams before.

Therefore I will be investing my hard-earned cash on Palace to keep another home clean-sheet at 5/4. I really don’t see Plymouth having the firepower to trouble our backline and only a lapse in concentration will see us concede.

Back Crystal Palace to keep a clean-sheet @ 5/4 with Paddy Power

Elsewhere in the Championship I will be backing Reading again. Their 6-0 demolition job of Sheffield Wednesday should really add the momentum to their season and they visit a Watford side low on confidence and players.

I also like the look of Southampton to overcome Barnsley. The Saints have some very talented youngsters and their superior technical ability should see them beat the relegation-doomed Tykes. The Double on those two sides pays around 5/1 so fill your boots.

Back Reading @ 13/8 with Betfred

Back Southampton @ 11/10 with Coral