Oxford United face Droylsden at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday

U's to put one over Droylsden

Saturday February 16, 2008

Farsley Celtic v Woking

Prices correct at time of writing (2pm, Wednesday February 13, 2008).

Home 15/8 Draw 9/4 Away 6/5

Farsley rode their luck a bit in their 0-0 draw at Altrincham in midweek, as the Robins hit the woodwork twice in the game. It was a crucial point for Farsley and I think another point is what they might be in for against Woking. This has draw written all over it for me. Farsley are not as bad as people think and I reckon the stalemate is the value play.

Verdict: Draw

Forest Green Rovers v Stafford Rangers

Home 4/11 Draw 3/1 Away 13/2

Forest Green are massive odds-on and I think they'll win against Stafford. What Rovers could do with is a goal or two from Stuart Fleetwood. He was on fire before the transfer window opened last month. Fleetwood turned down moves to Cheltenham and Crewe to stay with Forest Green. That's great news for Rovers but he's hasn't found the net this year. I think this is an ideal opportunity for the striker to get back on the goal trail. It's a home win for me.

Verdict: Home win

Grays Athletic v Exeter City

Home 6/4 Draw 11/5 Away 6/4

I think Exeter have an outstanding chance of beating Grays and this is one of the bets of the weekend. Athletic boss Justin Edinburgh has done quite a good job with Grays' back-line, which you'd expect from a former defender. But I expect the Grecians to get the points and I would be surprised if they didn't come away with a win.

Verdict: Away win

Halifax Town v Cambridge United

Home 15/8 Draw 9/4 Away 6/5

I'd have thought that Cambridge would have been priced up shorter. At evens I'd have been half-tempted, but at 6/5 I simply have to go for the away win. No disrespect to Halifax and their fans but I just think it's a fair price so I'll be backing Cambridge to get the win and enhance their chances of getting into the play-offs.

Verdict: Away win

Histon v York City

Home 13/10 Draw 9/4 Away 17/10

I think York are the value here at 17/10. They're one of the in-form teams and some say they should have even picked up three points in their 2-2 draw at Halifax in midweek. The Minstermen are an improving side and their league position doesn't really tell you how well they're playing. Histon shouldn't be underestimated, but I think they are on the short side at 13/10. I'd be surprised if York lose.

Verdict: Away win

Northwich Victoria v Weymouth

Home 7/5 Draw 11/5 Away 8/5

Here's another price that stands out like a beacon - 8/5 on Weymouth. I'll be weighing in on them. Northwich have been very poor this season and are currently third from bottom. Weymouth have a new regime under recently-appointed boss John Hollins. The Terras did well in midweek with a 0-0 draw at home to Torquay and will be happy with that point. This match is an ideal opportunity for Weymouth to get more points on the board.

Verdict: Away win

Oxford United v Droylsden

Home 4/9 Draw 11/4 Away 11/2

Oxford should win this one for two reasons. Firstly, the U's have been playing much better lately and secondly, all the Oxford players are still hurting after their shock defeat at Droylsden earlier this season - a match that was televised on Setanta. I think Oxford will be well up for this match and will take three points. You can get even money on Oxford to be leading at half-time and full-time with Blue Square, which is a tremendous price. You can also get 4/1 on Oxford to score four or more goals, which I think is fair, but I'd advise a saver at 9/2 for Oxford to score exactly three goals.

Verdict: Home win

Rushden & Diamonds v Altrincham

Home 8/11 Draw 12/5 Away 16/5

I'm going to go with the draw here at 12/5. Fifth-from-bottom Altrincham are playing okay but without setting the world alight. They earned a very good 2-0 win at bottom-of-the-table Droylsden, which you'd expect, but it was still a crucial win. Altrincham could not afford to lose their game against Farsley but they drew 0-0. Fourth-from-bottom Farsley have got two games in hand on the Robins but they've still got to pick up the points. It's a draw for me.

Verdict: Draw

Salisbury City v Burton Albion

Home 7/5 Draw 11/5 Away 8/5

This is another one where the value has to be the draw at 11/5. I don't think Burton will lose this game, while Salisbury have a decent home record - seven wins, five draws and three defeats this season. It's a tough one to call but I'm going to settle for the draw.

Verdict: Draw

Torquay United v Ebbsfleet United

Home 4/6 Draw 12/5 Away 7/2

The key here is that Ebbsfleet are in action on Thursday night at Crawley. It's a long way from Kent to Torquay, who may well benefit from the extra 48 hours' rest having played on Tuesday. That should make the difference and Torquay have to bounce back after their 0-0 draw at Weymouth in midweek. Torquay at 4/6 will be popular with the punters and I think they'll oblige.

Verdict: Home win

Sunday February 17, 2008

Crawley Town v Kidderminster Harriers (Kick-off 14.00)

Home 8/11 Draw 9/4 Away 10/3

I think home advantage will come into play here. Both sides have little to play for. I don't think either team will make the play-offs or go down so I'm going to side with Crawley at 8/11.

Verdict: Home win

Angus Loughran Best Bets

Oxford HT/FT evens

Exeter 6/4

Weymouth 8/5

Banker Bet

Forest Green Rovers 4/11