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Chris Wilder's Oxford host Mansfield.

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Home Comforts For Oxford

Saturday February 21, 2009

Altrincham v Woking

Prices correct at time of writing (5.00pm, Wednesday February 18, 2009).

Home 5/6 Draw 12/5 Away 3/1

Altrincham won at Woking on the opening day of the season and I think they will be able to repeat that result by claiming victory in the first of a run of home games. Woking are having a disappointing season and look set, alongside Barrow and Grays, to battle it out down to the wire to keep their spot in the Blue Square Premier. The Robins should secure a mid-table spot and will bag another three points on Saturday.

Verdict: Home win

Barrow v Grays Athletic

Home evens Draw 23/10 Away 5/2

This is a massive clash at the bottom of the table between two struggling sides. Grays can move above Barrow with a win and have produced a few decent results recently. Neither outfit, however, will want to give much away at the weekend so the draw looks worth backing.

Verdict: Draw

Crawley Town v Salisbury City

Home 4/7 Draw 13/5 Away 9/2

Crawley have a great chance to close the gap to the play-off places by claiming victory. Salisbury won against Woking on Tuesday night but their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Histon last weekend proves the Whites lack consistency. I think the home side will be able to bag the three points.

Verdict: Home win

Histon v Eastbourne Borough

Home 4/6 Draw 5/2 Away 4/1

Histon cannot afford to make any mistakes as they look to pull closer to Burton at the top of the Blue Square Premier. They will continue to hope for title glory, however, a play-off spot looks more likely. The Stutes are heavy favorites to win this clash and I'm am happy to back them to emerge victorious.

Verdict: Home win

Kettering Town v Torquay United

Home 13/8 Draw 9/4 Away 6/4

I think Torquay will come out on top in the battle of two sides who impressed in this season's FA Cup. The Gulls defeated Blackpool in the third round before coming unstuck at the hands of Coventry, while Kettering pushed Premier League Fulham all the way as they lost 4-2. The Devon side look set to grab a top five finish and they can win on the road this weekend.

Verdict: Away win

Lewes v Cambridge United

Home 6/1 Draw 3/1 Away 4/9

I can't see any surprise in this match as Lewes continue their fall towards relegation. Cambridge picked up an impressive victory against Kidderminster in midweek and look well set to add to the Rooks' woes by securing another three points on their travels.

Verdict: Away win

Oxford United v Mansfield Town

Home 5/6 Draw 12/5 Away 3/1

Oxford are my tip of the weekend as I think they will pick up another home victory and continue their charge towards a play-off place. Chris Wilder has done a great job since taking charge of the U's and they are always worth backing when they play at the Kassam Stadium.

Verdict: Home win

Weymouth v Rushden & Diamonds

Home 13/10 Draw 12/5 Away 7/4

I think both these sides are inconsistent and a draw looks on the cards at the Wessex Stadium. Rushden picked up a memorable win at Wrexham earlier in the campaign but I don't have enough confidence in their form to tip them for victory on Saturday.

Verdict: Draw

Angus Loughran Best Bets

Altrincham 5/6

Torquay 6/4

Oxford 5/6

Banker Bet

Oxford 5/6