Sun 21st October 2007
Lets start by reviewing yesterdays games
Fulham v Derby - I was well off the mark with this. billy Davies was happy with the performance and the point, but that would dissapoint me if I was a Derby fan. Performances mean nothing once you are relegated, and as the worst team in the league, they need to win games, especially against teams in the same region of the league as them, and even more so in that Fulham played half the game with 10 men. Maybe if Derby had taken one of there chances, and maybe if Fulham had 11 players on the pitch the game would have been different. Maybe.
Colchester v West Brom - I didnt say much in my reivew, and theres not much to say here. 5 goals, just the type of game I am looking for.
Hereford v MK Dons - This was a dissapointment, and once again i am left to question how much the sending off on the stroke of half time made a difference. I cant dwell on it though, i just have to take it on the chin!
East Stirling v East Fife - the difference between a win and a loss in this market can be tiny, and by all accounts this was another example of this, where East Fife thought they had scored a third before realising East Stirling keeper Hill had pulled off a brilliant save. I did expect at least one goal from East Stirling, but maybe with the poor run they are this wasn't a wise choice.
Onto todays choices
Southampton v Cardiff City - over 2.5 goals - Both these teams will be in the play offs at the end of the season or there abouts. Neither has made the best start, but both have quality in there ranks. Cardiff have the most glamorous front line in the division, with decades of experience. Southampton have top striker Grzegorz Rasiak and fellow striker Bradley Wright-Phillips available to play on Sunday. They also have spanish playmaker Inigo Idiakez back fit again, and he looks a great player.
The stats show Saints as third top scorers in the division, but also with the worst defence. This should ensure opportunities for both teams, and hopefully a barrel load of goals. Cardiff should also be confident of winning away form home, and should attack from the 1st minute.
Inverness CT v Aberdeen - under 2.5 goals - These teams have a close history. As Inverness's closest neighbour, Aberdeen offered them Pittidrie for there first season in the SPL, until there ground was suitable for the top league. They class this as a derby, though in reality there is a 3 hour drive from the two cities.
there is also the link with personnel. ICT manager Craig Brewster was with Aberdeen before moving back to Inverness, and is still our joint top scorer. They also have ex Dons Dennis Wyness, Stuart Mcaffrey and Phil McGuire in there ranks.
Looking at the stats can be misleading as ICT started the season badly, but Brewster has made them more solid at the back. Both teams play the same style of football, and there may be a bit of a stalemate here. Neither team has any major injury problems but I cant see a goalfest so will take the under 2.5 goals route.