Thursday Result

No goals at Hillsborough as Sheffield Wednesday and Blackpool head into extra-time in a deadlock. That, of course, spells doom for the over 2.5 goals selection from earlier. Still, it was perhaps a speculative half a point offering for the game and does not hit the overall profit gained so far too badly. Clearly, the Megson affect may have been bigger than planned!*



*I must note I did not watch the game! I was busy watching Wellingborough Whitworths defeat AFC Rushden & Diamonds 3-0 in a pre-season friendly. After suffering defeat via the same scoreline on Saturday, this was an improved Diamonds performance. 2-0 down at half-time to two excellent finishes, Diamonds had much more of the play in the second half, hitting the post and forcing a good save from the home goalkeeper. The third Whitworths goal came from virtually the last kick of the match and was something of a fluke.

Summary of BetsOne loser: Sheffield Wednesday v Blackpool - Over 2.5 goals @ 10/11 (0.5 pts)

TOTAL LOSS: 0.5 points
TOTAL RUNNING PROFIT FOR SEASON: 4.56 points

Sheffield Wednesday v Blackpool

You know that the football season is back in full-swing when there is a live contest on the Sky Sports Thursday night schedule, and the cameras held to Hillsborough tonight in the anticipation of goals between Sheffield Wednesday and Blackpool.

The lineups of both teams will be much changed from their respective season openers at the weekend, which makes the game a very tricky prospect from a betting point of view. Blackpool are without goalkeeper Matt Gilks, as well as Stephen Crainey and Craig Cathcart who played in the international games yesterday. Sheffield Wednesday meanwhile are unlikely to give a debut to new signing Chris O'Grady, but striker Danny Uchechi could start after completing a loan move to the club yesterday. (*editorial note - Danny Uchechi was very good for Rushden and Diamonds on Football Manager...*)

The best indication to Blackpool's approach could come from their efforts under Holloway in this competition over the last two seasons. A 4-3 extra-time loss to Milton Keynes last season certainly indicates that Holloway's 'go for goals' approach carries over to the League Cup, and in the season before that Blackpool progressed to round three in games that went over 2.5 goals on all three occasions (2-1 win at Crewe, 4-1 win v Wigan and 4-3 loss at Stoke).

Sheffield Wednesday were not exactly prolific in a 1-0 win over Bury at home in the first round last season, and with no O'Grady the Owls will lineup without their preferred strikeforce. The 2-0 win over Rochdale would have pleased Megson, whose defensive approach is perhaps the antithesis of Holloway, in that the Owls held on for a clean sheet. However, keeping Blackpool out may not be so easy tonight.

A difficult call, and with a host of changes none of the prices appeal on the outright markets. 10/11 on over 2.5 goals is perhaps a little slim, but for those looking for a bet tonight, it is never a bad idea to have goals on your side in a Blackpool match, especially in the League Cup where extra-time will want to be avoided if possible.

SUGGESTION:

Over 2.5 goals @ 10/11 @ Coral (0.5pts)