Sponsored by
Hartlepool v Leeds United: Bookies view
Simon Grayson can breathe a sigh of relief after Leeds United ended their five game winless streak against Colchester United.
Two goals from Jermaine Beckford either side of the break saw that the much-needed points stayed in Yorkshire last weekend. Leeds are now three points behind Norwich, knowing if they win their two games in hand they'll return to the top of League One.
United are back on their travels this weekend as they head to Victoria Park to face Hartlepool United. Pools have never beaten United and have lost their previous four league matches against them.
In their six meetings since 2007, United have outscored their opponents 14 goals to their five, and the biggest victory came last season when United smashed four past them.
Chris Turner's side have been far from consistent at home this season, which has been reflected in their last six fixtures at Victoria Park where Pools have won two, drawn two and lost two. They have also failed to win any of their previous five league games home or away.
United on the other hand have won three of their last six away games and will look to take advantage of Pools' lack of confidence and consistency.
While United have not been their usual selves in recent weeks, I fancy them to get the better of Hartlepool who have historically struggled against the Whites. I'd recommend buying (betting higher) United's win index at 16 with Sporting Index.
Although United have not been prolific scorers away from Elland Road, they do average just over a goal-and-a-half per game.
An interesting point to note is that three of the last four meetings between United and Pools have all seen at least three goals, so I'd say the best option is to buy goals at 2.7 with Sporting Index.
Master looks good
The weather once again played havoc with the racing fixtures last weekend and a number of the horses will be diverted to Sandown or Doncaster on Saturday.
Zaynar looks set to line up at the Esher venue and he will be very hard to beat. I certainly won't be laying him on Betdaq and he will have a decent chance in the Champion Hurdle next month.
I'm beginning to get sweet on the chances of Master Minded claiming an historic third Champion Chase, despite his injury problems.
Put simply, he is by far the best two-mile chaser in the country on top form and if he wins the Game Spirit easily at Newbury he will go into the Festival odds-on.
Paul Nicholls is a master at bringing horses back from setbacks and the advice is to snap up the 13/8 with Boylesports for the Queen Mother.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leeds
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -9 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
