Total Goals Guys / Total Goals Guys / 17 January 2008 / Leave a comment " class="free-bet-btn" rel="external" onclick="javascript: pageTracker._trackPageview('/G4/inline-freebet');" target="_blank">Free Bet

The Total Goals Guys talk us through their weekend selections

The form guide doesn't give us all the answers but it gives us a point in the right direction and it's no different for the total goals market. Generally most pros will tell you the last 6 games is a good basis for estimating what kind of run a team is on and where we are concerned it can tell us how frequently or infrequently goals are being scored and conceded for our respected teams and of course just as importantly their opponents.

This week's analysis begins with Chelsea's visit to St. Andrews to face a Birmingham side that will be looking to build on last week's well-earned point from a trip to The Emirates. There has been at least 2 goals in 5 of the host's last 6 matches and furthermore at least 2 in each and every one of their last 6 home games. Likewise the visitors' recent encounters have been good for 2 goals or more with at least that tally in each of their last four EPL games. Only 3 of Chelsea's 11 away encounters this season have been played out with a lower goal tally than 2 and despite the absence of some important first team regulars Nicolas Anelka will surely be a fancied back in the "To Score" market this weekend. We certainly think so and are willing to go for 2 goals or more at a tasty [1.4].

19th placed Fulham host 2nd placed Arsenal and again the form guide points heavily in the direction of at least 2 goals or more. Craven Cottage is averaging over 3 goals per game this season with the ball hitting the net at least twice in all but 2 of Fulham's 11 home matches thus far. There has also been a run of at least 2 goals in each of their last five Premiership outings and that is a run that is comparable to their visitors on Saturday. All but two of Arsenal's 10 away fixtures this term have seen 2 goals or more and there has been at least two in 4 of their last 5 matches. Arsenal will be hungry after last weekend's disappointment but you cannot rule out Fulham getting in amongst the goals either. The hosts don't have a problem finding the net, in fact the top six aside only Man City, Tottenham and Bolton have scored more at home. All things considered 2 goals is the safe bet here but an Arsenal backlash could be on the cards here for Fulham and we are keen to take on a back of 3 goals or more at [1.94]

Manchester United were in fine goal scoring form last weekend, hitting Newcastle for six and we are looking for something similar from their trip to Reading. There is on average of 2.64 goals per game at The Majedski Stadium this season and there has been at least 2 goals in each of the home sides' last 6 EPL matches. Looking at the visitor's goal form this season something sticks out, particularly away from home. When there are 2 goals in the game 80% of the time a 3rd goal is subsequently scored so when you look at the price difference between 2 goals or more at [1.23] and 3 or more at [1.71] it suggests that if you fancy 2, you'd be as well going for 3 so we're doing exactly that by backing 3 goals or more in the total goals market.

The temptation to go with a similar philosophy for Rangers' visit to Inverness on Sunday has proved too much and we are going with 3 goals or more at here [1.74]. The Gers are now 4 points clear at the top of the SPL and will be keen to uphold despite a trip to what is a very difficult place to go and win football matches these days. Since Craig Brewster returned Caley have enjoyed an upsurge in fortunes and now find themselves only 4 points off a European place. In the 9 league games since Brewster took charge the highlanders have only lost twice and remarkably came from 2 goals down recently to record another famous win against Celtic. Goals are never far away either with only one of these games has finished in the unders category. All of Rangers' strikers are fit, both Naismith and Burke look sharper and with Cousin rumoured to be touting a move he may be in the shop window to premiership suitors. There has been 3 goals in 4 of Rangers last 5 away games in the SPL and this looks to be an entertaining high goal scoring encounter. (Live on Setanta, Sun 2pm)

Racing Santander visit the Camp Nou this Sunday looking to thwart Barcelona's bid to at least stay in the slip stream of 7 point leaders Real Madrid. The leaders could well have dropped points from their earlier visit to neighbours Athletico but either way the hosts will be aiming to make sure of the 3 points. In terms of goals Barca's home ties average just over 3 per game whilst the 6th placed visitors average 2.4 goals per away tie. Racing only sit 8 points behind Barcelona in the Primera Division table but have struggled in front of goal, scoring only 9 goals in 10 away matches this season. The onus therefore might well be on the Catalans here and this forces us to play it cool on this occasion with a back of 2 goals or more at [1.23]

Our balance of £34.31 is being split between each of our 5 selections.

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