League One Midweek Tips: Oppose Lambert's Ipswich on Tuesday

Fleetwood overpriced for Pompey test

Portsmouth v Fleetwood Town
Tuesday 15th December, kick-off 19:45

Portsmouth moved up to third in the table following a 2-0 win at Ipswich on Saturday. That performance was about as convincing as you could get. It was Kenny Jackett's third win in a week and even Ryan Williams scored twice - a player who has often been criticised for not being on the scoresheet enough.

This is another big week for Pompey with Hull on the horizon, but they are making a habit of beating the big teams as they recently outclassed Peterborough.

And it's why we won't get much of a price on the hosts at 1.9110/11.

Fleetwood are not quite at their best at the moment, but they are far too big at 4.1031/10. Especially as we can use that to our advantage and play on the Double Chance.

Town's head coach Joey Barton was relieved with a hard fought 0-1 at Swindon on Saturday - their first win in four, and he's been frustrated that his team have really struggled to break opponents down.

Blackpool's low block was their undoing, as was Northampton's organisation.

However, it does all come down to price, and Pompey have lost three at home this season so it's worth playing on the Double Chance. Incidentally, all four of Fleetwood's recent games have hit the Under 2.5 target so the Same Game Multi on that bet with the Double Chance could be an option at 2.92.

McCann's Hull can be so good for us away

Blackpool v Hull City
Tuesday 15th December, kick-off 19:00

The headline is for Minder fans, a reminder for all us Gen Xers of what essential viewing was like in the 1980s. Things were quite limited back then.

Blackpool as the form team in the division are quite rightly close to favouritism at 2.8615/8 and that's a fair reflection considering they have lost just once in their last seven.

Hull meanwhile are a very tricky side to work out - as I know from experiences having found most of their rare defeats. It's an odd thing to say considering they are top, but they do slip up.

Saturday was a prime example. They lost 0-1 to Shrewsbury and failed to fire off a single shot on target. This from the best team in the division.

However, when Grant McCann's team have lost they have always bounced back with a victory this season, and I can't help but feel the 2.6613/8 is on the large side. If they had won on Saturday, I would have priced them up around 2.1211/10.

It's how this league rolls, sides just cannot maintain their consistency.

The Under 2.5 looks a distinct possibility at 1.804/5, but I am happy to play on the bigger price for an away victory.

Albion look a good bet to cause an upset

Ipswich Town v Burton Albion
Tuesday 15th December, kick-off 19:45

The fans were back at Portman Road on Saturday, and so were the boos as the Tractor Boys produced a really tame performance against Portsmouth. Things aren't quite right at the club at the moment, and I wonder how long Paul Lambert is going to be in charge.

He's also been linked with Celtic.

Ipswich have now collected just 13 points from their last 11 league games and they've lost their last three at home without scoring a goal. It might 'only' be Burton in town this Tuesday, but the 2.186/5 on the hosts is a rank bad price.

Burton meanwhile are becoming the draw specialists following a mini-upturn in form. They've hit the 1-1 scoreline in their last three matches - which was fine for the column as we had them Double Chance in Saturday's draw with MK Dons.

Brewers manager Jake Buxton praised their intensity and game-plan, even if they lacked something in the final third. And that's without hardly any of the ball against the Dons.

Town have certainly lacked intensity, and maybe Lambert's methods and motivation are cooked. Burton look worth another bet with the Double Chance.