Premier League Tips

Losing at Northampton last weekend wasn't the biggest surprise. The fact that Crawley only lost by one was a decent result, given the Reds slipped into the bottom two and Northampton are in an automatic promotion place.

They previously lost at Leyton Orient and Tranmere but had a big defeat at Carlisle.

Against Harrogate, who are also struggling near the foot of the table, Scott Lindsey's side must fancy their chances of a positive result.

After six straight defeats they need to earn points quickly and maybe a home game gives them a fair chance. First, they must blunt the trend of conceding two goals at home her game, as Opta point out they have done in the past five at the Broadfield Stadium.

Signing Jordan Mutch, previously of Reading and Crystal Palace, on a free transfer is sure to boost their midfield. He was trusted to replace Dom Telford, now the main striker, against the Cobblers.

Ashley Nadesan striding alongside him should be able to create chances. Ben Gladwin, brought in by Lindsey, has scored already for his new club. The club's last win was at home, eight games ago against Salford - a startling result that proves they can take victory!

Can Harrogate aid them that far? These sides drew nil-nil back in August and the Sulphurites haven't scored in three away games. Opta add they have only won once in their last eight games on a Saturday.

Striker Luke Armstrong, who has 11, was the last to do so, against Northampton, while Jack Muldoon hasn't hit the heights of previous seasons.

Boss Simon Weaver remained upbeat ahead of Tuesday's trip to Doncaster, where they managed just a second win in 14 games. He feels his team have been putting in good performances. Both teams need wins. This could be a draw.

Back Crawley and Harrogate to draw @

3.55/2

Dons can add to Doncaster's misery

Doncaster Rovers 2.56/4 v AFC Wimbledon 3.211/5; the draw 3.55/2

Doncaster boss Danny Schofield speaks well of Under-18 Jake Goodman, saying how much he rates the young striker. Enough to give him more than one League Cup and an EFL Trophy outing as Rovers desperately seek goals?

They have not scored in four games and will have been disappointed to lose at home on Tuesday against Harrogate, who have hardly been in great form.

The hosts have failed to score in nine of their past 16 games, netting just 13 times. Top scorers George Miller (9) and Kyle Hurst (6) have scored three between them in that time. All by Hurst, in fact. Even defender James Maxwell has two.

This clash has been labelled "the biggest game of the season" by Tommy Rowe if Doncaster are to maintain their playoff hopes. Opta say he has scored four times against the Dons, more than against any other team (every 94 minutes).

AFC Wimbledon have at least scored in their past three games, even if they haven't been able to hold on to a lead.

Five of their most recent six goals (all in those four games) have come from Ali Al-Hamadi. The Iranian striker, signed from Wycombe in January, must just be wondering when he is going to score in a victory! Josh Davison and Ethan Chislett are due a goal.

Johnnie Jackson's men might have only four away wins and six draws, but I think they have a strong chance here at a big price. If the game goes ahead in the weather, of course.

Back AFC Wimbledon to win at Doncaster @

3.211/5

Dale can capitalise on tired Mariners

Grimsby Town 1.9620/21 v Rochdale 4.84/1; the draw 3.613/5

When a team has just beaten Stevenage 2-0 despite being bottom of League Two, it is a surprise they are such a large price to win at a team that has one victory in seven.

Sure, Grimsby have been excellent in the FA Cup, but reaching the quarter-finals is bound to take its toll. They have as many wins against teams in the top three divisions (3) as they do in League Two in 2023, say Opta.

Dale boss Jim Bentley has felt that his side's performances have not got the results they deserve. He had great praise for Ethan Brierley, the 19-year old who has interest from Blackburn, in his last two games.

Devante Rodney has been doing his best (eight goals since he arrived from Walsall last summer) including two in three games, but Rochdale need to keep scoring.

Grimsby have glory on their minds, after beating Southampton, but Paul Hurst has warned them they must concentrate on league form.

If Rochdale give away penalties - like the Saints - Gavan Holohan will punish then. Harry Clifton or John McAtee might do so from open play, but they don't have many goals apiece. Grimsby seem too short.

Laying them is the way to go and that will cover the draw.

Lay Grimsby Town against Rochdale @

1.9620/21

Bantams to build on solid defence

Newport County 2.89/5 v Bradford City 3.04; the draw 3.39/4

Even an unchanged team for four games couldn't keep winning at draw specialists Walsall on Tuesday, but at least Bradford kept a fifth clean sheet in six games.

Visiting boss Mark Hughes said a couple of weeks ago that his team had to go for it to achieve their promotion goals this season, yet they had less of the possession in a scrappy match. Andy Cook, who struck a post, spent as much time clearing his own lines in the penalty area as he did trying to add to his 19 goals for the season.

Sam Stubbs and Matty Platt look rock solid at the back. Away performances have reaped more rewards than at home so I am thinking that the Bantams can become the first in League Two to claim 10 away wins.

After all, as Opta point out, only Gillingham (8) have failed to score in more home games than Newport (7) this season. The stats compilers might point out they haven't lost back-to-back home games since September, but only bottom club Rochdale (12) have lost more than their eight at home.

Newport also drew in midweek, at Grimsby, and have at least scored in seven of their past eight games. They need someone like Cameron Norman or top scorer Omar Bogle to score though, rather than leave it to the last, last minute through Mickey Demetriou. The visitors have every chance at a big price.

Back Bradford to win at Newport @

3.04