GW 16 – Ones to Watch

Ally: These ‘International’ weekends seem to be happening more frequently than I remember, and given that the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Celtic & Rangers are unavailable it certainly makes for some interesting team selections.

My first tip of the weekend takes me to League One, where Blackpool will be looking to propel themselves into the play-off places with victory over struggling AFC Wimbledon. The Tangerines have been in impressive form of late at home, winning their last 3 matches there in all competitions and scoring 9 goals in the process. That good home form extends right back to the start of the season, failing to score in just 1 of 12 outings there so far. The travelling Dons meanwhile may have improved a little of late at home, but they have an abysmal away record losing 8 out of 9 matches in all competitions, and I doubt they will arrest that poor run by the seaside at a cold, damp and windswept Bloomfield Road on Saturday.

My second tip sees me visit another seaside town, this time on the English Riviera where National League outfit Torquay United face relegation threatened Sutton United. The Gulls should be full of confidence heading into this game as they sit top of the league’s form guide with 12 points from their last 5 matches, scoring 13 goals in the process. South London side Sutton travel to Plainmoor bottom of said form guide with just a solitary point from their previous 5 outtings, though they have only conceded 7 goals in that time. However, on the road they have just 2 wins all season, both back in August, and just one clean sheet and for that reason I’m backing Torquay to cement their play off place with a comfortable win. Good luck with your selections!