Welcome to our tipping round-up. If you don't know the drill by now, every week I post my betting suggestions for the weekend (which you may well wish to steer clear of), as well as our predictions contest. The blog can also act as a talkboard for any Football League-related discussions over the weekend.
Shrewsbury to beat Hereford at 7-5
The protracted Easter weekend of Football League got under way on Thursday night and rolls along during Friday, but to ensure that any readers expecting the regular tips deadline don't miss out, we'll be sticking to the Saturday fixtures. And while Cardiff v QPR and Brighton v Southampton jump off the page, it's the Shrews' trip down the A49 that attracts most from a punting perspective. While not mathematically safe, the Bulls are just about home and hosed after three draws and a win in their last four League Two outings, while Jamie Pitman has now been confirmed as manager. Shrewsbury, meanwhile, are homing in on the third automatic promotion slot, sitting just a point behind Wycombe but with a superior goal difference. Four wins in their last five have re-energised Graham Turner's team, who thrashed Hereford 4-0 earlier this season. It's unlikely to be as convincing this time around, but the visitors still offer some value at a stage of the year when it is in short supply.
Aldershot to beat Burton at 11-10
Staying in League Two, the Shots can extend their excellent late-season 10-match unbeaten record (and one loss in 16) against the relegation-haunted Brewers. Four points clear of the drop zone, Burton have returned from their 21 away trips this season with just two wins, though they could well still survive simply through the continued failure of Stockport and Barnet. For Aldershot, midfielder Peter Vincenti is back in the team after missing the draw at Stevenage and they should have plenty in the tank at odds-against.
NB: prices with Betfair and correct at the time of publication
Tipping contest
As you'll note from the scoring, we have a late-starters amnesty, with any new contestants awarded a total of 25 points, rather than one point for every week they've missed. Last week, a host of you landed four out of six. Let's see how you get on with the Easter Saturday predictions.
The top of the table so far (The full table will be posted in the comments section below) …
markier 85
PiggyPingoPiglet 82
captainmorganrum 78
Bobby142 74
horne94 71
stevegrant 70
Thewalthamstowone 68
TheRealRingo 68
richardw 67
Me 65
As for this week: make your result (not scoreline) prediction for each of the games below, with one point per correct result. The deadline is 12.45pm BST on Saturday. [NOTE: there will be no tipping contest for the Easter Monday fixtures.]
Cardiff v QPR (12.45pm)
Sheffield United v Bristol City
Brighton v Southampton
Swindon v Notts County
Aldershot v Burton Albion
Hereford v Shrewsbury (1pm)
I'm tipping Cardiff, Sheffield United, Southampton, draw, Aldershot and Shrewsbury. You can also follow me on Twitter if you want more money-losing tips/predictions through the week. Happy Easter.
