Derby and Forest poised to reward punters if not entertain
Published:East Midlands derbies lack nothing in the way of passion when Derby play Nottingham Forest, but the record books show that more often than not they are found wanting in the way of goal-filled entertainment.
Still, with these famous local rivals occupying play-off positions and chasing promotion to the Premier League, it was clearly too big a game for the Sky Sports bods to ignore as they kick the weekend off with this televised Saturday lunchtime fixture.
The earlier league renewal at the City Ground this season followed the recent goal-shy blueprint to the letter with Forest running out 1-0 winners.
That made it the fourth Championship meeting in a row to sail south of the 2.5 goals mark and the fifth out of the last sixth, while four of those crept under the 1.5 total goals line.
Thrilling stuff, but punters tuning in with BLT in hand should already be licking their lips at the prospect of making some easy dough on the 3/4 about fewer than 2.5 total goals, as well as the anticipation of a bite on that crispy bacon.
However, given both sides are carrying decidedly lukewarm form into this fixture, with goals at an absolute premium in either camp, the 23/10 which states under 1.5 total goals will be scored has the ring of dollar signs about it.
Steve McClaren’s Rams have looked more like lambs in front of goal lately, failing to find the net in any of their last four league outings, while Billy Davies’ charges have fared little better; scoring only twice in their preceding quartet.
Meanwhile, a 1-0 Derby win bet would have landed in two of their last four league games at Pride Park, so that scoreline gets a special mention in the correct score stakes at a sumptuous 7/1.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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