Ladbrokes League 1: Balmoor the place for goals as Dunfermline visit
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Week two in Ladbrokes League 1 carried on in much the same way it began, with Dunfermline winning, Cowdenbeath losing and Forfar keeping it tight at the back.
Whether any of that trio will stop that run remains to be seen, but a continuation of those patterns could see the campaign set up for a good for the Pars, while the Blue Brazil would suffer.
But here at Ladbrokes News, we see an end to at least one of those trends this weekend.
A last minute goal from Fraser Eddington for Stenhousemuir put paid to a 16/5 beaut last week, but we are looking to bounce back with five of the best bets from around the divison.
Brechin City v Airdrieonians
Two defeats in two league games means neither of these sides have started with much encouragement for the season ahead.
The difference could be that Airdrie went down to a late strike against Stenhousemuir after being hit early against Forfar, and could see their luck finally come in.
City have won just one of their last 10 matches against the Diamonds, but with their visitors triumphing in only four, calling a winner looks tricky.
The telling stat could be that the pair have scored just five goals between them in their eight competitive fixtures this term, hinting that this could be a low scoring affair.
Cowdenbeath v Albion Rovers
After dropping down from the Championship, losing their first four games of the season won’t have been Cowdenbeath’s idea of a reasonable start.
However having met the imperious-looking Dunfermline twice and second tier outfit Raith Rovers, as well as being stung by a last minute penalty against Stranraer on the opening weekend, they can be perhaps spared some criticism.
Albion’s form on the road this season doesn’t bode well for them at Central Park, they’ve lost all three away from home in the process, scoring just once.
And with the hosts winning nine of the last 12 meetings, it could mean that the Blue Brazil are set to finally get off the mark.
Forfar Athletic v Stenhousemuir
Prior to meeting Dunfermline in midweek, Forfar had won every one of their matches without so much as conceding a goal, and could be in for a decent season in the third tier.
They’ve won their last four against the Warriors, but this Stenhousemuir side is one that looks to be improving with every game this season.
After a sluggish start, Brown Ferguson’s men have won their last two matches, most recently against Raith Rovers in the Petrofac Cup.
They’ve netted twice in their last three fixtures, and although Forfar’s solid defence may reduce their output, they can run Athletic all the way.
Peterhead v Dunfermline Athletic
Few, if any sides, have started this Ladbrokes SPFL season as well as Dunfermline, with five wins from five and 25 goals scored.
The attacking prowess of Faissal El Bakhtaoui and Michael Moffat (15 goals between them) have seen the Pars backed into odds-on shots for the title.
Even the usually stingy Forfar found themselves conceding three against Allan Johnston’s men in midweek, so plenty more goalmouth action looks in store at Balmoor Stadium.
Peterhead themselves will surely contribute, with two or more bagged in four of their five games this season, Rory McAllister netting all five against Falkirk on Tuesday.
In the end though, whether it will be enough to stop their rampant visitors looks far from certain.
Stranraer v Ayr United
It’s been an indifferent start to the campaign for both sides here, with neither beginning with much consistency, claiming a win and defeat apiece in League One so far.
As they look to get their season rolling, Ayr will need to improve their defensive record on the road, having failed to keep a clean sheet in 14 matches away from Somerset Park.
It is a close one to call, but with that leaky backline, the Both Teams to Score market could tempt, but at 8/15 looks short enough.
Instead with the home crowd behind them, Brian Reid’s side could avenge their defeat to Peterhead last week with victory.
But don’t expect them to run riot – four of their last six home wins have come by a solitary goal.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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