Midweek Football Picks 2014 (May 13-16)

The domestic football season is about two weeks away from finishing off and the attention will soon turn to the World Cup in Brazil which begins in a little over a month from today.

During this week, we will see the Europa League Final and also a couple of the Play Off Finals in the lower Leagues in England set for the week on Saturday.


It was a surprisingly tough final day in the Premier League for the picks, although it was a late goal from a Fulham youngster and a Sergio Aguero miss from two yards with the goal gaping that prevented it being a very good day.

The good news is that there wasn't too much damage done to the totals for the month thanks to Derby County's success in the second leg of their Play Off Semi Final.


Leyton Orient v Peterborough United Pick: I picked the first leg to have some goals and a little better finishing from Leyton Orient would have certainly seen at least three goals scored, but the 1-1 draw will also make the home team a strong favourite to move through to the League One Play Off Final.

However, Peterborough United have proved their capabilities against Leyton Orient already this season by winning at Brisbane Road and they are a dangerous team that can't be under-estimated considering the amount of goals they do score.

The weather in London might bog down the pitch which could reduce the chances for goals, but these teams love getting forward and I would be surprised if there isn't at least three scored tonight.

I also considered picking Leyton Orient to win a game where both teams score which looks a huge price considering the way games have gone when these teams have met this season, but I am going to stick with just picking the home team to win at odds against.


Rotherham United v Preston North End Pick: If it wasn't for a truly special goal from Joe Garner in the first leg of this Semi Final, I don't know if I would have fancied Preston North End to break down Rotherham United and I believe the home team in this second leg will prevail.

Rotherham have been playing very well at home in recent games and they do score plenty of goals which could make it tough for Preston North End to keep up with them.

The fact that Preston have come off the boil to the extent of losing 3 of their last 4 away games in the League doesn't bode well for them. However, Preston can be tough to beat and that does raise some doubts about backing the home team.

On the other hand, Preston have been beaten at Peterborough United, Wolves, Brentford and Swindon Town on their travels this season and those teams were four of the top seven in the campaign. Goals also change teams approach, especially in a close tie like this one and I have a feeling that Rotherham United can score first and then counter-attack their way into the League One Play Off Final next weekend.

MY PICKS: Leyton Orient @ 2.20 Coral (2 Units)
Rotherham United @ 2.50 Bet Victor (2 Units)

May Update: 9-12, - 0.60 Units (38 Units Staked, - 1.58% Yield)

April Final: 16-17, + 2.33 Units (58 Units Staked, + 4.02% Yield)
March Final: 26-22, + 13.94 Units (83 Units Staked, + 16.80% Yield)
February Final: 12-28, - 16.74 Units (61 Units Staked, - 27.44% Yield)
January Final: 17-24, - 3.18 Units (62 Units Staked, - 5.13% Yield)
December Final: 19-16-2, + 13.34 Units (66 Units Staked, + 20.21% Yield)
November Final: 17-19-1, + 0.50 Units (56 Units Staked, + 0.09% Yield)
October Final: 20-16-1, + 12.94 Units (51 Units Staked, + 25.37% Yield)
September Final: 13-12, + 1.24 Units (39 Units Staked, + 3.18% Yield)
August Final: 13-26, - 12.13 Units (54 Units Staked, - 22.46% Yield)

Season 2013/14: 152-170-3, + 12.24 Units (530 Units Staked, + 2.31% Yield)
Season 2012/13: + 4.42 Units (415 Units Staked, + 1.07% Yield)