Championship Play-Offs 2nd Leg (11-12/05)

Nottingham Forest v Blackpool
Cardiff City v Leicester City


Tuesday, May 11

Nottingham Forest v Blackpool

Verdict: Following the 2-1 win for the Tangerines at Bloomfield Rd, the onus will be on home team Nottingham Forrest to make the early running in the return leg. In what was an open game for the most part, Forest will be ruing missed opportunities after going ahead through a brilliant goal by Chris Cohen. The visitors hit the woodwork several times in a frantic first half but Blackpool showed alot of fight to eventually take a lead to the City Ground.

The away goal does not count double in Championship play-offs so the game will go into extra time if Nottingham Forest win by a single goal margin. During the regular season, Notingham Forrest did score at an average of almost 2 goals a game at home while Blackpool's 36 (away) goals conceded was the worst defensive record in the top half of the table. It is a little worrying for the Tangerines that Forest created so many opportunities in the first leg. Nottingham Forest is a much more powerful side in front of their home fans so I expect goals for the hosts. Blackpool are in good scoring form themselves, having found the back of the next in their last 10 consecutive fixtures.

Blackpool have beaten Forest 3 times this season so I think they will have every confidence of getting the right result. In addition, Blackpool boss, Ian Holloway has vowed to attack Forest as he thinks it will be difficult to record a clean sheet over 90 minutes. With two teams going for it, I expect an open game with a good chance of goals.

Pick: Over 2.25 goals @1.91 (sbobet, 10 units)
Nottingham Forest 3 - 4 Blackpool