Confident Simpson can set Latics on their way

ACTION REPLAY? Robbie Simpson bids to repeat his Anfield heroics tonight.

SPORTS BETTING 2:

JUST two games away from the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, Athletic will tonight bid to take a giant step towards their dream of a Wembley appearance.

Victory in the first leg of their semi-final at Chesterfield would all but secure them a place in London in March.

And the bookies reckon the Latics are 7-4 to do just that, with Chesterfield the same price and the draw rated a 12-5 shot.

The last time these two sides met at the B2net Stadium, the League One encounter ended in a 1-1 draw.

On that occasion, Latics went in pursuit of a winner but left spaces at the back and almost paid the penalty.

A more measured approach is called for tonight with a second leg to come and I expect Paul Dickov’s men to keep things tight while looking to feed Shefki Kuqi, Robbie Simpson and Chris Taylor at every opportunity.

A draw would be acceptable for Latics and the 12-5 on offer is quite attractive.

But while scouring the first goalscorer market, I noticed Simpson was perched on the 8-1 mark and that’s simply too big given his excellent recent form and the confidence gained from scoring that unforgettable goal in the FA Cup tie at Anfield.

Furthermore, the striker notched a hat-trick for Latics in a 5-2 victory over Chesterfield at Boundary Park earlier this season so he will be relishing this fixture.




RECOMMENDATION: Robbie Simpson to score first goal v Chesterfield tonight, 8-1 (Ladbrokes).