Against All Odds: Join in the goal fun at Santa Cruz

Let's hope we're not putting the kiss of death on this selection

It's second tier Brazilian action for Paul Robinson tonight as he feels that under 2.5 goals is far too short for the match between Santa Cruz PE and Joinville.

Santa Cruz PE v Joinville
Saturday May 31, 01:50 BST

Santa Cruz have made a remarkably solid start to life in Serie B following their promotion last season. They are currently the only team still unbeaten in the league, the only issue is that they've drawn seven of their eight outings. That has left them in 12th place in the table, but victory tonight could see them go as high as fifth. 

As far as the goals go, all eight of their fixtures this term have gone under 2.5 - however it is worth noting that bar the 0-0 draw with Luverdense earlier in the month, the other seven have all missed out by just a single goal. Half a dozen 1-1 draws highlight the fact that they aren't exactly defensively sound, and last time out they scored two at Boa, something which will no doubt boost their confidence in an attacking sense.

Joinville are looking to make another push for the top four after missing out on promotion by just one point in 2013. They've made a promising start under manager, Hemerson Maria, as they're up in third place in the table - level on points with both Ceara and America Mineiro above them.

With 11 scored and six conceded, their matches this year are only averaging 2.13 goals each time, however that figure is skewed slightly by the pair of 0-0 draws they've had. Four of their eight have actually had three goals or more and their scorelines on the road have been 2-3, 0-0 and 3-1.

This isn't a certainty at all, but the odds dictate the selection. That's why, with under 2.5 goals trading at around the 1.664/6 mark, I have to make it my lay of the day.   

Recommended Bet
Lay Under 2.5 goals in Santa Cruz PE v Joinville @ 1.664/6 

2014 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 146 pts
Returned: 161.16 pts
P/L: + 15.16 pts (after commission)
(2013 P/L: + 3.80 pts)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)