Lays of the Weekend: Blackpool to trip Brighton again

Chris Hughton has suffered two defeats as Brighton boss

Michael Lintorn explains why he is opposing Brighton, Oldham and Shrewsbury in the Football League...

Lay Brighton to win away to Blackpool @ 1.8910/11

Blackpool suffered a morale-depleting experience last weekend, earning a magnificent 2-0 half-time lead away to Watford only to capitulate and lose 7-2, but there are several reasons to believe that they will react positively against Brighton. The Seagulls endured a momentum buster of their own last Sunday: an FA Cup exit to disrupt a run of four wins in five.

Lee Clark's hosts haven't been beaten at Bloomfield Road in any of their five clashes against sides placed 11th or lower, winning three, drawing two and conceding a mere two goals. Their sole reverse in five at home was when welcoming leaders Bournemouth, and they drew away to Brighton in September during their joyless start to the season.

Lay Oldham to beat Notts County @ 1.9620/21

Neither of these teams have been in hot form recently having previously placed themselves in play-off contention, but there is a compelling case for Notts County avoiding defeat at Boundary Park.

The Latics haven't won at their stadium in six attempts across all competitions after achieving seven victories in nine prior to that, whereas their visitors have lost just two out of 13 on their League One travels.

If you require a bit more convincing, we have just the statistic for you: Notts County have ventured to clubs below them in the table on seven times already in 2014/15, winning five, drawing two and keeping six clean sheets.

Lay Shrewsbury to win at Newport @ 2.265/4

Shrewsbury may be second in League Two, yet they are a completely different side away (W3 D4 L6) to what they are at home (W12 D2 L0). That has to be taken into account at sixth-placed Newport, who haven't lost a league match in front of their fans since the opening day (W8 D4). Even that blemish was inflicted by leaders Wycombe.

The Shrews' road inadequacy has been most visible when confronting the division's other heavyweights. They have fired blanks against six of the seven top-half clubs that they have faced away to date, including each of the three currently occupying play-off spots.