Halifax Town face Forest Green Rovers at the Shay on Saturday

Rovers eye play-off spot

Saturday April 5, 2008

Aldershot Town v Salisbury City

Prices correct at time of writing (2pm, Thursday April 3, 2008).

Home 4/7 Draw 12/5 Away 9/2

Aldershot are the favourites and I think a win here will definitely seal the title. Blue Square have already paid out on Aldershot but it's just a matter of mathematics at the moment. A victory will go some way to clinching promotion and Aldershot beat Salisbury 4-0 on their own patch. City are the outsiders and their slim hopes of the play-offs are just about over now.

Verdict: Home win

Burton Albion v Grays Athletic

Home 4/6 Draw 12/5 Away 7/2

Burton have let Forest Green into the play-off picture and Albion surprised me after they lost 3-1 at Rovers on Monday. I think the play-offs only really concern the teams down to seventh in the table with Histon, Salisbury, Kidderminster and Ebbsfleet's play-off charge over. Burton are still in a reasonably good position along with Cambridge and Exeter and they are the favourites here, with Grays - who are not great on their travels - a big price.

Verdict: Home win

Crawley Town v York City

Home 11/8 Draw 11/5 Away 13/8

York are back down in 13th place now after being as high as ninth following a fantastic run since Colin Walker took charge. York will be glad they've escaped relegation considering that was their main worry when Billy McEwan was in charge at the start of the season. Crawley are in poor form at the moment so I'm going for a draw.

Verdict: Draw

Droylsden v Cambridge United

Home 7/2 Draw 13/5 Away 8/13

Cambridge are in desperate need of a win. The Us have really struggled since loan signing Lee McEvilly got injured for them as they were focusing all their play through him. As a result they have had to change their style of play and because of that are really struggling. Droylsden are all but down but could play without pressure in this game and really cause Cambridge problems. However, I'm still going for Cambridge to edge this one.

Verdict: Away win

Ebbsfleet United v Woking

Home 4/6 Draw 12/5 Away 7/2

Ebbsfleet's play-off charge is definitely over now but they've had a good season and have reached the FA Trophy Final. In terms of this game I think they will just be building towards next season. Woking are safe from relegation and Frank Gray has done a reasonably good job with a young side. Ebbsfleet are the favourites and I think they'll take the points.

Verdict: Home win

Halifax Town v Forest Green Rovers

Home 13/8 Draw 23/10 Away 13/10

This is a massive game for both teams with a draw no good for either side as it would leave both clubs in their respective positions - Forest Green outside the play-offs and Halifax in the relegation places. Things are going well for Forest Green as they are in seventh place and have had a fantastic season, while Halifax are third-from-bottom now after their 10-point deduction for going into administration. It really is a battle between five clubs to avoid those last two relegation spots if you consider that Droylsden and Stafford are both virtually down. Forest Green are the favourites and I think they would appeal to most people this weekend.

Verdict: Away win

Kidderminster Harriers v Altrincham

Home 4/7 Draw 13/5 Away 4/1

Farsley, Northwich and Halifax are all below sixth-from-bottom Altrincham and all have at least two games in hand on the Robins so it will be a struggle for them with just five games left.

Altrincham will be hoping to win this one but Kidderminster are in fantastic form and the players are playing for their places next season after the directors cut the transfer budget for the next campaign. The team have really responded and Harriers are the favourites, with Altrincham the outsiders to pull off a win, which would take them to 39 points and possible safety. However, don't be surprised if the strugglers claim a shock victory.

Verdict: Away win

Northwich Victoria v Stafford Rangers

Home 4/7 Draw 13/5 Away 4/1

This is just the fixture that Northwich boss Dino Maamria will want after the Vics' 1-1 draw at Histon in midweek. Northwich are unbeaten in nine matches now going back to mid-February and are the favourites here, and how many times have you been able to say that this season? Stafford are in dire trouble and will be playing in the Blue Square North next season barring a miracle and I think they just need to build towards that. Northwich are in much better form and I'm going for the Vics.

Verdict: Home win

Torquay United v Farsley Celtic

Home 1/3 Draw 10/3 Away 13/2

Farsley will not want a long trip to Torquay, who with a win could seal their play-off position after their 2-1 victory at Droylsden in midweek. The Gulls are the shortest favourites in the Blue Square Premier this weekend, with Farsley huge outsiders. As a result there's only going to be one outcome.

Verdict: Home win

Weymouth v Oxford United

Home 7/5 Draw 23/10 Away 6/4

Weymouth will fancy their chances of getting something against an Oxford side who have really struggled and will want to put this season behind them. Seventh-from-bottom Weymouth at 7/5 really does appeal as they have a lot more to play for. Oxford haven't been inspiring on the road this season so I'm going for a home win.

Verdict: Home win

Best Bets

Altrincham 4/1

Forest Green 13/10

Weymouth 7/5