Score predictions - Crawley away

Crawley next, and a derby of two teams who wear red shirts, shorts and socks. The League 2 play off winners from last season have made a positive return to League 1 thus far, with 6 points from 3 games, and sit a position and 2 points ahead of us in 8th, outside of the play-offs on goal difference. That being said, the hosts are currently 2/1 outsiders to make it 3 wins from 4, with the Reds priced at 6/5 to make it 2 from 2 on the road in the league.

The Red Devils won their opening home game of the season against Blackpool on the opening weekend. They've followed that up with a home cup victory over Swindon, and then a penalty win over Brighton's u21s, to see them unbeaten at the Broadfield to start the season. Last season, their record at home wasn't great; they placed 13th on home soil with 36 points from 23 games (2 more than us), though they ended the season with a comprehensive win over MK Dons at home in the play-offs and a victory over Grimsby in the last league home fixture. They did only win 3 of their 12 games at the Broadfield prior to that however, and it was a run of 6 wins from 7 away from home towards the end of the season that secured them a play-off berth.

Few Reds fans will need reminding of our head to head history with Crawley. It's played 2, lost 2. At the Broadfield, it's particularly bleak reading as our only previous visit there saw us go down 5-1 whilst managerless after Danny Wilson's sacking. If I remember right, Mark Burton and Paul Heckinbottom took joint caretaker charge, as Kane Hemmings notched for Barnsley in an otherwise dismal display. Izale McLeod netted a hat-trick for a Crawley side which featured the brother of Paul Pogba.

There aren't any former Reds players in the Crawley ranks, and only Max Watters has featured for the Red Devils from our ranks. Max, who has scored in consecutive games for the Reds, netted 16 times in 19 games for Crawley, before being snapped up by Cardiff in the January 2021 window. 23 year old left centre half Josh Flint is currently the highest rated Crawley player on Fotmob with an average rating of 7.74 over 3 league 1 games. He tends to take plenty of touches but doesn't necessarily win many areal duels, suggesting he's more of a ball playing centre back, though scores highly on changes created and has an assist to his name already this season. Of the 7 players who scored more than 3 league goals last season for Crawley, 6 have left the club, with midfielder Ronan Darcy being the only one who remains (5 goals and 5 assists).

The scheduled referee for this one is Lee Swabey. He scored favourable in the ref watch table last season, after taking charge of the Reds 1-0 away win at Oxford, in a game ruined by strong winds. 7 players were booked on that occasion. He last took charge of a Crawley game in August 2022, and their shock league cup triumph over Fulham, by 2 goals to nil, with just 1 player booked on either side on that occasion. So far this season, he's issued 8 yellow cards in 2 games and no reds or penalties.

In stark contrast to last weekend, the cup victory this week will have certainly made Darrell Clarke's team selection much easier. I'm led to believe that Cosgrove and Craig should be back for the weekend, and the former at least should get his place back. It'd be tough on Yoganathan to lose his place, but I like the idea of Craig coming back in and allowing Connell to get forward with the ball more.



Crawley also played in the Cup on Tuesday night and were soundly beaten by local rivals Brighton by 4 goals to nil. They made just 1 change from the side who lost to Wigan last weekend. They're pretty attacking, and like to control possession which might play into our hands a little. Sports Mole predicts the following lineup.



I read on Crawley's forum that they have a habit of conceding goals to ex players, and Max Watters is in good form. Watters to score in a Barnsley win where both teams score is 6.71/1 (P/L -£15). I do fancy us winning this one, buoyed by the result in midweek, and therefore I'm going for 1-3 with Watters, Cosgrove and Connell getting the goals.

 

Creepies 1 Colliers 3

 

I fancy a 2-1 win for the Super Reds and Watters to score again.

 

I fancy 0-4. Watters 2, Cosgrove2. No daft subs. #should have won all three.

 

0-1 COYR

 

Didn’t realise Watters had played for Crawley or had been so prolific. 13 goals in 15 games is some going.

 

1-0 Barnsley, own goal.

 

0-3
Watters 2, Phillips.

 

1-1

 

Narrow away victory, looking forward to this one , 1st time st this ground. Anybody know how ticket sales have been for this match

 

1-2 I reckon, if the players keep focussed. Cotter and Watters' form are high and our away form looks to be carrying over this season so that's a plus. Stretch them, use wingers and get in behind and we could get something.

Crawley are no mugs though, and we could end up going home empty handed of we're not clever.

 

Bumping as its fallen down the back of the sofa.

 

2-1 - Crawley look a decent outfit with a well motivated manager.

Hope to be proved wrong of course.

Leaving at 1pm on the train; it's just a couple of stops after Gatwick Airport.

 

1-3 Reds. Reds.

 

1-1

 

I think a score draw. 1-1

 

If we don’t put at least 4 past these today then there’s something seriously wrong…

Sold the majority of their best players in the summer, a lot dropped back down to League 2 to get away by all accounts. They’ll finish rock bottom.

 

1-2 Reds.

 

The sort of team I'd expect us to beat. But they absolutely battered us last time we were here, and have started this season really well. Will be a very tough game, I'd be delighted with a narrow win but head is telling me a draw or loss because I can't shake those 2 defeats from 2014/15, and I really worry about our defense - though I hope the clean sheet on Tuesday gives them some confidence.

 

2 nil barnsley we should have too much quality for Crawley