Hyde – Barnet

Minnows Hyde will hope to add to their horrific 3 point tally, but a visit from a strong Barnet side surely won`t inspire too much confidence among the hosts. The two teams already met once this season, with Barnet winning 3-2 at home in a thrilling encounter, but those were better days for Hyde. Barnet is managed by former dutch international and legend Edgar Davids, who also serves as a player.

Hyde is having a season to forget, no doubt about that. With just 3 points in 21 rounds, Hyde has become a laughingstock as one of the worst sides in european football this year. The hosts clearly can`t even hope to leave the last place, let alone avoid relegation, so their aim is to build a squad for the next season. With this objective in mind, Hyde has parted with some of their best players in the last few weeks, including former captain Adam Griffin. Hyde currently has 4 consecutive losses and a goal difference of 18-55. However, the hosts should not be totally underestimated, as they have proved capable to be competitive at times. For example, in the last 6 games (all competitions) they lost by more than one goal only once. On the other hand, the opponents haven`t really been top class.

Barnet, relegated last season with Edgar Davids as a player-manager (who was kept in the same status for this season), is currently on the 7th place. However, they do have one game in hand compared to some of their playoff rivals and the team can really hope for promotion this year. A win could potentially send them to the 4th place. The visitors are in a good run of form with 2 consecutive wins in the league and will surely be confident of getting three in a row against the lowly Hyde. Barnet is a very balanced side, they have one of the best defenses in the league but can also score, and their +10 goal difference is the 4th best in the Conference Premier. This is a side that will most probably gain a playoff spot the way they have been playing so far, I`d back them to finish in the top 6.

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Team news: Hyde will be without a 2-3 players that left the club and a couple of long term absentees, but they do not have any new injury worries. Barnet will have to do without the services of Harry Crawford and Marciano Mengerink, while Luke Gambin is not fit enough to start, but he will probably hit the bench.

The current situation at Hyde could not be worse, and the fact that players are starting to leave the club speaks volumes about the atmosphere and motivation in the club. While the hosts should not be underestimated, their 3 points in 21 rounds are simply horrible and even though Hyde can challenge some teams here and there, the reality is they are very bad. Barnet is a top side in the Conference Premier, they are in the race for a playoff spot and I can’t envision them losing points at Hyde – it would be close to a disaster for them. Barnet to win looks like the obvious and correct pick here. Note that Hyde has not played a game in the last three weeks, which could be a real turn-off for them. During this time they lost the above mentioned players and the atmosphere only got worse, so they could potentially be in for a rough night today.

Expect the visitors to create a fair share of chances and score a couple of goals, while their defense should be able to hold off Hyde. My pick is Barnet to win this, and they should also be able to cover the 1 goal handicap. A 0.75 asian handicap seems to be the best bet on this game and the odds offered by the bookies look great, despite the fact that you can`t expect too much value with Hyde`s current standing and form. I`ll tip and bet Barnet to win (-0.75), not only because of Hyde`s 3 point tally, but also because Barnet is a very strong side, in-form, and they have other arguments going for them today. Personally, I will go with big stakes and equivalent confidence on this pick. Hyde FC – Barnet FC 0-2.

Pick: Barnet (-0,75 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.86 @ Ladbrokes
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 7.74
Event date: 21 December

Editor Facts

• Tipster Rostick won his last 4 Conference Premier tips