Goal feast is unlikely prospect

A full house is expected at the County Ground tomorrow when table-topping Norwich visit fourth-placed Swindon Town. Following a terrific run of results, Swindon are now 16/5 with Totesport to be promoted, though they must first secure the play-off berth they currently occupy.

Of course, Norwich too have enjoyed an even more prolonged run than their hosts and start as Paddy Power's 7/5 favourites to win.

Swindon, who have suffered just one defeat in their last 11 home league matches, during which they swept aside Leeds, kick off as Betdaq's 15/8 underdogs, but their big-hearted quest for a play-off berth is considered by many punters to add potential value to Ladbrokes' 12/5 price posted against the draw.

Indeed, the draw has been backed in a variety of guises in a succession of different markets. For example, a 1-1 outcome is priced at 11/2 by Partybets, while the chances of both halves finishing in stalemate is rated a 4/1 shot by Stan James. Elsewhere, Totesport offer even money against the opening period ending with honours even.

Yet Swindon's pursuit of a top six finish and Norwich's drive towards the title suggests that neither side will settle for a point. A number of punters obviously take a similar view, for bet365's 10/3 for the Canaries to enjoy a one-goal margin of victory has become many punters' preferred back-up wager.

Given the scale of the odds, there has also been sizeable support for Jaxx.com's enormous 9/2 for City to emerge victorious following a drawn first period and punters to whom this wager appeals may also fancy running the rule over 888Sport's 16/1 for the game's opening goal to arrive after the 76th minute.

Though each side is scoring goals, Betfred's 4/6 odds for it to yield fewer than three tomorrow cannot be ignored.