- Real Bedford have won four of their last five league matches, scoring 13 goals in the process.
- Alvechurch have lost their last two home matches, failing to score in either.
- Real Bedford have scored 32 goals in 15 away league matches this season (9 wins).
Two contrasting styles meet on the field
Alvechurch and Real Bedford will be familiar opponents after meeting in the FA Trophy three months ago and while the hosts were 5-4 winners in that thrilling encounter, Real Bedford will be confident they can turn the tables on Tuesday. Alvechurch are a compact team who play with a rigid structure, discipline and a ‘no-frills’ game plan. Manager Ian Long has overseen the club’s progression since February 2020 and has instilled a pragmatic approach in his players. Alvechurch press selectively and their best chances of success come when they can hit teams on the break. In contrast, Real Bedford are a forward-thinking side, full of energy, who want to get on the front foot and dictate the game. Their front two press with intent, the midfield is fluid and they can dominate teams in terms of possession, which has helped them to shoot up the league.
Real Bedford can edge this encounter
Real Bedford are the slight favourites at 28/25, while Alvechurch are 39/20 for the win. Both teams to score is available at 59/100 which is a very generous price given the stats for this fixture, but the better bet for this encounter is Over 2.5 goals at 18/25, which suits Real Bedford’s approach more than any other. This fixture has been a fixture of attack versus defence and the two sides’ styles couldn’t be more contrasting.
Real Bedford will try to get on the front foot and should dictate the contest, while Alvechurch will hope to hit them on the counter. Both teams have been in mixed form of late with Alvechurch picking up two wins and three losses in their last five league outings, and Real Bedford have four wins and one loss in their last five. However, Real have scored 13 times in that run and have a much superior away record this season with nine wins in 15 attempts.
Real could be champions and Alvechurch are desperate for points
Real Bedford are 3rd in the Southern League Premier Division Central, 56 points from 28 matches, and have a genuine chance of winning this league, while 17th-placed Alvechurch have 31 points from 27 games. Callum Sullivan has been in good form for the hosts with two goals in the last five games, but Ben Stevens leads the line for Real Bedford and has four of their 13 league goals over the last few games.
Real Bedford have enough quality to win this match and should be able to edge out their hosts in what promises to be a tense encounter. Alvechurch will look to keep it tight, but Real’s firepower should be enough to clinch the points in this one.
