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Betting Guide: Leyton Orient v Stoke

Last updated : 25 August 2009 By Dan Buxton
This is a tough one to call. The Potters can't call on a great record against lower league teams but they do have a second string side that should be able to put away a side two leagues below them. The fact Orient have hinted at changes aswell just acts to add even more factors to think about. 

Orient struggle at home, just 6 victories in 12 months, and have lost both their home games so far in 2008/9. If you think they will break that duck with the scalp of Premier League Stoke then you can back them at 3/1 with SkyBet. The Potters have only managed two victories on their travels in the last 12 months, since beating Cheltenham at the same stage of this competition last season and are evens to pick up an welcome away win. If you think the tie, which must be settled on the night, will go to extra time then the draw is 5/2 with PaddyPower, Corals and William Hill.

Last season's Potters victory over Cheltenham, also then a League One side, was by three goals to two and its 33/1 with SkyBet for a repeat of that scoreline. If you think a comfortable 2-0 away victory will be the outcome then SportingBet offer 9's.

Orient will be up for the visit and want the giant killing and its 10's at PaddyPower and SkyBet that the hosts sneak a 1-0 win. 2-2 was the result the Potters managed at Rochdale, two seasons ago, and SkyBet offer odds of 16's on four goals being equally shared.

The Potters will hope to stamp their authority on the game at the start and Orient will have the crowd behind them from the off so a goal in could well be possible first up and its 6's for Stoke and 9's for Orient to be leading after 10 minutes.

With most, if not all, first teamers to be rested the first scorer odds see's big odds for the players who will actually take to the field. Cresswell seems a shoe-in for a strikers berth and is 17/2 with Bet365 to open the scoring whilst free scoring defenders Ryan Shotton, 33's with Bet365, and Leon Cort, 28's with Corals, are sure to be dangerous at set pieces.

How Orient will line up is also up in the air but Scott McGleish is always a danger and can be backed at 17/2 with Bet365 to break the deadlock. Experienced striker james Scrowcroft is 10/1 with Bet365 whilst if you believe Jason Demetriou will celebrate his call up to the Cyprus squad with the opener then he can backed at a huge 25/1 with Bet365.