14th Mar 2013 | Football
Newcastle v Anzhi Tip
The stats suggest that this French international is carrying an increased goal threat lately that hasn't been picked up by the bookies.
For a long time I’ve looked at Yohan Cabaye as a potentially good goalscorer bet given the prices he’s typically offered up at. I remember considering him for a couple of French Euro 2012 games but I just couldn’t bring myself to back my instincts because his statistics didn’t vindicate me. Sure enough he soon scored against Ukraine to leave me feeling sore! Now though, there is evidence to suggest he is becoming better at finding the net on a more regular basis.
The 27-year-old has scored six goals in 18 league appearances for the Magpies this season, a big improvement on the four in 34 mustered in 2012-13. But his recent run is actually even better than that implies with all six of his top flight goals coming in his last 12 Premier outings.
Cabaye has registered in both of Newcastle’s last two home games - the 2-1 win over Stoke and the 4-2 triumph over Southampton. He also thumped the woodwork in the away match inbetween those fixtures at Swansea.
There’s no reason why the French schemer can’t carry this form into the Europa League starting at home to Anzhi Makhachkala on Thursday; the Russians haven’t won any of their last four on the road in this competition. Quite simply, Cabaye now looks overpriced at best odds of 17/4 (BetVictor) in the anytime goalscorer market.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 17:19 14th Mar, 2013 but subject to change
