Richmond Kickers vs Forward Madison Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper gander at this basement battle in USL League One. Richmond Kickers are propping up the table in 13th spot with just 26 points from 29 games - proper struggling, mate. Only 7 wins all season tells its own story. Forward Madison aren't exactly world beaters either, sitting 10th with 35 points, but they're a good bit clearer of the relegation scrap.

Recent form makes for interesting reading. Richmond's last 10 games read like a proper horror show: 3 wins, 0 draws, 7 losses. They've been leaking goals for fun too - 19 shipped in those 10 matches. But here's the kicker, they actually beat top-of-the-table One Knoxville 2-1 at home not long ago, which shows they can turn up when they want to.

Forward Madison have been a bit more steady - 4 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses in their last 10. They kept a few clean sheets in there as well. But they did get absolutely hammered 4-0 by Union Omaha in their last outing, so they're not exactly defensive masters.

When these two have met before, Forward Madison have had Richmond's number. 6 wins to 2 in 9 meetings, including that 1-0 win back in September. Richmond have only managed one home win against them in four attempts.

Now for the interesting bit - the defenses are shocking, absolutely shocking. Richmond at home have been scoring (1.75 per game) but also conceding plenty (2.25 per game). Forward Madison away have been leaking goals like a sieve - 2.50 conceded per game on the road! That's proper Sunday league stuff, that is.

Both teams need the points for different reasons - Richmond to avoid finishing rock bottom, Forward Madison to put some daylight between themselves and the drop zone. With both defenses about as solid as a chocolate teapot, I'm expecting goals, goals, goals.

Key Points:

• Richmond sit bottom of the league with just 26 points

• Forward Madison have a strong head-to-head record (6 wins in 9 meetings)

• Both teams have terrible defensive records recently

• Richmond concede 2.25 goals per game at home

• Forward Madison concede 2.50 goals per game away

• Both teams have shown they can score against anyone

The numbers don't lie here - both teams are finding the net regularly and both are shipping goals for fun. With Richmond needing to attack at home and Forward Madison capable of scoring on the road, I'm backing both teams to score. The defenses are just too porous to keep a clean sheet in this one.