Sunday 27 December 2009

League One Preview, Game 24

At the half-way stage then and we find ourselves a modest four points behind the promotion campaign from this division in 1980-81 which is my yardstick for the season. We started the second half of the 80-81 season with a home win against Carlisle followed by a defeat at Oxford United before a home draw with Fulham and another home win over Hull City. So the immediate target in my minds' eye is 7 points from the next 12.

We beat Brentford earlier this season in a televised game at the Valley in which Brentford forced a lot of corners but lacked any cutting edge. They will start tomorrow without Charlie MacDonald but will probably have swapped that for the Charlton loss of Sam Sodje and Deon Burton. Ordinarily I would have fancied our chances of a decent away win here but am concerned that we might just not be strong enough tomorrow to get a result. Without our first-choice back-four tomorrow (Youga, Sodje, Dailly and Richardson) or our top scorer, we will need a steely performance of concentration and any chances that come our way will need to be taken. Brentford have a decent home record of 4-5-2 which matches that of next Saturday's opponents Walsall.

Having won at Gillingham on Saturday, I fear we may be up against it tomorrow and am going to suggest a rare defeat could be on the cards. Perhaps referring decisions or a late goal or something might get us a share?

Brentford v Charlton Athletic
I travel in hope. We will need a big performance from our midfield where we might miss Jose Semedo. I would like to see Therry Racon alongside Nicky Bailey but suspect Matt Spring gets Parky's nod over Racon at the moment. Lloyd Sam should be back on the right and hopefully Scott Wagstaff did enough as a substitute against Swindon to earn a start. Akpo must be nailed on to start and I would be inclined to play Dickson from the off as he has already netted twice at Griffin Park for Rovers this term. I don't think Parky will agree with my logic so expect McKenzie to start and Dickson to be sub. Our fans might play twelfth man tomorrow...
Prediction; 2-1

Colchester United v Southampton
For once I won't be disappointed to see Southampton win, although this would be an impressive away result. Colchester won well against Southend on Saturday and this would cement their Christmas.
Prediction; 2-0

Exeter City v Gillingham
The Gills couldn't get back on level terms against the Bees on Saturday despite a late barrage of attacks and their away record is so poor I suspect this will be their second defeat in succession.
Prediction; 2-0

Hartlepool v Oldham Athletic
Hartlepool gave us brief hope yesterday of derailing the Leeds train but they were undone by Jermaine Beckford. This should be eminently easier for them.
Prediction; 2-1

Huddersfield Town v MK Dons
A feisty encounter in prospect here. MK won well yesterday but this should be a much harder game.
Prediction; 2-1

Leyton Orient v Southend United
An east London v east Essex encounter here and I fancy the O's to see off an indifferent Southend.
Prediction; 2-1

Millwall v Bristol Rovers
After failing to get anything from the Hoolihan and Holt show yesterday, Millwall are back on familiar territory and this should be a home banker.
Prediction; 2-0

Stockport County v Leeds United
Leeds continue to look impressive and with fixtures like this it's hard to see them slowing down against bottom of the table Stockport.
Prediction; 0-3

Swindon Town v Yeovil Town
Can't say I was particularly impressed with Swindon yesterday although I suspect they are a different proposition at home. Charlie Austin has a goal-a-game record in non-league and now league football and will be itching to maintain his run.
Prediction; 2-0

Tranmere Rovers v Carlisle United
Neither of these sides played yesterday. Tranmere need to get wins under the belt and Prenton Park will be key to their survival chances. This could be their sixth home win of the campaign.
Prediction; 2-1

Walsall v Norwich City
It will be interesting to compare our result next Saturday against Norwich's own tomorrow. Walsall are no slouches at home and Norwich are due to drop points.
Prediction;1-1

Wycombe Wanderers v Brighton & Hove Albion
Relegation six-pointer at Adams Park and it might be hard to separate these two. A point isn't much use to either but they might have to settle for it.
Prediction; 1-1

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