Thursday 9 September 2010

League One, Weekend Preview, Game 6

Early season optimism appears to have taken a right-hander with the crushing last minute defeat at Exeter City. We return to the Valley on Saturday when we entertain the newly promoted Notts County. With all Charlton eyes looking for what's going wrong right now, our midfield formation will be under tight scrutiny. The perceived wisdom is that the Semedo-McCormack partnership is not working. Changing it is a big decision when there isn't a better looking two, so I suspect Parky is giving more thought to a return to a five-man midfield although this would almost certainly draw further criticism if he tries it at home and it fails to deliver the goods. Sometimes you just can't win!


Despite a record that matches our own so far (two wins a draw and two defeats),  I believe we should see them off at the Valley. They have been beaten solidly by  Huddersfield and Oldham so far although that was without the mercurial Lee Hughes who returned to action last week and scored in a 4-0 rout of Yeovil Town.


My betting record so far this season has been dismal. For over twenty years I have stuck to a five-results from the sections entry on the fixed odds coupon. I have typically had a win or two each season at c 30-1 which has always kept me interested and minimised my losses. I haven't managed it for a couple of seasons now and in conversation with a Bookie recently he convinced me to try two lines of four results and to perm them for trebles, all four and all eight. last week's first attempt at this saw me get one from eight when I can usually get three or four from five. Like Parky, I will persevere.


Bournemouth v Dagenham & Redbridge
Decent win for the Daggers over Leyton Orient last week but the O's made it easy for them. Bournemouth will be a different proposition away from home where they have scored eight in two games. No joy for the Daggers.
Prediction; 2-0 


Brighton & Hove Albion v MK Dons
Brighton have spluttered in the last couple of weeks after the fast start many predicted for them (me). They are a game behind though and a win here would lift them into the play-off positions. MK Dons will already have one eye on their plum JPT draw...
Prediction; 2-0


Bristol Rovers v Brentford
This looks tough for the Bees despite their first win of the season on Sunday when they beat Sheffield Wednesday impressively at Griffin Park. Rovers have only managed one win so far (at home) but have had two good draws on the road. They will see this a chance to really get going.
Prediction; 2-0


Charlton Athletic v Notts County
If we can get a hold of midfield, I expect us to press the game and score the goals we need to win the game. If we don't, I think County might cause us problems and I can see Baldy scoring against us once again. A change of personnel and formation to do the trick.
Prediction; 2-1


Colchester United v Plymouth Argyle
Colchester have yet to win at home but are sitting pretty in fifth. This looks routine to me. I expect David Mooney to net again.
Prediction; 3-0


Hartlepool v Exeter City
Hartlepool have yet to win at home so here's the perfect opportunity. Fresh from their last minute penalty triumph over us, I suspect City will slump to a defeat here.
Prediction; 2-0


Leyton Orient v Huddersfield Town
Decent looking encounter here. Might be too close to call as both sides will scrap hard for this.
prediction; 1-1


Peterborough United v Oldham Athletic
Two straight home win for Posh with seven goals in the process. Big test for Paul Dickov's boys and I suspect Peterborough might get at them.
Prediction; 3-0


Rochdale v Walsall
Dale have yet to win at home but have managed two very impressive away wins. Having been in the bottom division for 175 years, they are clearly enjoying the experience of visiting new places. They might find it hard to raise their game at home where visitors will be reminded very firmly by their surroundings that they are playing in the lower leagues they might consider themselves better than. Maybe not Walsall though, eh?
Prediction; 1-1


Sheffield Wednesday v Carlisle United
Top-of-the-table clash and Wednesday will be fired-up to recover from their slip at Brentford. Carlisle's home form may maintain their season but it's in games like this I think they will be undone.
Prediction; 2-0


Swindon Town v Southampton
Cracker in the offing here and very hard to call. I think one side will prevail and I don't believe the Saints have fallen apart since Pardew got the boot. I take that Rochdale result with a pinch of salt.
Prediction; 0-2


Yeovil Town v Tranmere Rovers
After their 4-0 trouncing in Nottingham, Yeovil  will be pleased to be back home where they will confident of sending Tranny packing.
Prediction; 1-0




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