League One Weekend Preview, Game 11

This week has flown by and we face what looks like the hardest match of the season on current form. Our apparent loss of confidence on Tuesday does not bode well but we should look at the positives; good sides who are playing well normally bounce back from a reverse; Leeds have not been very good themselves in the last two matches, despite picking up four points; they have six potential injury concerns.

The key selection decision appears to be whether or not Llera is returned to the fold or if Sam Sodje is preferred. Ordinarily I would go with the popular view that Sodje will start but I'm not so sure that's a good thing knowing that Llera will have to play when Nigeria calls for Sodje in the next week or two? I would put Llera back on the horse and save Sam Sodje until he's back and can expect a run in the side (assuming Llera hasn't improved). I honestly believe Llera is a better player than he is being given credit for. He struggled against Colchester's big front two but he has been pretty solid in the other nine games. His style doesn't help him but he is more effective than you think.

There has been a clamour for 4-4-2 again this week but there is no chance of that at Elland Road when we need to be strong defensively across the side and play on the counter-attack. We certainly need a Plan B and if 4-4-2 is the obvious choice, then we need to adapt to it by reverting to it when we are leading in future matches. Again, I don't believe we have the players currently to do it better than our 4-5-1 (4-4-1-1). Chris Dickson can play in the head down and charge role and will unsettle defenders but that requires the long-ball 4-4-2 as opposed to a wider attacking formation relying on balls into the box to be headed rather than chased. Perhaps Dickson and McLeod haring after long balls would have the desired effect? Either way we will have to wait until the New Year and I have my doubts.

Back to Elland Road then and I would have fancied our chances if we had avoided defeat in the week. As it is, I cannot see us keeping a clean sheet and suspect they will score two at least which means we will be up against it. Another defeat will put us under pressure in the table and to beat Oldham and Huddersfield in the next two home games. It's a pressure I think we will need to deal with.

Maybe I am feeling a tad depressed after the demoralising beating at Colchester but the fixtures this week don't get me going quite like they have done for the season to date.

Brentford v Swindon Town

Tight match in prospect here. Swindon have only been beaten once all season and are battling to join the play-off places. The Bees had a good home win against Southend on Tuesday and will come close here, although a draw looks favourite.

Prediction; 1-1

Brighton & Hove Albion v MK Dons

The Seagulls are out of the drop zone but they have lost three at home and this will be another toughie. MK Dons went down at Oldham in the week but I favour them to bounce back here and win.

Prediction; 0-2

Colchester United v Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield will need plenty of Yorkshire grit if they are to avoid the fate of the Addicks this week. Leeds managed it but they hadn't just lost at Walsall. Hard to see beyond the Lunks here.

Prediction; 2-0

Exeter City v Hartlepool

Both of these sides drew in the week. It's a long trip for Pool and Exeter might just surprise them.

Prediction; 2-1

Leeds United v Charlton Athletic

I am going to try and watch this game over the internet although my previous attempts at peer-to-peer sites has not been a good one. CAFC TV commentary will suffice if not. For all that, I think we will slip to a second successive loss.

Prediction; 2-1

Millwall v Tranmere Rovers

Home banker here as Millwall make up lost ground.

Prediction; 2-0

Norwich City v Bristol Rovers

Potential Match of the Day in League One. City hit four in the week and Rovers scored three at Southampton. Dicko to net again and City to win bu the odd goal.

Prediction; 2-1

Oldham Athletic v Yeovil Town

Yeovil ground out a rare away point at Millwall in the week. Another here is asking too much.

prediction; 2-0

Southampton v Gillingham

Go on the Gills! Not often I say that but "Play-Offs" Pardew is yet to acquire the ten points needed to match Saints Administration deficit and I'll laugh my socks off if they draw or lose here. Simeon Jackson looks like he scores every week and after a rest in the week, I'm taking the Gills to spoil the party here.

Prediction; 0-2

Stockport County v Southend United

Snorefest in prospect here and a dismal crowd to see it. Completely uninspiring.

Prediction; 0-0

Walsall v Carlisle

Another unappetising prospect here. I can't see Carlisle repeating their draw in the week at Leeds and Walsall might be good for another 2-1 home win.

Prediction; 2-1

Wycombe Wanderers v Leyton Orient

A proper League One derby. Wycombe are in big trouble and managed to lose at home to Tranmere in the week! they will relish the prospect of a side hammered four at Norwich but the O's might bite back.

Prediction; 1-2

Come on Charlton, re-light my fire!