League One Weekend Preview, Game 13

I couldn't make the latest Supporters Trust meeting last night, but I am pleased to hear from inspector Sands that progress continues and that two sub-groups have been formed to look further into the areas of constitutional/secretarial and membership/communication before reporting back for further decisions. This might be the dry end of things, but they are a must if a Trust is to be established on the right lines. The threat to the Club's existence may look far less likely since the stabilising Board moves of the last couple of months, but I firmly believe that we now need a vibrant Trust operating in harmony with the club which can be used as a safeguard in the event, however unlikely, that the future of the club is threatened again.

Enough of that, we have game number 13 looming against Huddersfield Town on Saturday and we are desperate for a win, and probably a convincing one at that, to re-focus the early-season promotion push. I have a friend and his family down from Cambridge for the day. I believe it will be his eighth visit to the Valley and he has yet to us win. I do not believe in superstition and am doubly keen that we lay this ghost.

Town now occupy the eight spot that Oldham held when they visited last week and their season so far has not been unlike our own in that they started brightly but until last week had gone five league games without a win. They thrashed Exeter 4-0 last week with Jordan Rhodes netting a hat-trick of headers but their away form has been poor, with only one win, one draw and four defeats. I think we will get the win we need to send us top of the table at least until Leeds play Norwich on Monday...

Charlton Athletic v Huddersfield Town

After the frustrations of a faltering home draw with Oldham, I am going with the Addicks to step it up, score some goals and see Huddersfield off here.

Prediction; 3-1

Leyton Orient v Brentford

A rare League One London derby and Brentford have been impressive away from home, losing only once at the Valley. The O's by contrast have only won one at home, so this looks like a nailed-on draw to me.

Prediction; 1-1

MK Dons v Gillingham

It's official, Gillingham have the worst away record in the division having managed just a point. Much as we'd like them to do us a favour and get something here, I suspect they will be relying upon their impressive home form next weekend when they get the chance to put us in our place at the Priestfield Stadium (sic).

Prediction; 2-0

Oldham Athletic v Southampton

This will be a test for saints side that has strung a couple of results together and who are threatening to get off the bottom of the table. Oldham though, looked tough cookies to me last week and I can see them getting the better of Pardew and Co north of Manchester.

Prediction; 2-0

Southend United v Bristol Rovers

Rovers didn't play last week and their game in hand (at home to Leeds) could see them draw level with us in second place. They have won four on the road and will see this as a chance to maintain the pressure at the top. After his almost inevitably hot start, Chris Dickson has been quiet for a few weeks and needs another goal here if he is not to threaten to repeat his Charlton form. the Shrimpers have lost some gloss in recent weeks and are need of a confidence-boosting victory. Looks a draw to me.

Prediction; 1-1

Stockport County v Millwall

Millwall are good play-off bets but they need to improve away from the New Den. Their home and away form is perfectly symmetrical having won three, drawn three and lost none at home but having won none, drawn three and lost three away. More worryingly for Kenny Jackett, they have only notched two goals on their travels. Stockport won at Tranmere in the week and will have a good go here, although Millwall might be resilient enough for a point.

Prediction; 0-0

Swindon Town v Hartlepool

Swindon have been going along nicely and sit well-placed in seventh. They are unbeaten at home and will fancy their chances of keeping that record intact. Hartlepool have been decent away, twice winning, twice drawing and twice losing. This might be their third defeat.

Prediction; 2-1

Tranmere Rovers v Brighton & Hove Albion

I am surprised that Tranmere are not bottom of the table, so poor has their form been. Having sacked Barnes and McAteer they responded in the week by going down at home to Stockport, not a result that would have quelled the booing at Prenton Park. If they lose this, I suspect they will take a step nearer the basement.

Prediction; 1-2

Walsall v Exeter City

Two of the lesser lights of League One meet here and after their spanking at Huddersfield, it looks like a hard ask for the Grecians.

Prediction; 2-1

Wycombe Wanderers v Colchester United

As surprised as I am that Tranny are not bottom, I am equally surprised that Wycombe are below them. I thought they had more about them but I guess the table doesn't lie and having sacked Peter Taylor, they have now appointed Gary Waddock from Aldershot. I think he'll get a performance out of them here but it might not be enough to beat big bad Colchester.

Prediction; 1-1

Yeovil Town v Carlisle United

I'd like to see the sweep on how many Carlisle fans make the journey to Somerset. I'm guessing they might do well to break three figures. Town have been hard to beat at home and this looks like a step too far for Carlisle.

Prediction; 2-0

Leeds United v Norwich City

Match of the Day even if it is a Monday night. Leeds will have benefited from the rest and may have one or two first choice players fit again - thinking Becchio/Snodgrass. Paul Lambert meanwhile will be very pleased with his side's recent form and particularly their prowess in front of goal. I think the Canaries could be good value for a point at least here and will go with the bustling Grant Holt to cause some problems.

Prediction; 2-2

Bring on the Terriers!