League One Weekend Preview, Game 15

Our fifteenth match of the season and nearly a third of the way through. We hang on to our automatic promotion spot by the skin of our teeth despite a flurry of draws in the last eight games. Nelson Avila usually has a different take on statistics and performance and he makes some interesting points ahead of the Carlisle match....

First, that current form over the last eight games puts us 12th and that we have been outscored by 15 other League One sides in the process. For me that is a telling statistic and one we need to address if we are hang on to an automatic place. Secondly, and on a more positive note, Nelson tells us that we have faced five of the current top nine sides during those eight games. What's more, we have also visited four of the sides with the best home records and that it will be another four months before we face anyone else in the top nine at their place.

So, in layman's terms we should be able to increase our points tally in the coming months and he may have a very good point here. Carlisle are typical of one of those sides we should relish playing. To my mind they are a Tranmere at the moment and the latest news of Boardroom unrest should be the signal we need that this is our chance to put back-to-back wins together over the coming weeks.

My fear about our lack of genuine firepower apart, I can't see us losing at Brunton Park I can't see a hat-full of goals. I'm going for us to sneak it. Over an extended League One weekend, here's who's got whom...

Southend United v Gillingham

Sarfend take on their Thames Estuary neighbours this evening in a match that might be short on finesse. I understand that this has become a bit of a grudge match but suspect the Gills appalling away form will hinder them here,

Prediction;2-1

Brighton & Hove Albion v Hartlepool

The Seagulls appalling home form(lost five) comes up against a Hartlepool side who look like they are more comfortable playing away from the edge of the North Sea. Hartlepool to pile on the misery.

Prediction; 0-1

Carlisle United v Charlton Athletic

The scene of some memorable Charlton victories in the past, tomorrow's could be another on the road to promotion. I think we have enough about us to hold them but we need to be more clinical when goalscoring opportunities come our way and we can't afford the profligacy of Izale McLeod.

Prediction; 0-1

Exeter City v Brentford

The Grecians need to convert draws at home to wins if they are to be safe this season. The visit of a wobbly Brentford should be another opportunity to do this but the Bees have ground out three draw and a win in seven on the road and might be good enough for another important point here.

Prediction; 1-1

Leeds United v YeovilTown

Following their defeat at Millwall, I was very surprised that the Whites bounced back at Bristol Rovers, especially to win 4-0. Yeovil won at Bristol Rovers themselves last time out and will probably be looking forward to playing at Elland Road in front of another big crowd. Trouble is, Leeds will be too strong for them.

Prediction; 3-0

Leyton Orient v Southampton

Creamed 4-0 at Huddersfield last week, the O's will be desperate to play back at Brisbane Road but face a rejuvenated Southampton side who are scoring from all positions. They will do well to take a point here on current form.

Prediction; 1-1

Mk Dons v Bristol Rovers

Rovers could do us a favour and upset the apple-cart here. Trouble is, they are on a run of poor form and the odd goal from Chris Dickson isn't changing results. MK look strong and consistent enough to challenge us for an automatic place.

Prediction; 2-0

Millwall v Colchester United

Millwall know this division and can be relied upon to beat certain sides at home e.g. Leeds. Colchester play for draws away from home and that could be their downfall at the New Den.

Prediction; 2-1

Stockport County v Norwich City

With only one win at home in seven and a 2-0 defeat at Brentford last week, Stockport won't be relishing this encounter with much-improved Norwich. City will be cheered on by a good away following and I can see them romping this.

Prediction; 0-3

Tranmere Rovers v Swindon Town

Tranmere are struggling to recover under their caretaker manager. After an initial home win, they lost 1-0 at Hartlepool last week and might find Swindon a tough proposition at Prenton Park. Looks a good shout for a draw.

Prediction; 1-1

Wycombe Wanderers v Walsall

If Wycombe are to have any chance of getting out of trouble this is the sort of game they must win. Gary Waddock's arrival has sparked a few fighting performances and only a 93rd minute goal at Exeter prevented them from taking all three points. They should go one better tomorrow.

Prediction; 2-1

Oldham Athletic v Huddersfield Town

A potential cracker here with both sides pushing for a play-off berth. Huddersfield were very impressive despite losing at the Valley a fortnight ago and followed that up by smashing four against the O's. I can see more goals here and the Terriers coming out on top.

Prediction; 2-3

I'll be glued to the internet - COME ON YOU REDS!!