League One Weekend Preview, Game 21

As I look forward to tomorrow's encounter with Southend, I am reminded that we are overdue a home reversal. Based on our home form this season that looks unlikely against a Southend side dicing with danger as they head towards the bottom end of the table. However, I am talking about the sort of match where you truly dominate but get done by a late breakaway, or where your opponents take the lead and get it doubled by a dubious penalty or a bizarre own-goal and you leave yourselves with too much to do.

Enough of that Doubting Thomas. We won on the road in the week for the first time in over three months and now is the chance to capitalise. Southend will get their chance against us at Roots Hall, now is our time and we should set about them. After seeing off MK Dons and Bristol Rovers at the Valley with something to spare, I will go for us to do the same against Nicky Bailey's old side. A first-half opener should be all we need to settle down and play some football.

I'd like to see Akpo the Bear given the whole of the second half and it would be encouraging to see either Youga or Richardson return. Central midfield presents a challenge with Jose Semedo suspended, so I am assuming Therry Racon will edge Jonjo Shelvey in terms of the selection. Wagstaff deserves another start on the wing as we interchange with Lloyd Sam to keep them guessing.

Charlton Athletic v Southend United

Three more points for the Addicks as we continue to rise to the challenge thrown down by Norwich City. A win at Stockport next week would set us up nicely for a fiercely contested and valuable derby against the Lions, a game I am unusually confident we will win.

Prediction; 3-0

Colchester United v Bristol Rovers

Oh for a Chris Dickson brace tomorrow! His outpourings in the paper this week about looking forward to proving himself on his return to the Valley rang a little hollow for me. He really needs to score an important goal or two tomorrow if he is to persuade Rovers to try and sign him. I can't see them getting anything here, particularly if the concede as easily as they did at the Valley.

Prediction; 2-0

Exeter City v Brighton & Hove Albion

I thought Albion looked like a side trying to play football on Tuesday even if they lacked forward penetration. That's all well and good when you are at home but away from home there's a survival instinct and they looked fragile at the back. Exeter have only been beaten once at home and I can't see this being the second.

Prediction; 2-1

Gillingham v Carlisle United

Imagine travelling the length of the country to watch a match in Gillingham. It's a depressing prospect, especially when you are likely to be beaten. Carlisle have shown some fighting unpredictability in recent weeks but I can see them being dragged into Gillingham's long-ball pressing game and losing out.

Prediction; 2-0

Hartlepool v Millwall

Not exactly a romantic fixture this one, but a full blooded game in prospect. Millwall will be slight favourites but Hartlepool have thrown up the odd result and have have home advantage. Millwall are without Harris and Alexander and that might make a difference here.

Prediction; 1-0

Leeds United v Huddersfield Town

League One Match of the Day here and Huddersfield will be urged on by several thousand Yorkshiremen fighting for local pride. It's a no-lose for us but I can see Town getting something here against their big-city rivals.

Prediction; 1-1

MK Dons v Yeovil Town

MK Dons were undone at Millwall in the week by an added time goal but had fought back and scored two good goals of their own. I can't see any slip-ups here.

Prediction; 3-0

Norwich City v Oldham Athletic

Norwich's current form is very impressing indeed. Not just winning home and away but scoring plenty of goals and tying games up early. I can't see Oldham old-ing 'em for too long here.

Prediction; 3-0

Swindon Town v Leyton Orient

The O's got a good win in the week over a flustered Gillingham side who are poor away from home let alone when they arrive three minutes before kick-off. Having secured three points in the week I can see them rolling over here to an in-form Swindon.

Prediction; 3-0

Tranmere Rovers v Brentford

Tranmere scoring three at Huddersfield in the week was a real turn-up but they could only mange a draw. On that form this might look like a rare opportunity for a home win. However, this is Tranmere we are talking about.

Prediction; 1-1

Walsall v Southampton

Walsall are slowly turning into the surprise package of the season although they will need a performance here to see off Southampton. A draw looks like the best they can hope for.

Prediction; 1-1

Wycombe Wanderers v Stockport County

Wycombe are another side, like Walsall, who are improving of late but it's all relative and they are still in joint-bottom spot with Tranmere and Stockport. A win here offers them the prospect of climbing above Brighton.

prediction; 1-0