League One Weekend Preview, Game 21

We really need our match at Stockport to go ahead this week to help maintain the gap over Norwich City. I am a firm believer that it's easier to stay in front than play catch-up as we have been proving so far. The pitch at Stockport is a sanded bog by all accounts and it needs a few rainless days if there is any hope of the game being played. If it does get played then we must have high expectations of a relatively straightforward win. Stockport are bottom and have lost seven straight league matches. They will also be without defender Mullins through suspension.

Here's who everyone else faces...

Brighton & Hove Albion v Colchester United

Colchester take their place in the distant golfing stand on Friday night at the Withdean. The side with the worst home record in the division (next to Stockport) look like they will lose their eighth home game of the season. How depressing if you are a season ticket holder down there? It really is relegation form.

Prediction; 1-2

Brentford v Leeds United

If I had more Brownie points, I would happily swan off to west London to cheer on the Bees but I need them for our visit on 28th December. Leeds' marathon season rolled on last night with an extra-time F A Cup win over Kettering at Elland Road. Tired they may be but there's no sign of it so far. Brentford should be good enough at home for a point but I suspect Leeds will go close to another win. What price another 89th minute goal?

Prediction; 1-1

Bristol Rovers v Swindon Town

M4 derby and with both sides level on 31 points in 7th and 6th respectively, this could be a cracker. Chris Dickson's goal glut has dried up and he will probably not make the starting eleven. I expect him to return with his tail between his legs in January until he is loaned out again. If Gillingham drop another few places by then I suspect they will eat humble pie and offer us a fee for him in an attempt to ensure they avoid the drop. Back at the decrepit Millenium Stadium I would hedge my bets on this one.

Prediction; 2-2

Carlisle United v Wycombe Wanderers

Carlisle's mini-revival has seen them elevated to 12th whilst the Chairboys remain firmly ensconced in the drop zone. Wycombe have managed only six points away from Adams Park and I don't see them adding to that here after the long trek north.

Prediction; 3-0

Huddersfield Town v Gillingham

Pathetic as Wycombe's efforts have been away from home, no-one comes close to Gillingham's solitary point on the road. One point in ten attempts? Oh dear, they won't like this. Ironically, I think their style would be suited to an upright and attacking Huddersfield but I see them conceding too many goals.

Prediction; 3-1

Leyton Orient v MK Dons

The O's have been scoring more of late but will need to do that and defend without Mkandiwire who was sent-off at Swindon last week. MK Dons have slipped out of the play-off frame and will go for it here. A draw looks like the best bet.

Prediction; 1-1

Millwall v Walsall

Walsall have climbed above the Lions and will be quietly confident of getting something at the New Den against a Millwall side depleted by injuries. The 3-0 first-half collapse at Hartlepool will have worried Kenny Jackett and he really needs something before he takes his troops into the Valley. A goal might settle this either way.

Prediction; 1-0

Oldham Athletic v Exeter City

Exeter lost at home to Brighton in the last minute on Saturday whilst Oldham went down to two first-half goals at Norwich. I can see this being a tight game and maybe a draw would suit both sides.

Prediction; 1-1

Southampton v Tranmere Rovers

Tranmere sneaked a home win past Brentford last time out but will surely find the goal-scoring Saints too tough a proposition at St Mary's. Pardew's play-off claims have been strengthened again in recent weeks although I remain confident they will miss out.

Prediction; 3-0

Southend United v Hartlepool

Well-balanced match in prospect here. Southend looked decent at the Valley last week without really threatening us. They will need to do more at home to beat a durable Hartlepool who are up to 11th after seeing off Millwall. I think Tilson's men might amend for their shortcomings at the Valley.

Prediction; 2-0

Stockport County v Charlton Athletic

If this goes ahead I expect us to cruise to a 2-0 win which would set us up for two important home games against Millwall and Swindon which could define our season.

Prediction; match postponed

Yeovil Town v Norwich City

Come on Yeovil. I think they will need the sort of weather they got against us if they are to get something against a rampant Canaries. Wind like we faced is very unlikely but expect the pitch to be heavy and there's every prospect of rain. Yeovil have only been beaten twice at home this season.

Prediction; 1-1