League One Weekend Preview, Game 22

'Twas the week before Christmas and all was quiet. Not at the Valley on Saturday though, where there should be some atmosphere as the roar of the home crowd competes with 3,200 bellowing Millwall fans. Let us hope that this is one of the home games where we have excelled this season rather than competed. We have earned a six point cushion over our nearest rivals which should enable us to play with confidence and take the game to Millwall. They will miss Harris and Alexander and despite the form of Morison (four goals in as many games) I think we have the personnel to limit their opportunities and make them play on the back foot, at which they are at their weakest. Results from elsewhere promise to be almost as interesting as our own...

Charlton Athletic v Millwall

Bearing in mind that this is a London derby and our horrible record against our closest rivals, a 1-1 draw might be the bookies bet. However, I have already stuck my neck out and said I see us winning this and I see no reason to change that view. Nicky Bailey is due a goal and local boys Burton or a Sodje might fancy another.

Prediction; 2-0

Colchester United v Carlisle United

Looking through my rose-coloured glasses I would say that Carlisle have been hard to beat away from home winning twice and forcing five draws. They are improved of late too but surely Colchester will be too strong at home.

Prediction; 2-1

Exeter City v Southend United

All of a sudden the Grecians find themselves hovering above the drop zone. I think they have been better than that so far but I guess the table doesn't lie. This is as good an opportunity as they will get for three points against a side above them in the table.

Prediction; 2-1

Gillingham v Stockport County

This looks like a foregone conclusion. After losing away the Gills return to their hidey-hole fired-up for three points. Can't see Stockport holding them for more than twenty minutes.

Prediction; 3-0

Hartlepool v Yeovil Town

A lowest crowd of the season in prospect here for Hartlepool. They should at least have something to cheer against a Yeovil side who don't travel too well.

Prediction; 2-0

Leeds United v Southampton

Cracker in prospect at Elland Road. These sides look likely to be disputing the JPT final, so there may be added bite to this one. Southampton are on a roll but Leeds fans will argue they have been on one since the first day of the season. I really can see this one going either way, so a draw would probably be the best call.

Prediction; 1-1

MK Dons v Brentford

Six points out of a possible 30 is all the Bees have mustered away and this looks like another blank to me.

Prediction; 3-0

Norwich City v Huddersfield Town

The third intriguing fixture of the weekend. City were pipped on penalties at Southampton in the JPT last night and Paul Lambert will hoping there's no sign of tired legs here. Huddersfield will come under pressure here and I can see it being very close.

Prediction; 1-0

Swindon Town v Brighton & Hove Albion

Given their appalling home form; they lost their eighth game at the Withdean last Friday, Brighton play much better away from home although this will be a tough test against a Swindon side who have only been beaten once at home. They have drawn four though, so there might be some encouragement for the Seagulls.

Prediction; 1-1

Tranmere Rovers v Bristol Rovers

As good a chance as Chris Dickson will get to sway the doubters in Bristol. It looks like time's up for cocky Chris and he might not even get on here. Tranmere have finally managed a win or two in recent weeks at home but remain favourites for the drop. Bristol will expect something here.

Prediction; 1-2

Walsall v Leyton Orient

Walsall will see this as the perfect opportunity to recover from their set-back at the New Den last week and threaten the play-off places again. The O's invariably struggle away from home and I can't see this being any different.

Prediction; 2-0

Wycombe Wanderers v Oldham Athletic

A great opportunity for Wycombe to pick up three precious points here against an Oldham side who look like mid-table fare this year. Oldham won routinely at home to Exeter last week whilst Wycombe succombed to the only goal of the match at Carlisle. Christmas cheer for the Chairboys.

Prediction; 2-0