League One Weekend Preview, Game 23

We go again on Saturday in what's becoming a personal weekly battle with Leeds and Norwich. Having lost the two points last week that we gained the week previously, maybe it's our turn again this week? To do that we will need to overcome sixth-place Swindon Town who have won four matches away from home and who should present more of a threat on paper than Millwall. However, the match is unlikely to be played at derby-pace and Swindon's away record flatters to deceive as I have pointed out before. I think we will get a hard-fought match but believe we will see it through and go to Brentford in fine fettle.

The freezing temperatures are due to rise a few critical degrees on Christmas Day and the forecast in London for Saturday means the game should be on. The fixture list elsewhere may well be in doubt, so it could be an opportunity to build on our lead....

Brighton & Hove Albion v Leyton Orient

The Seagulls have been going quite nicely away from home in recent weeks but invariably return home only to slump to defeat. TheO's aren't great travellers, and surely Brighton won't lose at home for a ninth time before the half-way stage in the season?

Prediction; 2-1

Bristol Rovers v Walsall

Rovers have leap-frogged Walsall in the table and are back on the fringe of the play-offs. They are going well at home and I can't see them slipping up at home here.

Prediction; 3-0

Carlisle United v Huddersfield Town

I'm guessing this match might be more vulnerable to the freeze than many others. If it goes ahead Huddersfield might find it a harder going than respective league table positions suggest.

Prediction; 2-0

Charlton Athletic v Swindon Town

After the drama of our last home game we are possibly due a quieter match and perhaps another clean sheet. My Christmas wish is that we can put out a largely unchanged side (Mooney apart) and that we put in a professional shift throughout the team. That should be enough for a one or two goal win. I really hope some of the stay-at-homes this season get off their backsides for this one and swell the gate. There's no reason why we shouldn't better last weeks 19,000 attendance although I suspect we will fall short of that.

Prediction; 2-0

Gillingham v Brentford

Brentford and Gillingham appear evenly matched although the Gills home form is at complete odds with their away. They won't win every match at the Priestfield this season and if they draw or lose many more than the four games they have failed to win so far, they could be in relegation trouble yet. If Brentford are up for this, they might just catch the Gills napping.

Prediction; 1-2

Leeds United v Hartlepool

It's probably too much to ask for but funny things happen over Christmas. Pool have nothing to lose here.

Prediction; 0-0

MK Dons v Stockport County

Surely MK will not trip up again at home after conceding a late winning goal to Charlie McDonald at the weekend? I can't see Stockport even scoring.

Prediction; 3-0

Norwich City v Millwall

Come on you Lions! Actually, a draw is probably as good a result for us. Millwall have managed only one win away from home this season but have been good enough for six draws. I fancy them to win four or five away before the season ends and they might come close here.

Prediction; 2-2

Oldham Athletic v Tranmere Rovers

Having given Les Parry the manager's job on a full-time basis,his side responded with a good home win last week over Bristol Rovers. Their away form isn't good and the honeymoon could be short-lived.

Prediction; 2-0

Southampton v Exeter City

Much as 'd love to see it, I can't see the Saints failing here after going down to the only goal at Elland Road on Saturday.

Prediction; 3-0

Southend United v Colchester United

Tough match this for Colchester. Essex pride at stake and Southend will need no motivation for this one. It could be the only goalin three and I fancy Sarfend.

Prediction; 2-1

Yeovil Town v Wycombe Wanderers

Home banker for me. Wycombe continue to struggle and this will be three cabs too far.

Prediction; 2-0