League One Weekend Preview, Game 45

Last home game of the season on Saturday and I am reliably informed that the gate will be our biggest of the season at around 24,000. I am surprised that we should be attracting approximately 4,000 more fans to this game than we managed against Norwich a fortnight ago. On the basis that Norwich took their full allocation and Leeds are doing the same, it would appear that Charlton fans find this a more appealing fixture and yet there is, arguably, less to play for. Some Leeds fans may have managed to get tickets in the home areas but I can't expect there will be many and it will also appeal to Millwall fans who aren't making the trek to Birkenhead, but again, that will in no way account for an additional 400, let alone 4,000 (I remember my Dad towing me down to the Den in the early 70's when Millwall came closest to their first ever promotion to the top flight. We walked home with disconsolate Millwall fans in complete silence).
The match itself should be another feisty affair and our players should be treating this as a play-off warm-up and an opportunity to psych Leeds out in the event we play them again in the coming weeks. The pressure is all on Leeds but they know a win could see them promoted if Tranmere can manage an 11th home win of the season against Millwall. The game may swing upon the first goal and I believe we will get it.
Bristol Rovers v Norwich City
Both sides playing for pride here. Rovers will want to beat the divisional Champions and it will be interesting to see if Paul Lambert's motivational powers extend to keeping his de-mob happy players focused. Having done the hard part, Norwich might find Rovers might have more fight about them.
Prediction; 2-1
Carlisle United v Walsall
Mid-table nothingness and I'll take home advantage.
Prediction; 2-0
Charlton Athletic v Leeds United
I am not expecting any hangover to the Jonjo Shelvey transfer and our players still owe us a big result at the Valley this season. Leeds cracked at Gillingham and I expect us to put them under similar first-half pressure. The half-time result at Tranmere could affect the second-half at the Valley depending on results. If Tranmere are winning, we could see Leeds take a more cautious approach to the second period but if Millwall have the lead, they might throw caution to wind and chase the game. Either way, if we play as well as we did against Norwich I can't see them holding us.
Prediction; 2-1
Gillingham v Southampton
The Gills are still in the mire despite beating Leeds the other week and they know they have to win this as their away form will likely see them relegated at Wycombe if they fail here. Southampton have missed out on the play-offs and might just be off the pace.
Prediction; 1-0
Hartlepool v Exeter City
Exeter remain in trouble at the bottom after our equaliser last week and with Huddersfield yet to come at home, this could be another struggle. Hartlepool should be safe but I'll take them to make sure here.
Prediction; 2-0
Huddersfield Town v Colchester United
This fixture threatened to be the denouement for Colchester but they fluffed their play-off chances a few weeks ago. Expect the Terriers to apply some salt to the wounds as they pump themselves up for the play-offs.
Prediction; 3-0
Leyton Orient v Wycombe Wanderers
The O's need another win to guarantee safety and they should get it here against the Chairboys, who have rallied in recent games but who have surely left it too late? They need two wins and other results to go for them. Can't see it.
Prediction; 2-0
MK Dons v Brighton & Hove Albion
MK Dons are in a tail-spin following Paul Ince's decision to throw in the towel at the end of the season and I expect Brighton to profit.
Prediction; 0-2
Southend United v Stockport County
League One's basement no-hopers get to play an early League Two fixture. The Shrimpers will see this as a chance to send out a warning of their intention to bounce back next year and Stockport's current predicament means they might struggle next year too.
Prediction; 3-0
Swindon Town v Brentford
Like us, Swindon look to have missed the automatic boat but they will want to win this to take it to the wire in the unlikely event that both Millwall and Leeds are beaten.
Prediction; 2-0
Tranmere Rovers v Millwall
Milwall know they must win this game to put their destiny back in their own hands. Trouble is, Tranmere are hard to beat at home in recent months and they need the points. A stalemate might be on the cards but it would be enough if Leeds go down at the Valley because it would put Millwall level on points but with a superior goal difference dependent upon our score. Not many Addicks would complain about that.
Prediction; 1-1
Yeovil Town v Oldham Athletic
Yeovil should be ok but they know a win here seals it and you can't see Oldham putting up that much of a fight.
Prediction; 2-0