League One Preview, Game 2

Off to Brisbane Road this evening for our first proper away match of the season. The first-teamers caught up in the disaster at Shrewsbury will be glad to have their first-choice colleagues returning alongside them and we should be confident of making a game of it. The O's bounced back from their defeat at Yeovil on Saturday with a decent 2-1 away win at Swindon although that result may say more about Swindon right now. I don't know what strength of teams each played in that tie, so won't read too much into it.

The nagging doubt I have about this evening are those Sky cameras. Leyton Orient were inspired to a 1-0 at the valley earlier in 2010 with them present and, as we know, our live broadcasting record is appalling. Having said all that, I am not superstitious and I don't believe the cameras directly influence our results. We have fielded dozens of completely different sides live on TV under different managers and we must just view this as an unfortunate coincidence. Time then, to get a result and begin to lay the ghost.

Back at full strength, I will be hoping to see another assured defensive performance. The enforced introduction of Racon to the midfield will give us an eary look at a different central midfield pairing and we will need to see a holding role from McCormack. I expect Martin to start, so suspect he will replace Sodje as Parky looks for more goals from the pairing with Abbott which started so brightly at Shrewsbury. It would be a fantastic start to the weekend to get another win and be sitting pretty at the top with a three point lead before the rest play. Here's who they all face...

Leyton Orient v Charlton Athletic

Like blogger Wynn, I don't know where all the optimism over Leyton Orient's hopes this year has come from. Their squad looks weaker to me and they struggled last year. If we can weather the storm of their first home appearance, I expect us to settle into this game and create the opportunities which could win it. If you are going, take a raincoat.

Prediction; 1-2

AFC Bournemouth v Peterborough United

The Cherries looked less than average to me last week whilst Peterborough came out of the traps like a club confident of regaining their Championship status. Home advantage shouldn't be overlooked here but my money's on Posh continuing their bright start.

Prediction; 1-2

Brentford v Walsall

Both of these team will going looking for the first point and I think Brentford will secure the victory. Forster, MacDonald and Simpson should provide enough firepower for the Bees.

Prediction; 2-0

Brighton & Hove Albion v Rochdale

Brighton get their first opportunity to begin to build the home form that let them down so badly last year, especially during the first half of the season. They have strengthened and will be harder to beat under Gus Poyet this year. Matt Sparrow made an impressive two-goal contribution in last weeks win at Swindon and I think Brighton will make it two out of two.

Prediction; 2-0

Bristol Rovers v Yeovil Town

The Pirates got a drubbing at Peterborough on the opening day but that might say more about the home side than Rovers. This is an all west-country affair and I think Yeovil might be good enough for a point here.

Prediction; 1-1

Colchester United v Sheffield Wednesday

Could be the League One match-of-the-day. Two big, strong sides used to playing in blue and white stripes and imposing themselves on the opposition. Alan Irvine will be confident of avoiding defeat but Colchester have Wordsworth and Mooney scoring the goals for them and that could be the difference.

Prediction; 2-0

Dagenham & Redbridge v Exeter City

Sadly, the game has been postponed in memory of Exeter's Adam Stansfield who died this week of bowel cancer aged 31. 

Hartlepool United v Swindon Town

After a home defeat that will have hurt, Swindon face the long haul to Hartlepool to confront a side with their backs to the wall and amongst the bookies favourites for the drop. It could be a tough game and it could be hard to find a winner.

Prediction; 0-0

Huddersfield Town v Tranmere Rovers

Both of these teams won their opening games, but Huddersfield's away win at 

Notts County outshone Tranmere's 2-1 humbling of Oldham. Hard to see beyond another convincing Town victory with the usual suspects featuring amongst the goals, Jordan Rhodes the favourite.

Prediction; 3-0

MK Dons v Southampton

Unusually, the second game to be postponed following a bereavement. Markus Liebherr's sudden death could have a profound affect on the Saints season.

Oldham Athletic v Notts County

The Latics will be aiming to make it two out two and set Paul Dickov up for a fine start to his managerial career at Boundary Park. I don't know what to expect from Notts County this season following the shenanigans of last year but a struggle shouldn't be a surprise following their promotion from League two.

Prediction; 2-1

Plymouth Argyle v Carlisle United

Carlisle fans wanting to make the journey for this one will be getting ready to leave in the early hours of Saturday morning and an overnight stay looks a near must. I'm guessing there will be the sorts of visiting numbers we took there in 1980 (c 60) when Argyle had half as many herberts in our end at the start of game as we had fans! They left after the initial confrontation didn't quite go to plan, followed by the solitary policeman on duty. Oh how times have changed.

Prediction; 2-0

If you're going this evening get behind the boys like last season. If you're not, remind the neighbours that you're Charlton fans! COYR!