League One Weekend Preview, Game 3

Don't know about you, but I can't wait for Saturday. The fact that we can go two points clear at the top should be a massive incentive and would give us an enormous boost for the difficult looking trip to Huddersfield the week after. Oldham may have a new manager and may well be playing with confidence themselves, but this is a game I fully expect us to win with something to spare. Pawel Abbott is due to open his league account and who better than against his former club and the manager who "wasn't bothered" about seeing him move on. If you need any more convincing, the Latics have never won at the Valley and are traditionally poor travellers to the capital. The stage is set then for us to continue our winning start to the season as we seek to emulate last season's opening six victories. Here's what the rest are up to...


Carlisle United v MK Dons
The Borderers have started well with a home win and a draw at Home Park last week was a 1-0 victory until the last kick of the game. I will go for Greg Abbott's boys to maintain the bright start here.
Prediction; 2-0


Charlton Athletic v Oldham Athletic
If we can continue our impressive progress so far, I would expect another solid defensive display, even without Christian Dailly, and a more attacking showing from our midfield and forward line. Abbott for first goal has to be the bet of the day even if you don't get much more than 5-1.
Prediction; 3-0


Exeter City v Bristol Rovers
Another West Country affair for Rovers although they will not have the home advantage that saw them see off Yeovil with a 95th minute goal last week. The Grecians should be up for this and I'll take them to edge it.
Prediction; 2-1


Notts County v Dagenham & Redbridge
After the champagne of last year, County have started with a hangover and are rock bottom after successive 3-0 defeats. The Daggers missed their match last week and will find their second away game just as tricky against former League Two opponents as they did their opener at Sheffield Wednesday. 
Prediction; 1-0


Peterborough United v Huddersfield Town
Could be a decent match this with goals aplenty. Posh got trounced at Bournemouth last week and will want to atone in front of the London Road Road faithful. After hitting three at Notts out on the opening day, the Terriers were held at home by Tranmere, so will be equally determined to get back to scoring ways.
Prediction; 2-2


Rochdale v Colchester United
This two have managed two draws a piece so far. A third wouldn't be out of the question but I think Colchester can nick it.
Prediction; 1-2


Sheffield Wednesday v Brighton & Hove Albion
This will be a real test of both sides early promotion credentials. They sit in fifth and sixth respectively with three points apiece. Wednesday will start warm favourites but I expect Albion to make a game of it.
Prediction; 1-1


Southampton v Leyton Orient
Surely no mistake this time? Saints should skate this. If they don't, we can begin to speculate that Pardew has too many players to manage or that the club's racked with fear and doubt for the immediate future following the untimely death of Herr Liebherr. 
Prediction; 2-0


Swindon Town v Brentford
Neither of these sides have started at all well. Two straight defeats for the Bees and only one goal from their newly strengthened forward line - Nicky Forster anyone? Swindon lost at home to Brighton on the opening day and had to battle back from two down at Hartlepool last week for a point. Charlie Austin at the double.
Prediction; 2-0


Tranmere Rovers v AFC Bournemouth
Tranmere look like they have another year of struggle ahead and may have their hands full against a bouyant Bournemouth who should be good enough for a point.
Prediction; 1-1


Walsall v Plymouth Argyle
I don't rate Walsall but they proved me wrong last week in winning at Brentford and this looks easier by comparison.
Prediction; 2-1


Yeovil Town v Hartlepool United
An opportunity for Yeovil to win at home again and find themselves in the rarefied atmosphere in the top half of the table. Hartlepool's own fans think they are in for a relegation battle and who am I to disagree?
Prediction; 2-0


If you haven't renewed your season ticket and missed the opening game, get yourself down to the Valley on Saturday. I think you will see a decent side in the making and will help make up the gate shortfall in visiting fans between Bournemouth and Oldham. I'll be pleasantly surprised if we can top our opening day gate of 16,236.