League One Weekend Preview, Game 8

Two games at the Valley in four days should help confirm whether or not we have or haven't officially made a good start to the season. Fans appear split down the middle between the optimists and pessimists with the results and our table standing at odds with the standard of football we've been served.


So bring on Dagenham & Redbridge, 23rd in the table with only one win from seven so far. We've already seen them off at the Valley in the JPT, so expectations will be high for a straightforward home win. I missed the JPT game, so will interested to see a side who appear to be close favourites for a return to League Two. Paul Benson should get a chance to do what he failed in his opening game against his former club and he is overdue a goal having none from four so far.


I suspect Parky will largely stick with the side he put out at Tranmere or else he risks being accused once again of not knowing his best eleven. So expect to see Benson and Anyinsah paired upfront. If there is going to be a change, he might fancy Kyel Reid at the Valley again in place of Wagstaff or Martin.


The Law of Averages would suggest we are due a bit of a performance and Dagenham might cave in if we can take an early lead. Elsewhere, here's who's got whom...


Leyton Orient v Brentford
A Friday night east v west London derby here. I'm surprised to find the O's bottom of the table. I know they have not been doing particularly well but thought they were better than that. Brentford haven't been doing much better and both have managed only one win so far. It might be hard to separate them here although the Bees could be tired after their Carling Cup heroics over Everton's B team.
Prediction; 1-1


AFC Bournemouth v Carlisle United
Who would have had this down as a top-of-the-table clash pre-season (ok, 4th v 8th)? Carlisle are unbeaten away and Bournemouth unbeaten at home. The Cherries have hit eleven goals in only three home league games and I think that sort of form could prove the difference come Saturday.
Prediction; 2-1


Brighton & Hove Albion v Oldham Athletic
The Seagulls had a very good win at Plymouth on Tuesday and it's lifted them joint top with Huddersfield. With Brentford to come at the Withdean they have a great chance to go clear at the top and cement their early season challenge. Oldham could prove hard to beat but Brighton have every incentive.
Prediction; 1-0


Bristol Rovers v Notts County
Notts County looked good at the Valley two weeks ago but they still managed to lose. I suspect we made them look a bit better than they perhaps they are and Bristol Rovers might not be in such a charitable mood. They won well at Dagenham & Redbridge last week and will be up for this.
Prediction; 2-0


Charlton Athletic v Dagenham & Redbridge
I'm going to err on the side of positivity this week and try to ignore our lack of recent creativity. Instead I'm concentrating on the Daggers who lost 3-0 at home last week to the Pirates and against whom I expect Paul Benson to score.
Prediction; 2-0


Colchester United v Tranmere Rovers
The fact is that Colchester are one place above us and haven't managed a home win yet. I don't rate Rovers and Colchester must break their drawing sequence at home.
Prediction; 3-0


Hartlepool United v Walsall
Tumbleweed match this one. I hope it's kid-for-a-quid or something or the gate could be depressingly low. The odd-goal should be enough to settle it. Walsall to enter the drop zone.
Prediction; 1-0


Peterborough United v MK Dons
With twelve goals in three straight home wins, Posh fans are being spoilt so far. MK could do with a convincing defeat before they make the trip to SE7 on Tuesday.
Prediction; 3-1


Rochdale v Plymouth Argyle
Like Colchester, Dale are up there based on their away form where they have collected eight of their twelve points. Argyle are still adjusting to the drop and will be flat after losing at home to Brighton in the week. Dale!
Prediction; 2-1 


Sheffield Wednesday v Southampton
Wednesday's early season burst looks to be over and they will need to grind out a few results after two successive reverses. Hard to tell what you are likely to face from Southampton but now is certainly the time to be playing them.
Prediction; 2-1


Swindon Town v Huddersfield
Swindon are recovering from a slow start but face table-topping Huddersfield in the match-of-the-day. Could be hard to split these.
Prediction; 2-2


Yeovil Town v Exeter City
Ooh-arr! This could be a cracking local derby. I'm thinking a split of five goals!
Prediction; 3-2