It's imperative, therefore, that we get a result at high-flying Peterborough. Trouble is, in order to do that, I believe we need to go out to win. The emphasis has to be on attack, not containment. Peterborough have demonstrated very clearly how they love scoring goals at London Road (21 so far), but they have an Achilles Heel in defence that needs to be exploited. Brighton showed how it can be done.
I don't believe we will be strong enough at the back to keep a clean sheet and suspect we risk being out-scored.
AFC Bournemouth v Walsall
Not looking good for the Saddlers who are beginning to get cut adrift at the bottom. I can't see their away form being enough to overcome a Bournemouth side who go for it at home.
Prediction; 2-0
Brentford v MK Dons
Very hard to second-guess the Bees. They are very erratic and just as likely to crash at home as win. Their 4-2 win at Exeter the other week was a real surprise and encourages me to think they might just be about to find some consistency. A routine home win against an MK Dons side who always look good value for a goal may be about right.
Prediction; 2-1
Bristol Rovers v Leyton Orient
Home win. The O's don't know how to win away and their plan is to capitalise on the handful of games where they catch similarly-matched opponents on a particularly bad day. I don't see Rovers in that bracket and they are due a home win.
Prediction; 2-0
Carlisle United v Southampton
This should be as tough for the saints as our game at Peterborough but I can see them romping it.
Prediction; 0-2
Exeter City v Notts County
The Grecians suffered their only home defeat of the campaign last time at St James and they will look to rebuild here against a Notts County side who have lost five on the road and are rapidly looking like their promotion-season spark has gone.
Prediction; 2-0
Hartlepool United v Brighton & Hove Albion
Long trip here for Albion and you have to hope Hartlepool will make it an uncomfortable one. Brighton's run has sent them well clear at the top but they aren't that much better than everyone else challenging. Having said that, their wins at the Valley and at Peterborough were impressive and I can't see them losing it here.
Prediction; 1-2
Oldham Athletic v Huddersfield Town
A potential banana-skin for the Terriers. Oldham are unbeaten at home and Huddersfield blow hot and cold away. It's a Lancs v Yorks derby and a point apiece might be as much as either side can hope for.
Prediction; 1-1
Peterborough United v Charlton Athletic
This could be a high-scoring match. Posh appear happy to concede as they press for goals and whilst we are beginning to look more potent, our defence retains something of a glass chin. Down to Earth with a bump.
Prediction; 3-1
Sheffield Wednesday v Rochdale
I'm not sure that Wednesday are any better a side than Rochdale, even if they dwarf them as a club. I can see Dale enjoying their day out here and being good value for a point.
Prediction; 1-1
Swindon Town v Colchester United
This could be a lively affair. It's a case of which Swindon side are going to turn-up at the moment and they face an increasingly confident Colchester who are unbeaten away from home. Charlie Austin is over due a couple and Colchester might just come unstuck here.
Prediction; 2-1
Tranmere Rovers v Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth are as unpredictable as Brentford this season. Neither side here is going to prosper this season and Argyle will be disappointed having been relegated last year. They should be good enough for a point.
Prediction; 0-0
Yeovil Town v Dagenham & Redbridge
Basement slog in prospect here and my money's on Yeovil all day long. It's one of their targeted "must wins" and they should have enough momentum and desire to get the result.
Prediction; 2-0
You can't get much closer than being in that spot! Oh, what a set of results...and Brighton lost too...heaven!!
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