This weekend's games are already up-and-running, Peterborough having seen off Rochdale 2-1 at London Road last night. We have the relative luxury of knowing how all of the others have fared before we do battle with Walsall at 2pm tomorrow afternoon. I am looking forward to the game and think we can move to within a point of Brighton. The unlikely prospect of going top at New Year remains real.
AFC Bournemouth v Hartlepool United
The Cherries have the best home record in the division and Hartlepool would do well to get a draw here. A home win would see us slip temporarily at least below Bournemouth in the table.
Prediction; 2-0 - too much incentive for the home team.
Carlisle United v Dagenham & Redbridge
The Daggers have managed only five points away from home so far and this long trip promises to be pointless. Carlisle remain in the hunt and may make quick work of this.
Prediction; 3-0 - Dagenham are struggling to make the grade in League One
Colchester United v Yeovil Town
Colchester's home form has not been nearly as impressive as last years but they have improved away which has them up in seventh place. A win here would move them onto five home wins with four draws and two defeats with a positive home goal advantage. Yeovil have lost seven on the road and this looks like being number eight.
Prediction; 2-0 - Yeovil not good enough to get anything here.
Huddersfield Town v Brighton & Hove Albion
An obvious Match-of-the-Day contender. Town are yet to put a run together this season and are blowing hot and cold. They are usually quite strong at the Galpharm but should be tested here. Brighton have slowed down of late and a reversal here could be the start of some Christmas blues and bring an overdue sense of perspective to the South Coast where Seagull fans have been getting rather carried away.
Prediction; 2-1 - Huddersfield hot?
Notts County v MK Dons
A derby of sorts and Notts County go into this one knowing that home wins will be crucial if they are to step out of the drop zone before the end of the season. They have won five and lost four of their nine games played so far and will see this as another winnable one - MK have only managed six points away and have lost seven.
Prediction; 0-0 - a rare draw for these two.
Oldham Athletic v Swindon Town
Oldham's undersoil heating, hot-air balloon and retractable stadium roof have failed to prevent their permanently sodden pitch from freezing Tundra-like in the recent snow and ice.
Prediction - they might not get to play a home game until March.
Plymouth Argyle v Exeter City
The Devon derby and both of these sides are fighting to establish some form. Mid-table probably beckons for both.
Prediction; 1-1 - hard fought draw.
Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol Rovers
Wednesday remain in close contention and a sixth home win here would see them move above the Addicks. Bristol Rovers might prove hard to break down but you have to favour Wednesday here.
Prediction; 1-0 - one goal might be all that's needed.
Southampton v Brentford
The first rumblings of board-room uncertainty have emerged this week. The commitment of the Liebherr family to former Chairman, Marcus' dream are being questioned. Not sure how much is in that, although the logic appears sound - not sure how much his daughters are really into football? It probably won't permeate through to the playing staff but we can live in hope.
Prediction; 2-0 - Saints into the play-off places.
Tranmere v Leyton Orient
Trap-door scrap this one. The O's have shown some sparks of life in recent weeks but their away form remains historically poor and Tranmere can invariably raise their game at Prenton Park when they see a real chance of precious points.
Prediction; 2-1 - Rovers hungriest.
Drum-roll for the big one. I would hope we might see a bigger gate and a better atmosphere than of late but Christmas looms and Walsall are not exactly a fan-magnet.
Prediction; 2-1 - another game of two halves?
Be bold, get your arse down to the Valley tomorrow and support your team!
Good summary. Like Bournemouth at 4/5, and both teams to score at Plymouth (4/6). I have also thrown in Liverpool at St James's (11/10). Liverpool are finding some form, and atfer what has happened at newcastle this week, the players minds may be elsewhere. If you feel really brave you can have Liverpool -1 at 3/1.
ReplyDeleteTony.