League One Weekend Preview, Game 24

With a dozen League One sides playing on Tuesday, we really have to keep pace with the pack and that means three points today. It's not a foregone conclusion by any means with us third -bottom of current form and the odds between both sides will have narrowed considerably. However, we have the Powell-factor and that should be enough to see us squeak home. Here's what the others face...


AFC Bournemouth v Brighton & Hove Albion
Away from the Valley, my Match of the Day. Howe-less Bournemouth will need to steady the ship and get to grips with the leaders who are threatening an unlikely looking runaway promotion. Bournemouth decline to begin.
Prediction; 1-2


Bristol Rovers v Swindon Town
Things look gloomy down the M4 for these two. Rovers are in the drop zone and Swindon are contriving to join them. If Charlie Austin is prized away during the transfer window, it could get serious for Swindon. A point apiece is probably as good as it will get.
Prediction; 2-2


Charlton Athletic v Plymouth Argyle
I'm guessing we will have 17,000+ there today and most will be ready to back Chris Powell's side to the hilt. The players will need to do their bit to carry it on through the match and will have to play much better than of late. 
Prediction; 1-0


Dagenham & Redbridge v MK Dons
MK Dons blew the opportunity to consolidate their play-off position in the week by losing at home to Plymouth. I'm putting that down to a one-off and will take them to fight back and take all three points today.
Prediction; 0-2


Exeter City v Walsall
The Saddlers have appointed Mr Smith as their new manager. He's facing a huge task to avoid managing in League Two next season. My prediction here is that Walsall will find their gap to safety increase today to an impossible-looking 10 points.
Prediction; 2-0


Huddersfield Town v Colchester United
Colchester can do us a favour here by taking something. I'm going to stick my neck out.
Prediction; 1-1


Leyton Orient v Sheffield Wednesday
Wednesday will have a large and noisy following in town today and I suspect they will be too strong for the O's. 
Prediction; 1-2


Notts County v Carlisle United
County have yet to draw a home game this season, so it's maybe a case of all-or-nothing again today. Carlisle got a thumping 4-0 win at home last week but I'll take Notts County to send them packing this afternoon.
Prediction; 2-0


Oldham Athletic v Brentford
Oldham are hanging about the fringes of the play-off places but they no longer look like serious contenders and their sparkling early-season home form is evening out. Brentford have blown hot and cold for much of the season and have won more games away from Griffin Park. They might just upset the odds again here.
Prediction; 1-2


Peterborough United v Hartlepool United
With Darren Ferguson back in the fold, Posh are back in the play-off places and will be looking forward to their ninth home win of the campaign. Hartlepool have been hard to beat away from home this season but Peterborough should have too much fire-power today.
Prediction; 2-0


Tranmere Rovers v Southampton
If any of the bottom-four can break clear, Rovers are my favourite to replace them for the drop. This must be as strong an away win as you will get on the coupon today. Saints could be back in the automatic places tonight.
Prediction; 1-3


Yeovil Town v Rochdale
Can't imagine this being a humdinger. Yeovil's smallest home gate of the season is likely to watch a hard-fought contest in the rain. I'll take Dale for a point at least.
Prediction; 1-1

It's a pretty grim looking day in SE7 this morning and we seriously need to lift the gloom or this season is going to be written-off before we get to the business-end of the season.