League One Weekend Preview, Game 25

I've already previewed our game at Spotland and, whilst I think it won't be straightforward, we have the Powell-effect and I believe the signing of Bradley Wright-Phillips may create enough of a self-preservation instinct to ensure we continue our scoring habit on our travels. In the circumstances, I am going to be bold and positive and say I can see us winning again.


There are only six league fixtures on Saturday with Colchester taking on Peterborough live on Friday evening, so a chance for us to climb back into the play-off places. We have to take it.


Colchester United v Peterborough United
An East of England derby of sorts and it should be a decent match to televise. I suspect there could be plenty of goals in this one and I'll gamble on a rare Peterborough away win as Darren Ferguson continues to settle quickly back into his old job.
Prediction; 2-3


Brentford v Yeovil Town
Looks like a routine home win if that's possible at Griffin Park. Brentford are surely too good to go down but they are terribly inconsistent. 
Prediction; 2-0


Carlisle United v Oldham Athletic
Carlisle can get within a point of us with a home win here but that would give us the opportunity to leap-frog the Latics. 
Prediction: 2-1


Plymouth Argyle v AFC Bournemouth
The Cherries wobbled immediately after Eddie Howe's decision to stay to leave but recovered after losing at Colchester to pick up a point at Rochdale and managed a very impressive win over rivals Brighton, albeit through a late winner at Dean Court. Another south coast encounter here but my hunch is that they will face a fired-up Argyle who have their backs to the survival-wall. 
Prediction; 2-1


Rochdale v Charlton Athletic
Our first visit to Spotland in living memory. I made the journey in 1998 to witness them play Shrewsbury in what was Ground Number 88. I said I couldn't imagine ever returning and a League One fixture in January isn't enough to force me to repeat the journey. I hope the experience inspires our players to think about playing at bigger grounds against clubs with a better pedigree.
Prediction; 1-2


Swindon Town v Exeter City
Amazingly, last year's play-off finalists could be in the drop zone come 5pm on Saturday. They still have the impressive Charlie Austin and deserve better.
Prediction; 2-1




Walsall v Bristol Rovers
A chance for Rovers to climb out of relegation trouble after their convincing 3-1 win over Swindon on Saturday. Dean Smith will be trying everything in his powers to revive Walsall and he needs something fast, starting here. Rovers can probably play the more relaxed football here.
Prediction; 0-1