League One Midweek Preview, Game 3

Fresh on the heels of our first win at Meadow lane since 1977, our team travels up the A12 to Colchester tomorrow for another test of our new-season credentials. We have never beaten the U's in a league game at their place (in five attempts) and it's high time we did. I was there in 1981 when our promotion winning side from this division were beaten 2-0 and my visit two years ago ended in a humiliating 3-0 trouncing. That was enough for me to avoid the place last year when we managed a battling 3-3 draw.

I spoke to a work colleague this afternoon who is a Wycombe Wanderers fan and he was impressed with Colchester's attacking football from their recent League Cup encounter that finished three each. Having managed a 1-1 draw at Colchester in the league on Saturday, I am encouraged that we can go one better than the Chairboys.

It's a full league programme tomorrow night and here's who's got whom...

AFC Bournemouth v Stevenage

Two draws for Stevenage in their fledgling League One season but things may hot up here and my money's on Bournemouth recovering from their Valley set-back with a second successive home win.

Prediction; 2-0

Bury v Sheffield Wednesday

Wednesday will be looking to bounce back from defeat at Dean Court and they should fill the ground at Bury. Looks tough for the Shakers.

Prediction; 0-2

Chesterfield v Preston North End

Neither of these sides have started well and Phil Brown might well be feeling some early season heat if he can't start putting points on the board. This could  be another humbling result.

Prediction; 2-1

Colchester United v Charlton Athletic

I am expecting an open and attacking match tomorrow night where we could well share four or more goals again. I would take a draw now but at this point in the season, why not gamble and go for all three? The Valley should have an expectant buzz for the visit of Scunthorpe on Saturday if we go into it unbeaten and sill top-of-the-table. 

Prediction; 2-3

Exeter City v Brentford

I am tipping the Bees this season for a promotion push. Tough start on the road at Sheffield United but I expect them to do better at lesser clubs. The Grecians are always hard to beat at home but I can see Brentford getting something here.

Prediction; 1-1

Hartlepool v Huddersfield Town

Sluggish start from Huddersfield (thinks Southampton) and they may be suffering from the weight of expectation after going the distance in the last two years.

Prediction; 1-2

Leyton Orient v Wycombe Wanderers

The O's are also slow starters this year. Surely they will get a win over one of the promoted sides here?

Prediction; 2-1

Notts County v Tranmere Rovers

I wasn't nearly as impressed with County as many other Addicks on Saturday. They may have a demanding manager who will make them fight for everything but when your side has so obviously had it drilled into them to steal 5 years at every dead-ball, you know that they are trying to make-up for a shortfall in quality. That shouldn't come as a complete surprise following their 19th placed finish last time. Having said that, I can't see Rovers winning three on the spin and both sides might take a point.

Prediction; 1-1

Rochdale v Carlisle United

Dale to go one better here than their 2-2 home draw with Huddersfield on Saturday.

Prediction; 2-0

Scunthorpe United v Oldham Athletic

After two 1-1 draws, the Iron have a pointless Oldham limping into town tomorrow. I'm expecting an ambush.

Prediction; 3-0.

Sheffield United v Walsall

Blades fans may be wondering what all the fuss is about after two successive wins. Walsall might not ask too many questions either but bigger tests lie ahead.

Prediction; 3-0

Yeovil Town v MK Dons

Good wins for both of these sides at the weekend, especially MK's 2-0 triumph at Exeter City. Might be hard to split them here.

Prediction; 2-2

If I am blogging at Midnight tomorrow on the match, it will be because we have maintained our perfect start to the season. We had sold 950 tickets by late afternoon and tickets will be available on the night, so maybe we can expect 1500 noisy Addicks there tomorrow?