Unlike most of you, I have first game fever and am itching to see the Reds in action at Notts County tomorrow. I will be on the rattler early for a day-out and I am expecting to get the fix I missed last week. I have now had a chance to watch the Bournemouth game on CAFC Player and I have to say that a couple of things struck me in particular; the first was that we defended far better as a team than last season and the second, was that I didn't think Bournemouth were quite as bad as reports seemed to suggest.
Our players were quick to get behind the ball whenever the Cherries were on it and were throwing themselves at every pass and shot. We won a lot of interceptions as a result and whilst it might have looked disorganised at times, I thought we defended pretty well. The consensus appears to be that we will score goals and concede them this year and many are predicting a 3-2 defeat tomorrow. I'm not ready to agree.
Similarly, I thought Bournemouth tried to play football last week and had plenty of possession without creating much. At home that sort of play readily converts to goals.
My assessment of the fixtures last week was about as wrong as usual, but hey, I enjoy looking at the other games and seeing how the results and performances might go. So...
AFC Bournemouth v Sheffield Wednesday
I watched the poor Wednesday v Blackpool cup game last night (Preston at home if we can beat Reading). Wednesday were lucky to get extra time and whilst they will have fresh legs out at Bournemouth, I fancy the Cherries to get off the mark here.
Prediction; 2-1
Bury v Carlisle United
The Shakers earned a good point at the Galpharm in the first game last week and this is a great chance to cement their League One start. Carlisle may be dragging a leg after their home humping by Notts County.
Prediction; 2-0
Chesterfield v Stevenage
League Two fixture from last season and I'll go with home advantage. Neither of these sides managed a goal last week.
Prediction; 2-1
Colchester United v Wycombe Wanderers
Surprise win for the U's at Preston on Saturday and with us to come on Tuesday, they will want to make quick work of this. Wycombe won't lie down but I can see Colchester edging it.
Prediction; 2-1
Exeter City v MK Dons
Both of these sides drew in the opening match, although Exeter's point at Stevenage was slightly more impressive than MK's last gasp equaliser at home to Hartlepool. Another home win.
Prediction; 2-0
Hartlepool United v Walsall
Battling display by Hartlepool last week although Jeff Stelling was typically frustrated at the death after Pools late second goal was matched. Routine home win for Hartlepool.
Prediction; 2-0
Leyton Orient v Tranmere Rovers
The O's went down by the only goal at the Bescot which will have been a big disappointment for them. This is set for a winning home debut.
Prediction; 3-0
Notts County v Charlton Athletic
Right then, they can't all be home wins can they? County may have Lee Hughes and they may be cock-a-hoop after their 3-0 win at Brunton Park but I am going to be brave here and go for a winning Addicks performance. Largely the same side (Green for Wagstaff?) to take the game to County and to score first and last. BWP or Hayes to open their accounts.
Prediction; 1-2
Rochdale v Huddersfield Town
Disappointing starts for both of these sides and this could be a tough match as a result. Huddersfield have the pedigree and I suspect it will come through.
Prediction; 1-2
Scunthorpe United v Preston North End
A League One fixture from last season and the Iron will be up for this. Tough start for the Brown one.
Prediction; 2-1
Sheffield United v Brentford
Other than Meadow Lane, this could be the game to be at tomorrow. Brentford won in regulation last week and this will be an early season test of their new credentials under Uwe Rosler.
Prediction; 2-2
Yeovil Town v Oldham Athletic
Both of these teams are looking for their first point and they may get it tomorrow.
Prediction; 1-1
Come on you Reds!
Our players were quick to get behind the ball whenever the Cherries were on it and were throwing themselves at every pass and shot. We won a lot of interceptions as a result and whilst it might have looked disorganised at times, I thought we defended pretty well. The consensus appears to be that we will score goals and concede them this year and many are predicting a 3-2 defeat tomorrow. I'm not ready to agree.
Similarly, I thought Bournemouth tried to play football last week and had plenty of possession without creating much. At home that sort of play readily converts to goals.
My assessment of the fixtures last week was about as wrong as usual, but hey, I enjoy looking at the other games and seeing how the results and performances might go. So...
AFC Bournemouth v Sheffield Wednesday
I watched the poor Wednesday v Blackpool cup game last night (Preston at home if we can beat Reading). Wednesday were lucky to get extra time and whilst they will have fresh legs out at Bournemouth, I fancy the Cherries to get off the mark here.
Prediction; 2-1
Bury v Carlisle United
The Shakers earned a good point at the Galpharm in the first game last week and this is a great chance to cement their League One start. Carlisle may be dragging a leg after their home humping by Notts County.
Prediction; 2-0
Chesterfield v Stevenage
League Two fixture from last season and I'll go with home advantage. Neither of these sides managed a goal last week.
Prediction; 2-1
Colchester United v Wycombe Wanderers
Surprise win for the U's at Preston on Saturday and with us to come on Tuesday, they will want to make quick work of this. Wycombe won't lie down but I can see Colchester edging it.
Prediction; 2-1
Exeter City v MK Dons
Both of these sides drew in the opening match, although Exeter's point at Stevenage was slightly more impressive than MK's last gasp equaliser at home to Hartlepool. Another home win.
Prediction; 2-0
Hartlepool United v Walsall
Battling display by Hartlepool last week although Jeff Stelling was typically frustrated at the death after Pools late second goal was matched. Routine home win for Hartlepool.
Prediction; 2-0
Leyton Orient v Tranmere Rovers
The O's went down by the only goal at the Bescot which will have been a big disappointment for them. This is set for a winning home debut.
Prediction; 3-0
Notts County v Charlton Athletic
Right then, they can't all be home wins can they? County may have Lee Hughes and they may be cock-a-hoop after their 3-0 win at Brunton Park but I am going to be brave here and go for a winning Addicks performance. Largely the same side (Green for Wagstaff?) to take the game to County and to score first and last. BWP or Hayes to open their accounts.
Prediction; 1-2
Rochdale v Huddersfield Town
Disappointing starts for both of these sides and this could be a tough match as a result. Huddersfield have the pedigree and I suspect it will come through.
Prediction; 1-2
Scunthorpe United v Preston North End
A League One fixture from last season and the Iron will be up for this. Tough start for the Brown one.
Prediction; 2-1
Sheffield United v Brentford
Other than Meadow Lane, this could be the game to be at tomorrow. Brentford won in regulation last week and this will be an early season test of their new credentials under Uwe Rosler.
Prediction; 2-2
Yeovil Town v Oldham Athletic
Both of these teams are looking for their first point and they may get it tomorrow.
Prediction; 1-1
Come on you Reds!
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