Five wins on the spin. Nineteen goals scored with only three consolation goals in reply. A side full of confidence makes the short trip to Griffin Park tomorrow where we face an indifferent Brentford side who have been a thorn in our side in recent seasons.
They beat a weakened Charlton side rather easily in the JPT at the Valley and like the Preston game, this is an opportunity to set the record straight. We will be roared on by a packed away end (1800) and likely a few more in the home areas, although Brentford's decision to sell home tickets only to database members means they are selling themselves short of several hundred more and maybe another thousand or more had they made arrangements to accommodate those who would like to see the game.
Personally, my wife has a big birthday coming up in the week and I was committed to a birthday event which I realised, too late, is actually next Saturday night. I am therefore ticketless and contemplating turning up on the day and hoping to get in. Bit of a dilemma as I don't want to miss the match commentary....
Anyway, confidence amongst our fans is sky-high again as we look increasingly like we have discovered the knack of giving opponents a beasting and are defending very well and attacking with precision and effect. The Bees home record is 3-2-4 and that suggests we can win again, especially if we can score the first goal, something we have done in all of the last five games. With Huddersfield to come at the Valley a week on Monday, there is a good chance that we could increase our lead above ten points before Christmas. I don't want to get carried away but I know we need the biggest cushion we can because we know there will be a Charlton-wobble before the end.
Brentford v Charlton Athletic
I am going for the revenge-theme and a spirited two-nil Charlton win. Bradley Wright-Phillips had a beaming smile on his face as he was cup-tied at Halifax in the dying minutes and I can see him carrying that into this one.
Prediction; 0-2
Colchester United v MK Dons
Could be a decent encounter this. MK Dons continue to go well although this is the sort of game that brings the best out of the U's.
Prediction; 3-2
Huddersfield Town v Notts County
A no-lose game for us. There is the school of thought that says it could be good for us if Town beat everyone around us the top as it effectively increases the margin from the automatics to the play-off places. Personally, I think they will run us all the way to the end and a draw would be my preferred outcome although they will be focused on winning again am aiming to close the gap on us at the Valley with the aid of our TV Jinx.
Prediction; 2-1
Leyton Orient v Stevenage
The O's are getting their act together, slowly but surely. Stevenage are feeling increasingly at home in this division and are enjoying themselves at the moment. A draw is the most likely result but I'll take a late O's winner.
Prediction; 2-1
Oldham Athletic v Chesterfield
Neither of these sides has done much this season and more was expected of Oldham after last season's bright start.
Prediction; 1-0
Preston North End v Rochdale
Injuries have hampered PNE's progress and Phil Brown will be feeling the heat in the hot-seat. Rochdale could make this another uncomfortable afternoon.
Prediction; 1-1
Scunthorpe United v Hartlepool United
East Coast derby and a tasty affair in prospect here. Hartlepool have lost momentum in recent weeks and they might find this hard work.
Prediction; 2-0
Sheffield United v Carlisle United
The Blades are falling further behind in the automatic promotion race and they need to put a run together. Carlisle shouldn't hold them up for long.
Prediction; 2-0
Tranmere Rovers v Sheffield Wednesday
Another draw would be a nice ending for us although Wednesday haven't been able to get anywhere near their home form on the road. I'd have to take Tranmere here for a winner.
Prediction; 1-0
Walsall v Bury
Not one to fire the imagination.
Prediction; 0-0
Yeovil Town v Exeter City
West Country derby and it has draw written all over it.
Prediction; 1-1
They beat a weakened Charlton side rather easily in the JPT at the Valley and like the Preston game, this is an opportunity to set the record straight. We will be roared on by a packed away end (1800) and likely a few more in the home areas, although Brentford's decision to sell home tickets only to database members means they are selling themselves short of several hundred more and maybe another thousand or more had they made arrangements to accommodate those who would like to see the game.
Personally, my wife has a big birthday coming up in the week and I was committed to a birthday event which I realised, too late, is actually next Saturday night. I am therefore ticketless and contemplating turning up on the day and hoping to get in. Bit of a dilemma as I don't want to miss the match commentary....
Anyway, confidence amongst our fans is sky-high again as we look increasingly like we have discovered the knack of giving opponents a beasting and are defending very well and attacking with precision and effect. The Bees home record is 3-2-4 and that suggests we can win again, especially if we can score the first goal, something we have done in all of the last five games. With Huddersfield to come at the Valley a week on Monday, there is a good chance that we could increase our lead above ten points before Christmas. I don't want to get carried away but I know we need the biggest cushion we can because we know there will be a Charlton-wobble before the end.
Brentford v Charlton Athletic
I am going for the revenge-theme and a spirited two-nil Charlton win. Bradley Wright-Phillips had a beaming smile on his face as he was cup-tied at Halifax in the dying minutes and I can see him carrying that into this one.
Prediction; 0-2
Colchester United v MK Dons
Could be a decent encounter this. MK Dons continue to go well although this is the sort of game that brings the best out of the U's.
Prediction; 3-2
Huddersfield Town v Notts County
A no-lose game for us. There is the school of thought that says it could be good for us if Town beat everyone around us the top as it effectively increases the margin from the automatics to the play-off places. Personally, I think they will run us all the way to the end and a draw would be my preferred outcome although they will be focused on winning again am aiming to close the gap on us at the Valley with the aid of our TV Jinx.
Prediction; 2-1
Leyton Orient v Stevenage
The O's are getting their act together, slowly but surely. Stevenage are feeling increasingly at home in this division and are enjoying themselves at the moment. A draw is the most likely result but I'll take a late O's winner.
Prediction; 2-1
Oldham Athletic v Chesterfield
Neither of these sides has done much this season and more was expected of Oldham after last season's bright start.
Prediction; 1-0
Preston North End v Rochdale
Injuries have hampered PNE's progress and Phil Brown will be feeling the heat in the hot-seat. Rochdale could make this another uncomfortable afternoon.
Prediction; 1-1
Scunthorpe United v Hartlepool United
East Coast derby and a tasty affair in prospect here. Hartlepool have lost momentum in recent weeks and they might find this hard work.
Prediction; 2-0
Sheffield United v Carlisle United
The Blades are falling further behind in the automatic promotion race and they need to put a run together. Carlisle shouldn't hold them up for long.
Prediction; 2-0
Tranmere Rovers v Sheffield Wednesday
Another draw would be a nice ending for us although Wednesday haven't been able to get anywhere near their home form on the road. I'd have to take Tranmere here for a winner.
Prediction; 1-0
Walsall v Bury
Not one to fire the imagination.
Prediction; 0-0
Yeovil Town v Exeter City
West Country derby and it has draw written all over it.
Prediction; 1-1
Enjoy the Day Dave. Maybe you will even be able to have your cake and eat it.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I have enjoyed your resent posts, and agreed with most. I have predicted 97 points by seasons end, and to date that is 37, when we actually have 41. So who knows. Keep the faith
Thanks CA - I am always conscious that I attract a better class of posters!
ReplyDeleteWell Dave, yet again you have had William Hill shaking in their boots :-)
ReplyDelete