League One Preview & Predictions
This season’s League 1 table is taking shape now & I will attempt to make sense of November’s opening fixtures this coming Saturday.
AFC WIMBLEDON v SHREWSBURY TOWN
The team with the second worst home record take on the team with THE worst away record at Kingsmeadow so this clash vital though it is might not be one for the football aficionado. Both managers Eardley & Askey have somehow managed to keep in post so far this season despite their respective teams struggles but I am rather bravely tipping the Dons to claim only their second home success of the season.
PREDICTION HOME WIN
BARNSLEY v SOUTHEND UNITED
The Tykes got back on track at the weekend after two poor away performances with a narrow home victory over the Gas. They will have to be at their best to overcome a decent Shrimpers side but Barnsley have made Oakwell a bit of a fortress so far this season & I expect them to take the points here.
PREDICTION HOME WIN
BLACKPOOL v BRISTOL ROVERS
How will the Tangerines side react to only their second league defeat of the season after narrowly losing 3-2 in a feisty local derby at Fleetwood last weekend? Luckily for Pool they come up against Darrell Clarke’s struggling Gas side who just don’t seem to know where their next goal is coming from let alone point.
PREDICTION HOME WIN
BRADFORD CITY v PORTSMOUTH
This Valley Parade clash looks on paper to be one of the biggest away banker results of the season with Pompey boasting an unbeaten away record & the hapless Bantams bottom of every form table going. I can’t see Bradford being as bad as they have been lately all season as they are a big well supported club at this level but I can see Bantams keeper Richard O’Donnell going home with backache on Saturday evening through picking the ball out of his net.
PREDICTION AWAY WIN
CHARLTON ATHLETIC v DONCASTER ROVERS
Both these clubs fledgling promotion aspirations suffered damaging blows last weekend with both Donny & surprisingly the Addicks suffering away defeats at Coventry & Rochdale respectively. Donny are looking particularly vulnerable after a strong start & will leave the Valley pointless.
PREDICTION HOME WIN
COVENTRY CITY v ACCRINGTON STANLEY
The Sky Blues are flying at the moment & are going for their SIXTH straight league victory in this clash at the Ricoh but John Coleman’s Accy will be dangerous opponents on the back of an encouraging draw with Pompey at the weekend. Honours even in this one.
PREDICTION SCORE DRAW
GILLINGHAM v FLEETWOOD TOWN
Both teams will come into this Priestfield clash confident after fine weekend victory’s. The Gills put their recent poor spell behind them by thrashing Bradford 4-0 while the Cod Army’s fans will be revelling about their thrilling 3-2 win over local rivals Blackpool. Steve Lovell’s Gills will find Fleetwood far tougher opponents this weekend & may have to settle for a point.
PREDICTION SCORE DRAW
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE v SUNDERLAND
Are Argyle finally getting their act together following their surprise 4-1 win at Glanford Park? Their fans will be hoping for a repeat of last season’s heroics when the green army went from relegation fodder to the brink of the play offs in a few short months. The recovery may have to be put on hold however as Jack Ross & his Mackem hoards descend on Devon this weekend. The Black Cats are looking the real deal lately & I can’t see them leaving Home Park without the points.
PREDICTION AWAY WIN
ROCHDALE v LUTON TOWN
Canny Keith Hill plotted the downfall of one of the promotion hopefuls in Charlton last weekend but can he do the same to the on form Hatters? In a word no, Luton are flying of late & I can only see a comfortable away victory here.
PREDICTION AWAY WIN
SCUNTHORPE UNITED v OXFORD UNITED
The wheels look to have well & truly come off for Stuart McCall & his talented Iron side. Their recent form is awful. This weekend they come up against a struggling Oxford side who despite registering a morale boosting 3-0 win over Shrewsbury last weekend are still looking for their first away success of the season. I can see Karl Robinson motivating his troops enough to gain a useful point here.
PREDICTION SCORE DRAW
WALSALL v BURTON ALBION
After enduring a torrid spell the Saddlers got back on track with a victory in an entertaining clash with Wycombe last time out. They should improve their prospects further with another hard fought three points against a Brewers outfit who don’t travel well.
PREDICTION HOME WIN
WYCOMBE WANDERERS v PETERBOROUGH UNITED
Posh’s unbeaten away record will be thoroughly tested in this Adams Park clash where Gareth Ainsworth’s side are formidable opponents for anyone. The fat controller’s eye liner to start running in this one.
PREDICTION HOME WIN
words Ian Bradley, D3D4 roving reporter and predictions guru. You can follow Ian on twitter @Millmoor1