League 1 Weekend Preview

All 24 teams are in action on Saturday in a feast of football which hosts some really exciting fixtures. Every side played on Tuesday night and across the fixtures there was an impressive 31 goals scored.

 

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Sheffield United vs Crewe Alexandra

Nigel Clough takes charge of Sheffield United for the first time and could move out of the relegation zone with a win over Crewe Alexandra. Both sides boast similar records in terms of goals, Sheffield have only managed ten goals this campaign whilst Crewe have only netted eleven in their 13 games. It has been tough for Crewe this season who would have wanted to build on last year but have struggled to pick up points this season. Heavy defeats to the likes of Walsall, Gillingham, Swindon and Notts County have hampered the Railwaymen. The Blades have been dire this season and were expected to be operating at the other end of the table. Things just haven’t worked out under David Weir and after Nigel Clough’s bizarre sacking Sheffield have landed themselves a top quality manager. I am confident with the resources at hand Clough will turn the Yorkshire club around and get them fighting towards the right end of the table.

Fancy the new manager to do the trick in his first league outing and secure a vital three points for the Blades.

Prediction: Sheff United 2-0 Crewe Alexandra 

Key man – Marlon King

 

Walsall vs Coventry City

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In-form Coventry City face local rivals Walsall who are also on a good run and have picked up seven points from their last three outings. This local derby has all the potential to be the most exciting game of the weekend in league one. Two sides full of confidence with identical records in their last three league games should make for an enthralling encounter. Steven Pressley is doing a phenomenal job at Coventry and the Sky Blues would currently be sat in fourth place without the points deduction. Coventry will want to build on the fantastic display against Orient and will be targeting three points come Saturday. Dean Smith has called for consistency from his Walsall side who currently occupy sixth place. The Saddlers face MK Dons away and then Peterborough at home so these next set of games will show whether they have the credentials to retain their place in the top six.

Having seen both these sides this season I feel Coventry offer that little bit more going forward and although all three results are viable I’m going for an away win.

Prediction: Walsall 1-2 Coventry City

Key man – Callum Wilson

 

Bradford City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wells
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The Bantams face a tough challenge at Valley Parade against Wolverhampton Wanderers who look to keep pace with Leyton Orient and Peterborough at the summit. Phil Parkinson continues to build on his remarkable campaign last season as the Bantams currently occupy fifth accumulating an impressive 22 points from their 13 games. Nahki Wells is a massive boost for the home side this week as he has returned to training and is expected to make the game Saturday. The Bermudan has netted eight times in just nine league games this season and was targeted by ex-Wolves boss Dean Saunders. Wolverhampton Wanderers still haven’t conceded in the first half this season and it’s clear that Kenny Jackett is basing his success on solid foundations. Wolves have thrived away from home this season winning every away game so far except for Preston on the opening day. The Wanderers also boast the best defence in the division having only conceded seven goals in their 12 league games so far.

Both sides have scored 23 goals this season but I’ve got a feeling that it will be a tight game that could go either way.

Prediction Bradford City 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 

Key man – Nahki Wells

 

Leyton Orient vs Rotherham United

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Leyton Orient were brought back down to earth after losing to Coventry and will have to play well to beat Rotherham who could move into the play-offs if results go their way. The O’s will be relieved to be back at Brisbane Road on Saturday and will want to extend their lead at the top which is currently separated by goal difference. Orient will really be looking for three points against Rotherham as they face a very tough November of fixtures. Trips to Peterborough, Swindon and Bristol City will really test Slade’s men over the coming weeks. Similarly to Bradford, Rotherham have made the transition to league one look comfortable and find themselves hot in pursuit of the clubs chasing the play-off positions. Goals haven’t been at a premium for the Millers but they have picked up some key results so far.

As Orient suffered their first defeat on Tuesday I believe Slade will galvanise them and beat Rotherham at the weekend.

Prediction: Leyton Orient 3-1 Rotherham United 

Key man- Dave Mooney

 

Colchester United vs Peterborough United

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Darren Ferguson’s men travel to Colchester United and will be looking to make up for the two dropped points at home against Sheffield United on Tuesday. Ferguson feels his side haven’t been given the credit they deserve this year and I would simply put that down to the Orient express dominating headlines. The Posh now have an identical record to Orient and will be looking to continue their surge for promotion with a win at Colchester Saturday. Peterborough have a host of options up front which include record signing Britt Assombalonga and Tyrone Barnett who have both contributed with key goals this season. Lee Tomlin was in fine form until he got injured against Sunderland but luckily for Peterborough they have Paul Taylor who is an adequate replacement. It looks to set to be another struggle for Colchester this season who currently occupy 16th position in the table, four points clear of the drop zone. Joe Dunne is struggling with injuries at the present and has brought in Cian Bolder from Bolton Wanderers as cover for Tom Eastman and Josh Thompson who are both currently side-lined. Colchester currently have six players loaned in that make up the first team squad and reiterate the limited resources Dunne has to work with.

Sorry to upset any Colchester fans here but I can’t see past Peterborough Saturday who will want to return to winning ways.

Prediction: Colchester United 0-2 Peterborough United 

Key man- Michael Bostwick

 

 

 

Remaining fixtures with predictions 

Brentford 2-1 Shrewsbury Town

Carlisle United 1-0 Bristol City

Notts County 1-3 Preston North End

Oldham Athletic 0-2 Swindon Town

Port Vale 1-1 Gillingham

Stevenage 0-0 Crawley Town

Tranmere Rovers 1-2 MK Dons

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