Our EFL action kicks off on Friday Night as Colchester United host Scunthorpe United, before AFC Bournemouth head to the Madejski Stadium to face fellow play-off contenders Reading. On Saturday, we have a number of big clashes at both ends of the table in each division. In the Championship, leaders Norwich City host play-off chasing Middlesbrough, Coventry City head to their temporary home to face landlords Birmingham City, while new manager Mick McCarthy makes his home debut in charge of the Bluebirds as they take on Millwall. In League One, we have the latest Dons Derby as AFC Wimbledon host local rivals MK Dons, while there are key games in the race for promotion as Charlton Athletic host Portsmouth and Doncaster Rovers head to Lincoln. In League Two, Exeter City travel to Cumbria to face Carlisle United, while Cambridge United and Crawley Town face off at the Abbey Stadium and there is a key clash near the bottom with Port Vale hosting Southend United. Have a read of our preview of all the weekend’s action below.
Last week on the predictor, Off The Line Lee secured a narrow 6-4 win over Swansea City fan and YouTube content creator Rhys, and looks to make it another win as he takes on Iain Biglin from the Grimsby Town DN35 Podcast. Will Lee make it another win, or will Iain manage to secure the victory for our guests? Have a read below to see how they predicted the ten key games.
Championship
Reading vs AFC Bournemouth
This is a big game already in the context of the play-off places, with a win for the home opening up a five-point gap between The Royals and The Cherries, and could see the away side hand the impetus to those sides sat just outside the play-offs in their own respective promotion pushes. Just two points separate the two sides in the league, with Reading the higher of the two, and they certainly come into this game in the far better form of the two having not lost in their last five league games. AFC Bournemouth, meanwhile, have hit their first real hurdle under Jason Tindall, with three defeats and just one win in their last five league games seeing them lose their spot in the automatics. This is a real test for the away side if they want to keep up their assent on the sides sitting above them, as while their form has somewhat nose-dived, the form of their rivals has seen a marked improvement of late, thus the slight gap we now see.
Their goals have dried up of late, with just the three goals in their last five league games, and they have lost two of their last three games away from home. Reading, on the other hand, have won their last two league games at home, scoring five goals in the process, and so will head into this one in the better form and confidence of the two sides. While AFC Bournemouth may have been losing, they haven’t been losing by a lot, with defeats to Derby County and Luton Town both by a 1-0 margin. I am expecting this to be a close game, and I am going for a 1-1 draw. Lucas Joao to add another to his tally, with David Brooks equalising for the away side.
Prediction: 1-1
Norwich City vs Middlesbrough
Norwich City remain top of the table, and with three straight wins in their last three games they have extended their lead at the top to six points. Daniel Farke seems to have instilled a similar sort of swagger and confidence into their play that they had last time when they promoted from the Championship. They head into this one firmly as the favourites, especially against a Middlesbrough side in the form that Neil Warnock’s side are. They have lost three games in their last four – all of which were at home and without scoring a goal – and so Neil Warnock will be more pleased that they head into the weekend playing away from home instead, having won their last three away games. With Reading and AFC Bournemouth playing each other, Middlesbrough will head into this weekend knowing that this is potentially a chance to make up ground on their rivals in their push for the play-offs.
For whatever reason, Middlesbrough seem to prefer playing away from home, and that will be a welcome comfort for Warnock after their dismal home performance against Rotherham United during the week. I am expecting this game to be close too, and with a Norwich City team that have the array of attacking qualities that they do, Warnock will want to see some added defensive resolve to try and see out a result here. I am going for the home side to edge out another narrow win, with Cantwell and Buendia on target for the hosts, with Britt Assombalonga in reply for the visitors.
Prediction: 2-1
Brentford vs Wycombe Wanderers
A repeat of the first game of the season in the cup competition where Wycombe Wanderers lost out on penalties, The Chairboys head to Brentford looking to return to winning ways in the league. Brentford are in fine form of late, dropping just two points in their last five league games – a 0-0 draw with fellow promotion-rivals Swansea City – and can move up to second in the table if they win their game in hand and so are in a good position to go one better on last year’s play-off final defeat. They look to have regained their attacking nous that they showed throughout last year, with Ivan Toney in particular finding his feet after his move in the summer, and Thomas Frank has done well to get The Bees competing again after the departure of Benrahma and Watkins. Wycombe Wanderers, meanwhile, have struggled to adjust to life in the Championship, sitting at the foot of the table at present, although have shown slight improvement of late in the league. Nevertheless, they are still some way adrift of Derby County and getting out of the drop zone, and Gareth Ainsworth eluded to after their FA Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur that they were ready for their relegation battle of mammoth proportions, and you do feel such gargantuan effort is going to be required.
Brentford are in fine form, and I can’t see much other than a home win in this one. I am going for a comfortable home win, with Toney scoring a brace and Bryan Mbuemo adding the third, as they tighten their grip on the automatic promotion places.
Prediction: 3-0
Derby County vs Bristol City
The interim appointment of Wayne Rooney at the helm did wonders to rejuvenate and breath new life into The Rams after their poor start to the season, and back-to-back wins in the league has settled him nicely into the permanent hot seat. As such, they now sit outside of the relegation zone, albeit having played more games than those teams directly below them, but their improvement since Rooney’s step up to being boss has certainly resulted in a marked improvement in their form and outlook. They face a Bristol City side whose form has been inconsistent of late, and in truth for a while now, as they show good promise at times and then in others flatter to deceive, and as a result that has seen their fine displays go unrewarded by a place on the outskirts of the play-offs. The Robins have yet to really spread their wings under new manager Dean Holden, but given the boss’ inexperience as a permanent boss, the should be satisfied with the start that they have made. They sit three points outside the play-offs, and just need to find that extra bit of consistency if they are to push into the play-offs in what is becoming a tightly-contested Championship promotion outlook.
Derby County have looked much more competitive under Rooney, and even when they are losing they are able to keep it much closer. It still remains to be seen which Bristol City side turns up from game-to-game, however they have lost their last four away league games. As such, all form would point towards the home side extending that run to five and securing all three points. I do think that this will be a close game, as post-Cocu The Rams look much more a complete side, although I am going for Holden’s side to snatch a draw. Knight adding another to his tally, with Famara Diedhiou doing similar to bolster his efforts in front of goal.
Prediction: 1-1
Nottingham Forest vs Barnsley
Nottingham Forest are another team that have shown vast improvement since the appointment of their new coach, with Chris Hughton doing wonders to improve their cause as you would expect from an experienced coach with the track record that he has, although they are still too close for comforts to the relegation zone, only two points above Rotherham United having played two games more. They lost last time out to Middlesbrough in the league, and the cup defeat to Swansea City would have also been a reminder to Hughton that there was still a lot to work to do, with the manner of the defeat leading Hughton to do some serious head-scratching. Barnsley, meanwhile, have similarly adjusted well to life under their new boss, with Valerien Ismael managing to take the reigns steered well from Gerhard Struber and have them firmly in mid-table with a view to looking towards the play-offs, although are just going through a slight poor patch of late, with four games without a win and just a single point during that time too. As such, he will want to see his side recapture their fine form if they are to harness the ambitions that they may have had a month or so ago that they could work their way into the play-offs, albeit this is a young squad playing an expansive 3-at-the-back system and so the job that he has done to be able to get them competitive in the middle of the table is commendable.
Hughton will want his team to return to winning ways in the league if they are continue their climb away from the relegation zone, especially after wins for Rotherham United and Derby County last time out. Barnsley will no doubt play with their usual energy and exuberance within a slightly more direct pressing and attacking philosophy, and I don’t see a lot to separate both sides in all honesty. I am going to call a winner, and I am going for the away side to nick this one. I just feel that they are the more complete side and the more fluid side going forward, and so for that reason I am going to go for a 1-0 win, with Cauley Woodrow scoring the winner.
Prediction: 0-1
Rotherham United vs Swansea City
Rotherham United are continuing to battle bravely against relegation, and their win last time out away to Middlesbrough would have given manager Paul Warne cause for encouragement as they have reduced the gap to Derby County and Nottingham Forest to just two points, with the benefit of having two games in hand. I have said throughout this season that I like what I see about The Millers at times this season and the way in which they set up to play, and their 3-game spell without a defeat at present, with wins against Middlesbrough and Derby County, will give them cause for optimism that they will be able to pull themselves out of the drop zone. They are going to have to call on their battling qualities in this one, as they face a Swansea City side that continue to show real improvement under Steve Cooper and have developed into a really top side under his tenure, and they sit in the automatic promotion places at present. Defensively, they have been particularly strong and that has provided them the platform on which to keep grinding out results, with their most recent shutout against Brentford particularly impressive with ten men, and thus The Millers are going to have to be at their attacking best if they are to get any change out of Cooper’s side.
I keep banging the drum for Paul Warne and his side, and out of all the sides down the bottom at the moment I would put Rotherham United down as one of the sides that has what it takes to get themselves out of the drop zone, as they like to approach games and have a real go and have shown more recently that they are able to grind out results. The Swans won their last two away games 2-0 in the league, and thus I expect them to have another strong showing here. I am actually going to go for a draw, with goals from Jamal Lowe and Matt Crooks to cancel each other out.
Prediction: 1-1
Sheffield Wednesday vs Preston North End
Sheffield Wednesday’s defeat to Coventry City last time out was their first defeat in five league games, and they will be looking to return to winning ways here. They still sit in the relegation zone, and are six points from Derby County who sit just above the drop zone, and so The Owls are going to have to put a little run of wins or another unbeaten run together if they are able to drag themselves out of the drop zone. They face a Preston North End that are now Ben Pearson-less, with the midfielder having departed for AFC Bournemouth, and Ben Whiteman is going to have to step up the role and be the key man in midfield. They have won twice and lost twice in their last five league games, and so the much-used criticism of Preston North End being inconsistent seems to be apparent once again. They are six points off of the play-offs, and so a win would help in their attempts to push for the play-offs.
Although Sheffield Wednesday find themselves in the drop zone, they have been in a good form of late in the league, and I think that they will have enough to grind out a result here. I am going for a 1-1 draw, with Jordan Green scoring against his old side and Scott Sinclair to level to earn a point.
Prediction: 1-1
League One
Sunderland vs Gillingham
The appointment of Lee Johnson has certainly proved to be an inspired one so far, with The Black Cats making a fine start under his leadership and Charlie Wyke in particular has really elevated his game of late, scoring 5 goals in his last four games. They sit just outside the play-offs, and they do like a much more rounded outfit and particularly more threatening going forward. Gillingham, meanwhile, continue to be the average in the division – sitting 12th at present – and it seems that Steve Evans’ side have embarked on their last upturn in form, having won two and drawn once in their last three games. The emphatic 4-1 home victory last time out against Crewe Alexandra was a particularly impressive display and an example of what they are capable of on their day, and with some players returning to the matchday fold after injury and a raft of impressive signings in my opinion – notably Callum Slattery – they seem to be functioning as a much better-oiled outfit than what we have seen at other times this season.
Off the back of their impressive attacking performance last week, this is going to be a stern test for Sunderland in being able to contain The Gills and show the similar sort of nous they have already under Johnson to be able to keep their nerve and grind out results. On their day, Gillingham should be competing for the play-offs in my opinion, especially after the additions they have made of late, although they are still characteristically inconsistent across the whole outlook of the campaign thus far. I am going for a draw, with Wyke and Maguire to be cancelled out by Akinde and Oliver.
Prediction: 2-2
Bristol Rovers vs Rochdale
Bristol Rovers come into this game looking for their first win in five, after picking up just a single point in their last four games. They are still to really get going under Paul Tisdale, and the early glimpses of improvement and somewhat faded and regressed more into the form that we saw under Ben Garner previous. They haven’t been losing by a lot, however, and so that will be a welcome sight for Paul Tisdale as he looks to try and find a bit more consistency and record results to push away from the drop zone. Rochdale, meanwhile, also find themselves near the bottom of the table, and have not win their last five league games, although sit a place higher than The Gas in the table. Brian Barry-Murphy’s side have played some lovely stuff at times this season and have been surprisingly potent going forward, but it is their woeful defensive record that has compromised any sort of push up the table at present.
Nevertheless, with just goal difference separating the two sides in the table, this promises to be a big game in the context of the relegation battle, and an especially big game for Rochdale given that they have played two games more than Bristol Rovers in the league. A win for the home side here would give them the opportunity to build some ground over Dale, although I am going for a draw here as both sides impress, but do not do enough to secure the win. A 2-2 draw, with Hanlan and Leahy on target for the home side and Lund at the double for the visitors.
Prediction: 2-2
Charlton Athletic vs Portsmouth
The Addicks host Pompey in one of the big clashes this weekend at the top of the table, with both sides looking to push for the play-offs this year and potentially the automatic promotion places too. Charlton Athletic have been able to find a little more consistency of late, with just one defeat in five games, and Lee Bowyer should be satisfied with the way in which he has been able to balance the ship in what was choppy waters of late with a slight downturn in form seeing a little bit of frustration from their supporters, although their return to form will be a welcome sight for Bowyer and The Addicks’ faithful. They face a Portsmouth side who sit just a point above the home side in the table – albeit having played two games fewer – although have lost their last two games. The absence of Jack Whatmough from the Pompey defence may be a welcome distraction for Kenny Jackett, with the defender having had a rotten week by his high standards, scoring two own goals and being sent-off in the subsequent game, and so Jackett will have to replace Whatmough and in the process allow them to recapture their form.
I am expecting this to be a good game, and with the additions that The Addicks have made to their side of late, I am certainly expecting goals from them. They have already shown at times this year that The Addicks have the ability to be a real force, and if they can find a bit more resolve in the defensive third, they will take some beating I am sure of it. I am going for a draw, and for Jackett to be able to contain the home side to the tune of a point. A 1-1 draw, with John Marquis cancelling out Aneke’s opener to secure a share of the spoils.
Prediction: 1-1
Crewe Alexandra vs Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town boss Paul Lambert is certainly under pressure, with mass discontent from the Town faithful after their poor run of form of late in the league and seen them drop down the table. They travel to a Crewe Alexandra side that – in the words of Argyle boss Ryan Lowe about his own side – are a “wounded animal” after their 4-1 mauling against Gillingham, and that was definitely out of character for Artell’s usually impressive side. With Perry Ng having departed for Cardiff City, and with rumours about further departures from their squad, you wonder whether or not that this increased exposure and interest in their players may have been a contributing factor in that display, or the fact that they have just the one win – albeit one defeat – in their last five. Perhaps, we are just overthinking the situation, and regardless I have been impressed with how Artell has adjusted to life in League One and how his youthful side are improving under his tenure. Ipswich Town, meanwhile, come into this with the rot seemingly having set in, with their fans unhappy with Lambert – albeit they have never been happy with him throughout his time at the club – and their form having taken a hit.
This is an important game for both sides, both for the home side in judging their response to their setback last time against Gillingham, and in the way that Ipswich Town are still able to apply themselves and get results under Lambert. I think that the home side will bounce back with a win in this, with Dale and Ainley on target to secure a 2-0 win and in the process pile more pressure on Lambert.
Prediction: 2-0
Hull City vs Swindon Town
The 2nd-placed side look to bounce back to winning ways in this one, after falling to a 2-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley last time out, and Grant McCann will want his side to make sure they don’t pass up any opportunity to hand over the impetus to the chasing pack in what is becoming a congested League One promotion race. They face a Swindon Town side who are still yet to get going under John Sheridan, with a just one win – a victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road – in their last five league games. The additions they have made to the side have seemingly added a little bit more impetus, with Dominic Thompson adding a bit more speed and agility in the wide positions and the return of Scott Twine doing much to provide them with more threat going forward. However, they have just not been able to ensure consistency in performance, as they had the away win against Ipswich Town and then have since followed that up with a disappointing display against Plymouth Argyle and losing to Doncaster Rovers.
The impetus will be on Hull City to win this one and keep their spot in the top two, and I think that they will bounce back from their defeat to Accrington Stanley with a win here. Swindon Town to take the lead through Scott Twine, but goals from Magennis, Wilks and Honeyman to secure a 3-1 win.
Prediction: 3-1
Northampton Town vs Wigan Athletic
A big game at the bottom at The Sixfields, with last year’s play-off winners facing Wigan Athletic. Both have struggled so far, but for different reasons really. Northampton Town lost some big players in the summer, and they haven’t really been able to replace them with a similar quality of player. The loss of Goode and Turnbull for example has certainly left a gargantuan hole in their defence, and they have not really replaced that. However, they just sit outside of the relegation zone at the moment, with one win in their last five league games enough for them to be holding their head above the parapet. They face a Wigan Athletic that sit second from bottom, but they certainly haven’t disgraced themselves thus far. Leam Richardson has done a marvelous job in being able to galvanise this youthful set of players, and has made some really good additions in recent weeks too. As such, they have only lost once in their last five league games, the humbling 5-0 home defeat against Blackpool, but that is a blip on what has been an otherwise good run of form for The Latics.
This is a huge game for both, with a win for Wigan Athletic actually taking them above Northampton Town. As such, I expect The Cobblers to set up to keep it tight even though it is at home – albeit not that that matters with the current situation – and I think that Keith Curle’s side may just be well-suited to nicking this tight game with the odd goal. A 1-0 win for the home side, and I would usually go for Harry Smith to score but he has now since departed, so I’ll go for Leeds United loanee Ryan Edmondson.
Prediction: 1-0
Oxford United vs Fleetwood Town
Oxford United have certainly turned their form around recently, with five straight wins in the league moving them to within six points of the play-offs, and they look much like the United side that got to the play-off finals last year. Matty Taylor is in good form, and the team as a whole look an impressive attacking outfit once again, and more importantly strong defensively. They face a Fleetwood Town side that are in a poor run of form and have not won in their last five league games, with Simon Wiles having a tough time in temporary charge after the departure of Joey Barton. It is reported that Anthony Barry is close to be appointed as the new manager of the away side, and they need a change quick if they are to continue their ambitions for getting into the play-offs, as they are just not gelling at the moment and are performing nothing like the team that also got into the play-offs last year.
Given the form that they are both in, this only points to one winner, and I am going for Oxford United to secure all three points. A 3-0 win for the hosts, with Matty Taylor scoring twice and Olamide Shodipo adding the third.
Prediction: 3-0
Shrewsbury Town vs Peterborough United
Shrewsbury Town lost their first game in the league for a while as they were beaten by Sunderland at The Stadium of Light, and they continue without the presence of Steve Cotterill on the touchline as he continues to battle with COVID – we give him our best wishes for a swift recovery. Otherwise, it has been a good period for The Shrews after the arrival of Cotterill, and they will be looking to get back to winning ways here against a Peterborough United side that have not lost in their last five league games, dropping just four points in their last five league games. I am expecting Shrewsbury Town to try and keep it close, and they are going to have to if they are able to keep at bay Peterborough United given the array of attacking quality they have in their side.
I am going for a narrow away win in this one, as I just think the goals that The Posh have in their side will prove enough for them to win this game. I am predicting a second straight 1-0 defeat for the hosts, with Jonson Clarke-Harris scoring the only goal of the game.
Prediction: 0-1
League Two
Bradford City vs Barrow
What a difference a new manager makes! Under McCall at the start of this season, The Bantams looked devoid of any sort of spark or creativity, lacked a real identity and it just felt as if yet another spell for McCall had gone a bit of stale and it was a time for change. And, given their form since, by word are they happy they did! Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars have done a fantastic job to breath new life into this Bantams side, and they look a far better outfit now. They have not last in their last five league games, and that has opened up a seven point gap between themselves and the drop zone. They look to extend their good run against a Barrow side who have lost just the once in their last five, and have made a fine start under manager Michael Jolley. They sit just two points above the drop zone, albeit having played two games less than those two sides in the relegation places, and so while Jolley has shown good promise during his time in charge so far and added well to his side in the transfer window, they will have to continue this form to ensure they don’t drop into the relegation battle.
This is a good game on paper, and one between two sides that in my opinion will – despite being near the bottom at the moment – be fine come the end of the season and will not be relegated. I am going for a draw, with Cook and Rowe on target for the home side, with Quigley at the double for the away side.
Prediction: 2-2
Cambridge United vs Crawley Town
Cambridge United sit top of the table, and the work that Mark Bonner has done to keep spirits high and steady the ship after their slight dip in form a month or so ago when they had players out. They have not lost in their last five games and look in fine form, and the return of some key players has seen them regain the same sort of vigour and efficiency that which they demonstrated at the start of the season. They have played a game more than those below than and so they are going to have to keep up the pressure on those below to keep picking up points. They face a Crawley Town side that are in fine form, and although they sit in mid-table, they have played a number of games fewer than those around them due to cup involvement, and so could even go top if they won all of their games in hand with other results going their way, and as such they are firmly in the mix.
This is a really good game on paper, with both teams liking to get the ball down and play and so there is potentially some goals in this too. I expect there to be just that and more, and I am going for a 2-2 draw, with Mullin and Ironside getting on the scoresheet and Nichols and Wright – Josh, not Mark – to reply for the visitors.
Prediction: 2-2
Grimsby Town vs Stevenage
This is another big game this weekend involving sides near the bottom of the table, with just a point to separate the two sides in the table. Stevenage have played two games fewer than The Mariners, and so if they are able to win this one then they can be four points clear of them with two games in hand, thus this is a must-win game of sorts for Paul Hurst’s side if they want to ensure they don’t go down. Their most recent performance was the derby defeat to Scunthorpe United, in which they were really below par and put in a poor showing, and so Hurst will be looking for some major improvements from his side if they are to get anything out of this one. Stevenage have looked alright so far this season, with Alex Revell’s side being good defensively, and it has just been their goal-shy attacking exploits that has seen their promise at times go unrewarded. They are in good form, having lost just once in their last five league games, and so they will head into this one confident that they can come out on top in this one.
Of the two sides, Stevenage look far the better side of late and given the performance we saw from Grimsby Town in the last game, although I expect The Mariners to improve in this one, I don’t think it will be enough to get anything out of this one against what is a relatively well-drilled side. I am predicting a 2-1 win for the away side, with Norris and Stevens on target and Morais in reply.
Prediction: 1-2
Harrogate Town vs Newport County
This is a match-up between two of the out-of-form sides in the division, with Harrogate Town having not win in their last four, while the visitors have not won in their last five despite making a good start to the campaign. Both sides have made real change to their side of late, adding to their side in the window, and I think we will see slightly different approaches or outlooks from both sides heading into the second-half of the campaign. Not so much in the style of play, as I think that both will still try and play in the same way, but with the options they have to change games. Harrogate Town are one of the lowest scorers of the division – that despite the exploits of Jack Muldoon – and so the additions they have made in the window may well provide them with extra quality in the forward areas to be able to win the game or players to bring off the bench and provide that extra bit of quality on the ball. Newport County, meanwhile, have seen their raft of loanees depart the club, and the replacements they have bought in to fill their spot will take a little while to really get up to speed, although I think that both sides will end up having good ends to the campaign.
Newport County have shown marked improvement on last season’s performance, and Harrogate Town have adjusted well to life in the Football League, and so I am a fan of both teams. I think that his game will be a good tactical battle, with not a lot to call the contest, and in fact I think that there will be nothing to separate them as both sides settle for a point.
Prediction: 0-0
Morecambe vs Tranmere Rovers
Morecambe continue to show serious improvement under Derek Adams, and while many suggested that their start to the campaign was merely coincidental, not only has their form since then showed that they do indeed have what it takes to sustain that form, but in fact the quality in their side to be battle for promotion come the end of the season. They have lost just once in their last five league games, and have moved up to third in the table. They face a Tranmere Rovers side that are on the outskirts of the play-offs, and look to have settled nicely under the management of Keith Hill, with three wins and two draws in their last five. This run of form has put them to within just four points of the top, and given the experience Keith Hill has as a manager at this level and the success that he has had, you feel that this may not be as far as their improvement takes them and in fact their upturn in performances and results could well see them get promoted come the end of the season – you wouldn’t put it past them!
Nevertheless, this is a game between two sides that are well in the hunt for promotion, and I think this will be a close game. These are two managers that know exactly what they are doing, and I don’t expect there to be a lot in the game for the attacking players. A 0-0 draw and a useful point for both in my opinion.
Prediction: 0-0
Oldham Athletic vs Salford City
I am getting tired of referring to Oldham Athletic as being the division’s inconsistent side, but they are exactly that. They put in a fine performance to get the better of Newport County, and then followed that up with an away defeat against Cheltenham Town. There is no denying the quality that is in this Latics side, and they have shown on occasion so far this year that they have what it takes to be able to match any side in the division going forward, albeit the loss of Danny Rowe may have slightly diminished those attacking exploits a tad. Nevertheless, they are showing good promise and if they can be a little more consistent then they could yet have a say on the outskirts of the play-offs. They face a Salford City side that are in the play-offs by virtue of their good run of form, with three games unbeaten. They seem to be making slight progress under Richie Wellens, and with the quality that they have in their side, you feel that if they are able to continue making steady improvement and ensure a more consistent look to their form, they may still have enough to win the league and make it back-to-back title wins for Wellens.
Both teams like to get the ball down and play football in the right way, and so I expect both teams to have a go. It will be interesting to see how Oldham Athletic – who have looked strong offensively – are able to break down a strong Ammies backline. I am going for an away win, as I think that Salford City are the more complete side of the two and may just have that little extra consistency than the hosts. A 2-1 win for the away side, with Wilson and Thomas-Asante on target and Bahamboula scoring a consolation for the hosts.
Prediction: 1-2
Port Vale vs Southend United
Port Vale have won just once in their last five league games, and interim boss Danny Pugh has seen the promise they showed at the start of his temporary spell in charge followed by back-to-back league defeats. They face a Southend United side who themselves have slightly regressed to their poor run of form after showing a slight upturn, with three straight defeats and no wins in their last four. The Blues sit bottom of the table and will be looking to secure a win here as Vale are certainly not the free-flowing and formidable force that perhaps we were expecting at the start of the season, and defensively they have definitely looked poor. As such, I expect this to be quite an open game in which there will be chances for both sides, and it will just be a case of who can take advantage of the opportunities presented to them to win the game.
Although it is two straight defeats for Vale, I think that they are perhaps just playing the better out of the two sides, albeit I do have admiration for the way in which Mark Molesley has just gone about his business and steadily worked with this Blues side. As it is, I am going for a narrow 2-1 win for the home side, with Pope and Worrall on target and Akinola to reply for the visitors.
Prediction: 2-1
Walsall vs Mansfield Town
Walsall have gone three games unbeaten in the league, putting them within three points of the play-offs, and if they are to sustain a push for promotion Darrel Clarke will want his side to show more consistency, as they are still to inconsistent in my opinion to be challenging come the end of the season. Adebayo seems to be on his way, and so they will be hoping they can get a tune out for he striker before he does depart the Bescot. They face a Mansfield Town side that are in a fantastic run of form under Nigel Clough, having won their last five league games and are the in-form side in the division. Clough has been able to turn them into a side that was struggling near the foot at the table into one which is showing all the qualities that they need to get promoted, and in the form they are in you wouldn’t bet against them.
By hook or by crook, Mansfield Town are finding a way to get over the line of late and secure all three points week-in week-out, and so I am backing them to make it another three points here. A 2-1 away win, with Jamie Reid and Jordan Bowery getting on the scoresheet and Gordon scoring for the home side.
Prediction: 1-2
Weekly Predictor
In the last weekly predictor, Off The Line Lee secured a narrow 6-4 win over Swansea City fan and YouTube content creator Rhys, and looks to make it another win as he takes on Iain Biglin from the Grimsby Town DN35 Podcast. Will Lee make it another win, or will Iain manage to secure the victory for our guests? Have a read below to see how they predicted the ten key games.
3 points will be awarded for a perfect score, with 1 point for the correct result.
| Lee Tennant (@trottertenzo) | DN35 Podcast (@DN35GTFC) | |
| Birmingham City vs Coventry City | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Cardiff City vs Millwall | 1-0 | 2-1 |
| Huddersfield Town vs Stoke City | 1-1 | 1-1 |
| Blackburn Rovers vs Luton Town | 2-1 | 2-0 |
| AFC Wimbledon vs MK Dons | 1-2 | 0-1 |
| Lincoln City vs Doncaster Rovers | 0-0 | 2-2 |
| Plymouth Argyle vs Accrington Stanley | 1-1 | 2-1 |
| Carlisle United vs Exeter City | 1-2 | 3-1 |
| Bolton Wanderers vs Leyton Orient | 1-1 | 1-1 |
| Forest Green Rovers vs Cheltenham Town | 1-0 | 1-1 |
Birmingham City vs Coventry City
Lee Prediction: It’s landlords versus tenants at St Andrew’s as the Blues look to at least trouble the scorers, with just one goal scored in the last 484 excruciatingly dull minutes at their home. The reverse fixture on 20th November was a pretty dire goalless draw too, which doesn’t give great encouragement for any neutrals that there’ll be bundles of goals in this one.
Eleven of their 25 games have ended with Brum drawing a blank and with six home defeats on the bounce too, it is really time Aitor Karanka inspired his troops to better performances than they’re currently serving up. The swapping of Maikel Kieftenbeld for the more energetic Rekeem Harper is the only real business done this window so far and the Spanish boss will hope the WBA youngster finds his feet quickly and can offer better ball progression from deep than the more conservative Kieftenbeld, who made the move South to the New Den to reunite with Gary Rowett, who first brought him to England.
Mark Robins has his Sky Blues six points clear of the bottom three after a convincing 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in midweek and they’ve lost just two of twelve here this season.
365 minutes have passed since they conceded too, which doesn’t bode well for their blunt opponents. Robins will be without forward Tyler Walker through injury once again and he has only one win in five against Blues in his managerial career.
But those are the slim pickings on offer that make an argument for the landlords in this meeting. For me, the tenants will prevail through a Leo Ostigard header from a corner.
Prediction: 1-1
DN35 Prediction: Birmingham are really struggling to get any form of attacking play going and although Coventry’s form has not been amazing, they have been relatively tight at the back so that with Birmingham’s lack of attacking play should allow them to pinch a tight win.
Prediction: 0-1
Cardiff City vs Millwall
Lee: It’s the Neil Harris derby, without Neil Harris present of course as the much-derided Vincent Tan decided to make the change a number of fans had been clamoring for in dispensing with the Millwall legend Harris after his streaky runs went down one too many losing one.
That the fans were greeted with perennial Championship operator and another of the games big characters in Mick McCarthy was perhaps underwhelming for the Bluebirds fans but fresh from a very short stint in the Cypriot sun, the wily Yorkshireman will relish the opportunity to drag this underperforming side up the table in his fire-fighting mission. A 2-2 draw at Barnsley from 2-0 down having had very little time to assess his squad was a good start and you’d think McCarthy would get the best out of Kieffer Moore, who’s injury was terribly timed for Harris’ job prospects. Twelve points is a huge gap to surmount to the play-off places, with seven to the bottom three and Cardiff fans will not be under any false illusions that his job is anything other than that of a caretaker to see them through until the summer. This gives him a free hit at the job in a lot of ways, which could make the South Wales side a dangerous outfit to face.
Gary Rowett has seen an upturn in form in the past fortnight as barring the 3-0 home defeat in the FA Cup to Bristol City, his Lions have taken points from Watford and Bournemouth and won 1-0 at Huddersfield to move away from the relegation battle and level on points with this weekend’s opponents. Maikel Kieftenbeld could be a shrewd acquisition as Rowett knows his game well having signed him for Birmingham City back in 2016 and his Championship know-how could be exactly what their engine room needs.
It’s difficult to pick a winner here but I’m going for McCarthy to get off to a good start at home with Moore getting the only goal.
Prediction: 1-0
DN35: At home Cardiff are holding their own, despite their poor overall form and Millwall have had a fair amount of goals in their games, so a needed result for Cardiff to come with Kieffer Moore causing problems.
Prediction: 2-1
Huddersfield Town vs Stoke City
Lee: Carlos Corberan’s Terriers have hit a wall with five straight defeats and injuries to perhaps their two main men, certainly in a forward thinking sense, in Ajax loanee Carel Eiting and exciting young winger Josh Koroma have put the skids on what was looking like a promising campaign. They did dominate proceedings in the second period at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night but could build on Juninho Bacuna’s early effort to get the draw their players deserved. There is still an eight point gap to the bottom three but every side below them have games in hand and Corberan will want his side to overcome a side in similarly poor nick in Stoke City.
The Potters have gone eight without a win since Nick Powell’s winner against Blackburn at the Bet365 stadium on the 19th December and although four have been drawn, Michael O’Neill will be as desperate as his managerial counterpart to secure a win here. Powell is playing as a false nine, with Steven Fletcher’s fragility restricting him to a bench role against Watford. His goal was a superb header after a flowing move which should see the experienced goal-getter start this game and gives the ex-Northern Irish supremo optimism that his side can turn the corner. Stoke won 4-3 in late November in the reverse fixture when Tyrese Campbell was on fire and they also beat Danny Cow key’s side 5-2 at the John Smith’s last season so they tend to fire against the Terriers.
Confidence on both sides is significantly lower than the lead up to that seven goal affair and I foresee a tight battle here, as neither manager gets what they crave with Fletcher and Frazier Campbell swapping strikes in a hard-fought draw.
Prediction: 1-1
DN35: Huddersfield have been a real Jekyll and Hyde team in their form at home, compared to away for most of this season and so they will fancy their chances of continuing that against Stoke, but a lack of goals in both teams means this one finishes as a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Blackburn Rovers vs Luton Town
Lee: Two wins from three and undefeated run of five in the league have quelled some dissenting voices in East Lancashire. Six points still separate Rovers from Bournemouth in sixth but Tony Mowbray will feel they can make a second half of the season push to challenge properly for the play-offs. Blackburn have gone behind in half of their games at Ewood Park this season and thus over two thirds of their home goals have come in the second period.
Luton are the type of side to take advantage of going ahead with Nathan Jones well-drilled team capable of hanging onto a 1-0 lead as proved by securing four of them in the opening 6 weeks of the season. Their away form since then has been far patchier with a solitary yet impressive win at Bournemouth in mid-January. Six defeats and two draws paint a bleaker picture.
The spoils were shared in their meeting at Kenilworth Road in late November and the Hatters did manage a 2-1 win at Ewood last season so it may be foolhardy to underestimate their ability to pull a result out of the bag here. Neither side has made huge moves in the transfer market, with Blackburn’s on-loan Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite escaping retrospective action after the unintentional yet nasty challenge on Dael Fry last Sunday.
I rarely back against teams who have the edge in terms of the better attacking players and I’m going for Rovers to sneak it through Harvey Elliott and Adam Armstrong with Pele Ruddock getting the Hatters consolation.
Prediction: 2-1
DN35: Both teams have dropped down the table after promising starts to the season, but Blackburn under Mowbray are trying to instill a mentality of being a top 6 club, and with the creativity of Harvey Elliott who is developing brilliantly, they will have too much at home for Luton to live with.
Prediction: 2-0
AFC Wimbledon vs MK Dons
Lee: The Don Derby sees MK Dons travel to AFC Wimbledon, and it is a shame that the fans aren’t in attendance to see this derby in the new stadium. Nevertheless, only six points separates the two sides in the table, with AFC Wimbledon sitting in the relegation zone at present having not won a single game in their last five league games, and so this is a game they need to win. MK Dons have won three of their last five, and Russell Martin has had to deal with the departure of a number of players before and during the season already, and so he is doing a good job in my opinion. Of the two, MK Dons are certainly in the better form and for a game of this magnitude and considering the poor run of form they are on, AFC Wimbledon would be hoping that the fans were in attendance to give them added boost to get a result. As it is, I don’t think that they have enough to get the better of MK Dons, and I am going for a 2-1 away win. Joe Piggott – who else? – to put the hosts in front, with Cameron Jerome and Joe Mason to score for the away side to seal the three points.
Prediction: 1-2
DN35: Both teams at the wrong end of the table and this will hurt MK Dons in particularly, but whilst both have struggled to score goals at times this season, MK Dons have shown greater defensive solidity and that should stand them in good stead here to get a result in this match of rivals.
Prediction: 0-1
Lincoln City vs Doncaster Rovers
Lee: A big game at the top end of League One sees the current leaders Lincoln City host Doncaster Rovers. Both teams come into this game with four wins in their last five games, with the leaders having drawn the other while the away side lost at the hands of Shrewsbury Town. Similarly, both sides have been in fine attacking form so far this season, and Doncaster Rovers head into this one having been able to add John Bostock to their midfield, secure the return of Josh Sims on loan until the end of the season, as well as striker Omar Bogle from Charlton Athletic on a permanent deal. As such, this promises to feature an array of attacking talent, and so there has to be goals, right? Wrong. While I think that both teams have been scintillating going forward and a real joy to watch, I think that this will make for a tight game and in fact I am going for both sides to shut each other out in a 0-0 draw. A win for the away side will hand them the initiative, as they will then be three points behind with two games in hand, and so I think that the hosts may just be that extra bit cautious in the way they apply themselves in this one to keep their heading at the top and ensure their lead to Darren Moore’s side is not reduced.
Prediction: 0-0
DN35: A local derby of sorts with both teams have near identical records so far this season, I fancy an entertaining 2-2 draw with neither team being fully happy nor upset with the result.
Prediction: 2-2
Plymouth Argyle vs Accrington Stanley
Lee: Plymouth Argyle have improved their form of late, with three wins and a draw in their last four, and Ryan Lowe has been able to steady the ship and their poor run of form. Defensively, they have looked much stronger of late and thus their attacking exploits are now getting the rewards that it deserves. Accrington Stanley, meanwhile, are also in good form and are just four points outside the play-offs having played five games fewer than the team vacating the last spot in Charlton Athletic. Both sides are not afraid to have a go at their opponents and both are brave on the ball, and so this will be a good game. It will also be a match-up between two sides that employ a 3-at-the-back system and so it will also be interesting to see how both sides fare. I am a huge admirer of Accrington Stanley and the work that John Coleman continues to do, but I am going for a 1-1 draw. Ryan Hardie to reward his permanent move to Devon with a goal, and Dion Charles replying for the visitors.
Prediction: 1-1
DN35: Another tight game that with both teams appeared to be the equal of each other, but I fancy Plymouth to do just enough to take the win against an Accrington side who have conceded at a fairly quick rate away from home recently.
Prediction: 2-1
Carlisle United vs Exeter City
Lee: Finally it looks as if the Cumbrians will play a game after floodlight failure, frozen and waterlogged pitches and COVID19 have scuppered their attempts to play since their 2-0 win at the Bescot Stadium on the 2nd January. They’ve slipped to 6th but now have at least three games in-hand on all of their promotion rivals, except Newport, the latest of their games called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Rodney Parade. Ring rustiness could be an issue for Chris Beech’s side and there are some fresh faces in the squad with Offrande Zanzala taken from Crewe, defender Morgan Feeney arriving from Sunderland and young striker Cedwyn Scott coming in from non-league Hebburn United, one for the development squad at first, I’d imagine.
One win in six league games since the 5-0 thrashing of Tranmere at St. James’s Park has seen Matthew Taylor’s Grecians slip down the division too and the midweek 2-0 home defeat to Morecambe was the first time they’d drawn a blank at home since the opening day 2-0 defeat to Port Vale. They’ve only lost once on the road this season though at Cheltenham with seven stalemates showing they’re an obstinate side despite the energy-sapping travelling distances they endure every trip!
They won 3-1 here last season and I’m backing Taylor to inspire his side to another victory from the longest trip in the EFL with two strikes from Ryan Bowman cancelling out Rhys Bennett’s opener for the Cumbrians.
Prediction: 1-2
DN35: Although the two are close to each other in the table, Exeter have hit a rocky spell recently and their habit of conceding soft goals away from home will cost them here. I fancy them to pinch one probably through Matt Jay, but it wont be enough to help them turn their form around here.
Prediction: 3-1
Bolton Wanderers vs Leyton Orient
Lee: This season has certainly not lived up to the expectations and hype for Bolton Wanderers, although perhaps they are living up to expectation in that it was going to be a tough adjustment to League Two under a youthful manager in Ian Evatt and with a raft of new players. They have not won a single game in their last five league games, and so they need wins fast if they are to remain ambitious for promotion, even though that looks a way off. Leyton Orient, meanwhile, sit just two points outside of the play-offs, having won three games in their last five, and Ross Embleton continues to show his qualities in managing this Orient side. They have a striker in Danny Johnson who has been in prolific form, and as such they have surpassed expectation so far in my opinion by being on the outskirts of the play-offs. Ian Evatt needs a reaction from his side, as they are playing poorly, and I think they may be able to bounce back from their defeat against Tranmere Rovers to earn a point, although not have enough to secure all three points. Eoin Doyle to score for the hosts, and Connor Wilkinson replying for the visitors.
Prediction: 1-1
DN3: Leyton Orient have been really poor away from home so far this season and although Bolton have dropped again after a promising late Autumn. A draw that most of those watching on I-Follow will be wanting to turn off and wondering why they want to be back in the grounds – but if Doyle can get space in the Orient defence he could be the difference.
Prediction: 1-1
Forest Green Rovers vs Cheltenham Town
Lee: The Gloucestershire derby sees Forest Green Rovers host Cheltenham Town. There is just one point between the two sides in the table, and so that suggests that there is not going to be too much to separate the two sides in this one. Both are going for promotion and look well-placed to do so, albeit Cheltenham Town are in the better form of the two having not lost in their last five league games. However, they have only won once during that time, and so the Robins need to try and bit that little bit more adventurous to try and turn their draws into wins, and if they can do that then it will stand them in good stead as the top of the table is proving to be a close run affair. However, I have been impressed with the way that Forest Green Rovers are playing this year, and the fact that they are proving a much sterner outfit at the back is a welcome sign. I think that they may just have the edge in this one, with Jamille Matt scoring the only goal of the game.
Prediction: 1-0
DN35: Forest Green have been a banker most weeks for both teams to score so far this season and I see no reason why that will change here, although Cheltenham have been tough to beat this season (as Man City found out recently!) so I fancy them to come and battle their way to a point which although will give them 5 draws from 6, will see them happier leave the happier.
Prediction: 1-1
Off The Line Blog 
Leave a comment