English Football League / Alan Dudman / 29 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

Alan Dudman goes Blakeian as he lays the Shrimpers in a six pointer, backs the Cobblers to keep out the Foxes and expects MK Dons to bounce back.

Good old fashioned pubs seem to be like skateboards these days - a thing of the past. It is now de rigeur for the local to be morphed into a wine bar/bistro, thus enabling said place to charge £5 for a glass of c-c-c-c-chianti.

And you have to wait 15 minutes to get that bloody chianti too!

However, I was in an old fashioned pub the other week and it got me thinking.

News items are plentiful, ammunition for lots to debate. Obama, the economy, the polar caps melting and Lady Gaga. But one of my more intelligent friends sparked a heated conversation.

For certain reasons I shall not name my mate, nor the more mature lady he
was referring to, but his question was simply: "xxxxxxx xxxxxxx - would
you?"

A furious argument ensued, I was in the yes camp, but was out voted by five to two. But it throws up an interesting argument - inexperience over experience. And yes, she was very mature, older than the HMV dog.

As my old mentor and football manager used to say: "If you want your bricks done - go to the bricklayer". He shall remain nameless too, but thanks for the advice Terry.

Southend United [2.40] v Bristol Rovers [3.35]

And talk of experience leads me nicely to Southend's problems. Boss Steve Tilson has seen his side decimated by injury in recent weeks and had to field a 17-year-old midfielder against Leeds United on Tuesday night.

The Shrimpers were beaten 2-0, with those two goals coming in the first 11 minutes. The game was over, and as good as a youthful group of players are...nothing beats experience, especially in League One.

Tilson may be moving in the loan market before Saturday, he'll need to as his squad is looking wafer thin.

The Shrimpers are really struggling up top, they have scored just three goals in nine league outings and forward James Walker has been the latest injury blow - he's picked up a hamstring strain that will rule him out for six weeks.

Mounting injuries and inexperience are not what you are looking for in January, especially preparing for such a six-pointer as the Bristol Rovers game.

A tiny crumb of comfort for Southend sees fiery midfielder Alan McCormack back from a groin injury, whilst Peter Clarke and Anthony Grant are set to return too.

Rovers are on a little run at the moment and 20-goal forward Rickie Lambert ended a barren
spell with two goals in midweek against Cheltenham.

The name Lambert will send shivers down the spines of Southend. He scored all four goals against them at the Memorial Stadium earlier in the season. It was 4-2 that day, but I anticipate a much tighter game. I can barely see Southend scoring, whilst Rovers could be capable of nicking a result.

Recommendations:

Back under 2.5 goals
Lay Southend @ [2.40]

Northampton Town [3.75] v Leicester City [2.10]

It seems as though Bolton boss Gary Megson obviously reads this column! After last week's colum, in which I drooled over Mark Davies' talents, the fella has gone to Bolton.

Davies made Leicester tick and without him they just about got the hang of Huddersfield 4-2 on Saturday but struggled in midweek against a woeful Brighton (held 0-0).

We all know how good Leicester are, trading at [1.39] to win the division - they are already 10 points clear of the chasing pack.

Don't get me wrong, the Foxes are well worth their position at the top, I just thought that Davies gave them an extra dimension.

Striker Steve Howard has been struggling with a virus all week and is doubtful for the trip to Sixfields. Much could rest on 23-goal forward Matty Fryatt. Or as an old commentator friend of mine used to call him: "Matt-iiiiieeeeeeeee Fryatttttttttttttttttt"

An interesting market revolves around him. He is leading the League
One top goalscorer market at [2.16]. It is a short price considering he is wanted by several Championship sides. Brave layers will no doubt be looking to take him in on that market, and you will know your fate once the transfer window shuts in a few days time.

Incidentally, Rickie Lambert trades at [3.80] and the excellent Beckford for Leeds is available at [4.50]. I would probably back the latter as he is guarenteed not to leave Elland Road.

Northampton have only lost once in their last seven games and are quite strong defensively. Adebayo Akinfenwa is a doubt with a hamstring injury, whilst Giles Coke and Liam Davis could also be missing.

It really should be an away win but I will put my neck on the line and back the draw, and go for very few goals.

Recommendations:
Back the draw @ [3.70]
Back under 2.5 goals
Back 0-0

Elsewhere, I quite like the MK Dons to bounce back after a run of four games without a win. They trade at a decent [2.20] to beat Cheltenham.

My romantic side has also come up, and I fancy Leyton Orient for a 1-0 at home to Yeovil this weekend after their excellent midweek victory against the MK Dons.

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