English Football League / Alan Dudman / 13 November 2008 / Leave a Comment

Alan Dudman loses patience with the Whites, switches allegiances to the Foxes, braces himself for Feltz part II and wonders if a weekend defeat for Crewe could mean curtains for Steve Holland.

The scene was all set last Friday night, the soft lights were on, the scatter cushions were all in the correct position, drink in hand, scented candles leaving a whiff of Blueberry Scone, and Leeds blew it once again in front of the cameras. Typical!

Yes, the FA Cup clash last Friday proved to be another damp squid as far as myself and Leeds were concerned. Northampton had all kinds of injury problems prior to the match, yet Gary McAllister's side still couldn't put them away.

I mentioned prior to the match that the price of a 1-0 home win looked as enticing as Vanessa Paradis, but after conceding a tame opening goal, the bet was down, it felt like I was left with Vanessa Feltz....who promptly ate all my Doritos.

That was the Cup, now with the league......

The mighty Whites still top the League One Winner market, currently trading
at [3.4]. Leicester's midweek win against Yeovil saw them regain top spot and they are available to back at [3.5]. But I have had it with Leeds, and think the value is with the Foxes.

Moving on to this week's games, and I am very much in a laying mood....despite
that reference to Vanessa Feltz earlier.

Hereford United [2.42] v Cheltenham Town [3.05]

There are several teams we can get at this Saturday, first up we get back to basics and lay Hereford, who are easily the poorest team in the division. Graham Turner's men have proved to be rich pickings for most layers this season, having collected the maximum points from only two of 15 games.

The problem is simple, the Bulls cannot score. A paltry one goal in their last eight games is abysmal. I thought they would struggle this season, but I didn't envisage quite how badly.

Hereford have signed former England Under-21 keeper Matt Murray this
week on loan, which is an interesting signing, but it's up front they could do with some help, and I think it could be another blank this weekend.

Cheltenham have improved under Martin Allen but are still bracing themselves for a fight against relegation, although they certainly have the right man at the helm in Mad Dog.

The Robins held Oldham to a draw in the FA Cup last week, and have been playing well in the league despite defeats to Leeds, MK Dons and Scunthorpe. They could nick a win.

Recommendations:

Lay Hereford at [2.42]
Back Cheltenham to win 1-0

Bristol Rovers [2.74] v Scunthorpe [2.52]

The Friday night game this week and let's hope I have more luck seven days on or it could be Feltz part II.

Rovers have picked up recently - almost under the radar. Recent wins against Southend and Oldham have given them healthy form figures of one defeat in their last eight.

They've been pretty tight at the back this season at the Memorial but are facing a defensive injury crisis ahead of Friday night. Head coach Paul Trollope is definitely without messrs Pipe, Jacobson, Coles and Anthony, whilst Craig Hinton and Steve Elliott remain doubts.

Despite the normal brilliant evening atmosphere with the Gas playing at home, in-form Scunthorpe are primed to pick up the points. Incidentally the Iron manager Nigel Adkins has been linked with the vacant job at Huddersfield this week.

Recommendations: Lay Bristol Rovers @ [2.74]

Carlisle United [2.38] versus Brighton [2..82]

Carlisle's fall from grace since August has been disturbing, and the torturous 1-1 home draw with Grays in the Cup last week just about summed up how bad they are at the moment.

Lest we not forget Grays are in the Blue Sq Prem and have lost all of their nine games away from home, but travelling to Brunton Park they were within seven minutes of landing a famous victory.

Caretaker manager Greg Abbott faces a tough job to lift the players, who look absolutely rock bottom on confidence at the moment. A defeat at the weekend will see them drop into the relegation zone, and this from a side who were trading single figures for the
title after a brilliant August.

Carlisle have lost nine of their last 10 games and again are prime laying material for this Saturday.

Recommendations: Lay Carlisle at [2.38]

Crewe Alexandra [2.42] v Leyton Orient [3.05]

With Stan Ternent and John Ward recently parting company from their respective clubs, Crewe boss Steve Holland has been tipped to follow after a dreadful campaign thus far. Last week's Cup win against Ebbsfleet will do little to lift the mood, as the Railwaymen chase their first league win since September.

Orient are slowly improving thanks to the return of key defender Tamika Mkandawire, and have managed to cut down on leaking those silly goals.

Although Martin Ling's side don't score many on their travels, they might just be capable of stealing three points here and are definitely of interest in keeping a clean sheet..

Recommendations: Lay Crewe @ [2.42]
Back Leyton Orient to win 1-0

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