English Football League / Alan Dudman / 24 December 2009 /

Alan Dudman tells us why he's not the only one drooling about Arsenal's young goalkeeper, currently on loan at Brentford. Plus why Norwich's super home form is unlikely to come to an end against Millwall.

Gillingham [2.30] versus Brentford [3.60], the draw [3.45]

I'll go into the merits of Gillingham shortly, but I will tell you a name and I want you to promise me you'll remember it in about four years. Wojciech Szczseny is the man, and this fella is one of the best keepers outside the Premier League. Well he's already in it really.

He's on loan at Brentford from Arsenal, but I guarantee he'll be the number one at the Emirates for years to come. I was alerted to this 19-year-old a while ago from a friend who works for the Gunners tv station, and the Griffin Park faithful now know that they've got a good one.

The 19-year-old Polish international has just extended his stay, and his six games since arriving have resulted in four clean sheets, with one of the best displays ever witnessed during Brentford's 1-0 win over MK Dons. Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger has already called him a potential star, and the training staff are drooling over him at both grounds.

Away from Szczseny, Brentford have embarked on a fine run since losing to Wycombe. Andy Scott's team aren't conceding, but they are nicking games 1-0, although they've never been a side to put in the overs bets before that.

Gillingham in the meantime are a real solid proposition at home, keeping plenty of clean sheets during an eight-match unbeaten run. In short, I think Brentford will be set up with Gillingham trying to break them down. Unders look a sensible play to cover any bets, with the odd goal likely to win this. Both teams are confident, and I probably prefer Brentford.

Suggested bets:

Back under 2.5 goals at [1.80]
Back 1-0 either way at [8.00] and [11.00]

Norwich City [1.76] versus Millwall [5.20], the draw [4.00]

A tried and trusted formula to many this season would have been backing Norwich at
home. They've racked up seven successive wins at Carrow Road with some brilliant football, and I see no reason to change it this time around. And [1.76] is an excellent price considering Leeds are usually around [1.40] at Elland Road.

As much I admire Millwall and their battling qualities (see Charlton last Saturday), this game might be too much. I think Norwich are the best footballing side in League One, we saw that in the recent second-half dismantling of Huddersfield recently.

Amazingly Paul Lambert has chalked up 41 points since he took over late in August. His management style is working wonders with an exciting crop of young players. I still fancy them for the title at [9.20].

Millwall were ultra-brave coming back to snatch a draw at Charlton. I worry they concede
a few too many, but I do like them as a team...just not against Norwich.

Back Norwich to win [1.76]
Back over 2.5 goals @ [1.89]
Back 3-1 [18.00], 2-0 [12.00]

Yeovil Town [2.08] versus Wycombe Wanderers [4.00], the draw [3.50]

Yeovil boss Terry Skiverton was described this week as one of the 'brightest young
managers in the game'. Although I wouldn't quite go that far, he certainly is one of the
more exciting up-and-coming younger brigade of coach.

The Glovers are good at home, and deserve a bit of luck having played great against the better teams in the division (MK Dons, Norwich and Charlton). Interestingly they are one of the few teams in the league that employ a diamond formation. The 4-1-2-1-2 usually works Sam Williams up front with Dean Bowditch, and it's a combo that has carved out many more the chances since the last time I wrote about them.

Skiverton mentioned this week that the results will come, and I tend to agree and think
they are one of the better home bets this holiday.

Suggested bets:

Back Yeovil @ [2.08]
Back Yeovil 1-0 [9.00] and 2-0 [13.00]

And Merry Xmas

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