English Football League / Alan Dudman / 03 September 2009 / Leave a Comment

It's safe to say that Alan Dudman won't be taking up wrestling any time soon, but as far as League One action goes this weekend, Al thinks Charlton are different gravy. Best Bet: Back Charlton 2-0 at 8.5 and 3.0 at 12.5.

There are two things I wouldn't want to mess with right now. I certainly wouldn't want to pick a fight with Charlton at the moment, neither would I with newly crowned World Gravy Wrestling Champion - Stone Cold Steve Bisto.

Bisto lifted the crown drenched in 440 gallons at the Rose 'n' Bowl pub in Stackhead at the weekend. Such slippery nonsense and mischief fully deserved a mention today, even if it didn't quite make it on to Sky. Luckily for us, Charlton do. And I am looking forward to seeing a new-look Addicks this Saturday lunchtime, plus a whole load of live TV markets to get tucked into. Ahhhh Bisto.

Charlton Athletic [1.65] versus Brentford [6.4]

Phil Parkinson was under a bit of pressure at the start of the season, if he didn't get results as expected - he could have found himself an early casualty. The Addicks however have responded superbly, as has Parkinson, which tells us a lot about his character.

Five wins from five, Charlton also managed to keep hold of their best young players during the recent transfer window. I have heard good things about Jonjo Shelvey, whilst Nicky Bailey has always been on my radar as a decent midfielder. With a couple of players added this week in the shape of Sam Sodje (excellent centre-back), and Leon McKenzie, they are beginning to look the real deal.

It's pointless me flagging up Charlton at value this Saturday at [1.65], but they are taking on a Brentford side who are struggling a bit for goals. Bees boss Andy Scott has been linked to the vacant Barnsley job this week, but matters on the pitch for us are more interesting as the west Londoners could be without several first teamers.

Charlton have fielded the same team every week thus far, this shouldn't change. Neither
should their resolve at the back which has served them well.

*Recommendations: Back Charlton to win 2-0 @ [8.5] and 3-0 @ [12.5]

Norwich City [1.68] versus Walsall [6.00]

Time to deal with another of the big boys (no, not Stone Cold).

The Canaries are much more like it under new boss Paul Lambert. A quick repair job has seen them rise up the table, and looking thoroughly professional in doing so.

No transfers or deals this week for Lambert, bar seeing expensive flop Dejan Stefanovic leave. Fans will be pleased with that. On the pitch, they are two from two under the new boss and are looking defensively so much stronger. Was this the same team that conceded seven to Colchester?

This is a different animal in green and gold. Under Lambert they have collected two clean sheets and three straight wins, the players have got the confidence back. They are working far better with the ball, and more determined off it.

Walsall meanwhile cannot score in open play. They mustered one solitary attempt at goal last weekend at Gillingham, whilst skipper Mark Hughes won't be fit in time.

*Recommendations: Back Norwich/Norwich Half time/Full time @ [2.60]; Back 2-0 @ [7.9] and 3-0 @ [11.5]

Yeovil Town [2.69] versus Swindon Town [2.80]

Yeovil boss Terry Skiverton has got his side playing more attacking this season, and the stats are plain to see. Three home games yielding a total goal output of 10, makes them quite an attractive 'overs' team at the moment.

They've lost midfielder Danny Schofield this week to Millwall, and although they have been a bit open for my liking in some of the games (read Orient), they are taking on a young and inexperienced Swindon side that are more than capable of leaking on their travels.

*Recommendations: Back Over 2.5 Goals @ [1.82]

Carlisle United [2.12] versus Tranmere Rovers [3.75]

Bar the Orient game, Carlisle have been fairly consistent. They battered Exeter and were unlucky. Meanwhile Tranmere are just getting battered and the pressure is now well and truly on John Barnes.

Barnes' philosophy of pass and move, attractive, flowing football is great in theory, unfortunately one deadline signing of Marlon Broomes doesn't reek of 'total football'.

His style isn't working, plainly because he hasn't got the quality he is used to from his
own playing days. Tranmere look short on confidence, whilst defensively looking quite frail.

Carlisle welcome back Tom Taiwo and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson. The latter is one of the more creative players in League One, whilst Taiwo forms a solid midfield partnership with skipper Paul Thirlwell. I don't like laying [3.75] shots, but in this case, Tranmere look prime for that.

*Recommendations: Lay Tranmere @ [3.75]

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