English Football League / Alan Dudman / 09 October 2008 /

Al Dudman's feeling the Whigfield vibes in his League One betting preview as the division prepares for live national exposure.

T'was the great Whigfield who once said: "Saturday night, I feel the air is getting hot, like you baby. It's party time and not one minute we can lose, be my baby. Da ba ba dan dee dee da nee na na na - be my baby" x 3.

Beautiful, poignant and yet haunting you will agree, and it is my temperature that is rising ahead of Saturday's feast of hot action. Yes brothers, we have a live Sky game on offer this weekend (x 1), so let's get hot, hot, hot.

It's the MK Dons [1.97] entertaining Carlisle [4.00] for the lunchtime kick-off at 12.15, lunchtime for some but most certainly breakfast for me after Friday night. But well done to Sky for picking this one, it could be an absolute belter.

Initial impressions were that Carlisle look a massive price for such a good team, but they appear to have followed a trend like a few teams in recent weeks and gone in to freefall. The Cumbrians have lost their last four and have slipped to 11th in the table.

Manager John Ward has a quality squad and must be wondering what on earth has happened to a side deemed worthy enough to be mentioned as title contenders only a few weeks ago. Injuries have not helped, and Ward is sweating on the fitness of several key men ahead of Saturday's game. Captain Paul Thirlwell and fragile striker
Michael Bridges both picked up knocks during midweek JPT action, whilst the treatment room has in attendance messrs Dobie, Murphy and Bridge-Wilkinson.

The hosts MK Dons however could feature in an episode of Roald Dahl's 'Tales of the Unexpected'. Two results this week pretty much sums them up - a brilliant 4-0 away victory at in-form Millwall last Saturday, then midweek defeat to League Two side Bournemouth in the Trophy.

Roberto Di Matteo's men are actually better on their travels, winning three times, but I can see them getting it right at home against Carlisle and I would be a backer of them at around the mark of evens. They play football the correct way, brilliant on the counter attack and look one of the best teams in the division when they get it right.

The Dons will be missing midfielder Flavien Belson through suspension, but I am looking forward to seeing on-loan winger Luke Chadwick make his second start for the club. The former Manchester United man ran the show last week against Millwall, so I'll be hoping for him to pull the strings this Saturday.

Oh, and with this being a Sky game, there are many more markets than the norm for League One matches. I like the look of many of the goal offerings as I think there could be plenty in this one. The Dons have netted 16 times thus far, whilst Carlisle are leaking at the moment like a bad fridge. Back the over goals 2.5 and 3.5.

Off to Gloucestershire next, and Cheltenham [2.54] do battle with Colchester [2.80]. I've previously mentioned Cheltenham who have now had five games under new boss Martin Allen. I said they would pick up, and pick up they have.

Allen has taken them off the bottom and managed to collect five points - which is more than they had managed prior to his appointment.

Canny loan signing Scott Murray has extended his stay for two months, whilst recent additions Darren Kenton and James Wesolowski really strengthen the Robins squad. When I like a side, I tend to lay the other team, so be against Colchester at [2.80], and have a tickle at 2-1 for the home team.

Finally Tranmere face Millwall, and it's a game the visitors should win if they bounce back to form. The Lions got thumped last week, but it was a bad day at the office and hopefully they can rediscover their winning touch. Tranmere have pace and width but are inconsistent so I will lay them at [2.28].

And remember what Whigfield said: "Da da dee da da dee, dee daa daa, da da dee."

Beautiful man, just beautiful.

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