League One Betting: Leeds can be de-railed at Crewe

English Football League / Alan Dudman / 19 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

As "another one bites the dust" in the form of Oldham boss John Sheridan, Alan Dudman looks at how the club will get on under new boss Joe Royle this weekend, plus how Leeds may fare away to a much-improved Crewe Alexandra.

Come in managerial change number 13! It's the turn of Oldham Athletic in this week's column - following the news that John Sheridan has parted company with the Latics. Whether it's the right decision is very much open to debate - just nine defeats all season and still in the play-off hunt seems harsh to me - but Shez has gone and 'The Messiah' is back.

That 'Messiah' of course is Joe Royle, the man who managed the club so successfully back in the 1980s - taking them from a struggling Second Division side to a Premier League outfit in 12 years - and giving me many a great memories as a child. Oldham's cup runs were epic, as were Ian Marshall's rather meaty sideburns.....ahhh happy days.

Royle has spoken of the prospect of returning to Wembley in the play-offs as too good an opportunity to turn down. They trade at [11.00] to gain promotion this season (having hit as low as evens after a blistering start). And if they get there, I for one will feel rather sorry for Sheridan, a man who played and preached the correct way.

Oldham Athletic [2.24] versus Tranmere Rovers [3.6] The draw [3.35]

Oldham look short enough judged on recent form (one win in six), and after the 6-2 mauling at the hands of MK Dons last week, confidence will be low. However, the price probably represents the 'Royle' factor, as well as Tranmere's appalling lack of goals away from Prenton Park.

If you are looking at punting Oldham post-season, no doubt you will factor in Royle's long absence from the game, as well as his lack of knowledge of League One. Two slightly worrying aspects for this week.

However, Royle has swiftly used his old Ipswich connections, and has brought in goalkeeper Shane Supple on loan, as well as former Town midfielder Ian Westlake - both could start this Saturday.

Big Joe said in his first press conference: "Everyone knows I like attacking football. My sides always score goals, and we will go for it." I certainly hope so.

Meanwhile Tranmere trade at [12.50] to gain promotion, and are above Oldham in the table, largely thanks to a really impressive home record.

I've liked them this season, as Ronnie Moore likes to go with two widemen. They can hit you on the counter attack and have speed, but they were outmuscled by Cheltenham on Tuesday night and are prone to being outbattled and roughed up on their travels.

They haven't won away from home for a while, and a paltry return of five goals from seven outside of the Wirral means they are unlikely to bang in a few on Saturday.

If it were at Prenton Park I would back Tranmere. But they are vulnerable here to a physical game and are worth opposing.

Recommendations: Lay Tranmere @ [3.45]; Back 2-0 [12.00], 2-1 [10.00]

Crewe Alexandra [3.7] versus Leeds United [2.14] The draw [3.65]

We have mentioned 'The Messiah' already, but what would you call Crewe boss Gudjon Thordason? I am not sure about coming up with an actual nickname - but words like astute, acumen, sagacity and wisdom all spring to mind as words to describe him.

His work at The Alex has been nothing short of spectacular. He's dragged them out of the relegation zone at a frenetic pace - and they are THE in-form team at the moment.

They should have beaten red hot Bristol Rovers in midweek and they look a totally different team to the one that got stuffed by Leeds 5-2 earlier in the season.

Crewe are now organised, strong and tough to play against. They are hard to beat and have the footballing equivalent to Alchemy........momentum.

Leeds defensively could be prone to Crewe's specialist area in recent weeks...the set-piece. I fancy the home side to nick a result here.

Recommendations: Lay Leeds @ [2.16];