English Football League / Alan Dudman / 17 December 2009 /

December is a cruel month in English League football but who should expect a bitter weekend and for whom will there be some early seasonal cheer? Alan Dudman reports.

I've been busy with Christmas cards this week, but Charlton keeper Rob Elliott won't be getting one after a rather bizarre 90th minute own-goal last Saturday. Is there anything worse than a last minute goal when just about to land a correct score? I don't think so.

Christmas is a period that can define a team's push for promotion, it's also a time for proper English league stuff. It was never a month I enjoyed when I played, as a bit of a fancy-Dan winger I was never too keen on the cold afternoons on boggy pitches with tackles flying in. December reminds me of a time I strode out on to the pitch with gloves, headband, roll-neck under shirt, leggings, high socks and silver boots. A member in the crowd called me a spice boy - I replied 'ah thanks very much'. I presumed it was his way of passing me a compliment........

Norwich City [2.12] v Huddersfield [3.65], the draw [3.70]

What a cracking game to look forward to, third against fifth, and a return to Carrow Road for the
Huddersfield manager Lee Clark.

Having backed Norwich last weekend, I was miffed to see Yeovil bang in three goals
in what was a far too entertaining game at Huish Park. However, I am delighted to see them back on home soil - where they have been imperious. Read wins of 2-0, 4-1, 2-0, 5-1, 4-0.

Huddersfield are brilliant at home, and not so brilliant away. Saturday's 2-1 win against Gillingham was adequate if not slightly flat, although it once again showed the excellent front pairing of Lee Novak and Jordan Rhodes - who work tirelessly in creating opportunities for themselves. Mind you, messrs Holt and Martin have 30 between them for the Norfolk side!

The Terriers will be 'giving it a go' according to their boss, and I am hoping for an open game with
both teams well capable of scoring plenty. Clark will sadly be missing influential midfielder Antony Kay, although Anthony Pilkington returns from suspension.

With both teams likely to use wingers and stretch the game, I am hoping to use a cover bet
on over 2.5 goals at about [1.80] to have a go at some high correct scorelines.

Recommendations: Back Norwich to win [2.12]
Back 3-1 [18.50], 2-1 [13.00] 3-2 [24.00]

Charlton Athletic [1.85] v Millwall [4.80], the draw [4.00]

A meaty, mouth-watering London derby coming up this weekend, and the first time these two have met in 13 years...doesn't time fly?

Charlton were comfortable recently against Stockport, Millwall were less comfortable against Walsall...grinding out a 2-1 win. The Lions are keeping touch with the play-off places, but seem a bit away from their form of last season.

The Addicks are strong all-round, and focus on two good centre-halves, with two strong midfielders screening. They've got one of my favourite players outside the Prem in Sam Sodje - arguably one of the best headers of a ball I have seen in the flesh.

Millwall's away form would worry me - with just one win on their travels, whilst I like
the Addicks, and the work Phil Parkinson is doing. However, taking a punt on the game,
I might rely on the fact that Millwall tend to do well against the better teams, in the bigger games. They'll hunt and bite in the middle of the park, and they might be able
to nab a draw.

Recommendations: Back the draw @ [4.00]
Back 1-1 @ [8.00]

Elsewhere, Southampton look a decent price at [4.20] to beat Leeds. This might tell us how good Alan Pardew's side have become. Walsall are interesting too at home to Leyton Orient - and I'll be backing them to win 1-0 and 2-1.

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