League One Betting Preview: 'It's got to be automatic'

English Football League / Alan Dudman / 23 April 2009 / Leave a Comment

Leicester are up, Hereford are down, Baudet heads for MLS, Sharks provide cash for policing, and Cheltenham continue to tweak the nose of relegation with an amazing run of form. Yes - it's another quiet week in League One, writes Alan Dudman. Best Bet: Back Crewe to beat Stockport @ [2.16].

For those people out there who call themselves 'crazy' or 'zany' (and those who do are anything but), just take a look at this lot and their results, and you will soon realise you gotta lot of catching up to do.

Yes, we are nearly at the end of the campaign, but there are still one or two nasty surprises left in store. This week I hope it isn't the automatic chasing Posh, or the must win Alex of Crewe.

Colchester United [5.80] v Peterborough [1.58], the Draw [3.9]

Darren Ferguson wants automatic, and I am not talking about the Pointer Sisters and their fine disco tune of the same name. "No way to control it - it's got to be automatic...da da da"

Ferguson can control it, Posh can control it, and if they win on Saturday and MK Dons slip up, then the London Road boys will clinch back-to-back promotions on a roller coaster ride to The Championship.

I am still reeling from the penalty debacle at Millwall when I last backed Posh, although worringly that night, barely a chance was created. In short, that has set the tone for the two games since. Held by Cheltenham, and a scrappy 1-0 win over Stockport, it has given those backers of promotion one or two wobbles. Peterborough are hardly flying with wings, more without. And I hate that song.

Colchester meanwhile have been so poor at home this season, that I reckon the Pointer Sisters could have got a game at one point. They've lost half their games in the new stadium, and if it wasn't for some excellent away displays - relegation most certainly would have been an issue.

I have backed Colchester a couple of times this term, and at one point I genuinely thought they had turned the corner and could have hunted down a play-off place. However, their season has ended with a whimper, and one of my favourite-ever players, Matt Lockwood, still cannot get a game!

Us boss Paul Lambert stated the importance of staying in the division this week. I take that as their job is done for the season and Posh really have them there for the taking.

Peterborough have Gabi Zakauni fit again, and George Boyd was back to his best in the first-half against Stockport recently. I won't desert the boysin blue, and they can grind out a much needed win to all but seal promotion.

Recommendations: Back Peterborough to win 1-0
Back under 2.5 goals

Stockport County [2.82] v Crewe Alexander [2.16], the Draw [3.14]

Cash-strapped Stockport haven't won for two months, and their financial problems nearly lead to Friday's game against Crewe being played behind closed doors. Thankfully, Sale Sharks (who share the ground), have stumped up the £10,000 to cover the policing costs.

This is County's last home game of the season, and it's a final chance for the excellent supporters to see a side full of kids - and very good ones at that. Jim Gannon has been fire-fighting for most of the season, with injuries to senior players, and having to sell senior players. The efforts of manager, club and youngsters must be applauded.

However, I have to back Crewe this weekend as they have simply got to win
to stay in the division. Gudjon Thordasson has relished the challenge of keeping them up, and he's nearly there.

Goals have dried up badly in recent weeks, but GT and the players are making all the right noises. Anthony Elding could make a surprise start up front and with Pope and Donaldson hopefully both fit, they can have a good go at Stockport.

Thordasson summed it up this week by saying: "It will be the most important game some of the players will have ever played in." OK, not quite Churchill, but good enough for me.

Recommendations: Back Crewe to win @ [2.16]