League One Betting Preview: Marching into the Lions' Den

English Football League / Alan Dudman / 14 January 2010 / Leave a Comment

"The Saints like to attack, they are capable of scoring at the New Den and Alan Pardew will see this game as winnable."

As the snow thaws, the players are warming up for a long awaited return to action this weekend. Alan Dudman believes Saints could be dangerous at the New Den and Swindon are great value to keep their good run going.

I built a rather fine snowman at the weekend. My technique was perfected with the 'gather snow then roll it' method, and an hour later old Mr Frosty was standing at about 5 foot tall. I was very pleased with the fruits of my labour, only for some lousy kids to go and destroy it in the morning. Hmph.

Yes, hardly any sport at weekends has led to other forms of entertainment. It's true I have been struggling for things to do - I even found myself watching an episode of Maury the other day. What a fascinating programme.

Let's hope for better weather and no Maury this Saturday, as my leather gloves can't cope with another session in the snow. Ruined they were...

Millwall [2.56] v Southampton [2.94], the draw [3.40]

Kenny Jackett's Millwall head in to the weekend with an advantage over many in League One, and that is a recent game. The Lions went down bravely against Derby - going out 5-3 on penalties midweek, and Jackett will have to make sure there is no hangover as his side are aiming to cement their play-off prospects.

Millwall's home form has been good, they are organised, solid at the back
and a major threat from set-pieces. Striker Steve Morison has looked good, it's a pity he hasn't managed to find an ideal partner up front. Defensively, especially at home, the Lions are very hard to break down - and Southampton will have a tough task on their hands.

The Saints like to attack, and they could be capable of scoring at the New Den. Alan Pardew's side haven't played since their FA Cup victory over Luton, and prior to that
they had two very tough away games at Colchester and Leeds. Pardew will see this as
winnable.

I have eulogised the merits of forward Rickie Lambert (linked with Newcastle this week), but it's defensively they caught my eye over the past few days. The arrival of Jose Fonte from Crystal Palace is a top piece of business. The 26-year-old centre-back is a big coup
for Southampton - and he looks too good for League One.

The Saints could nick this, and I've agonised over backing them. I think they can score in London, but Millwall are quite a tough unit to break down.

Selected bets: Back the draw @ [3.40]
Back 1-1 @ [8.00]

Swindon Town [1.77] v Gillingham [3.80], the draw [5.40]

Swindon look terrific value at [1.77] to continue their fine run of recent home form this Saturday. Danny Wilson's side are scoring a few and they played really well at Fulham during their FA Cup third round defeat.

Although they haven't played since then, they have managed to train, and Wilson is fairly
confident the game will go ahead this Saturday despite all this poor weather. I have been
mighty impressed with loan arrival Alan Sheehan from Leeds. Quality left-sided players are a rare commodity in this division - his influence has contributed to the team's excellent run of form.

Gillingham tonked Swindon 5-0 on the opening day of the season. That won't be happening at all - well not on their travels anyway. Mark Stimson's side are poor away from home and have scored just nine times all season.

Swindon have got more than enough to keep them at bay, and some pokes on corrects scores based on clean sheets would be the plays here.

Selected bets: Back Swindon to win @ [1.77]
Back 1-0 [8.00], 2-0 [11.00]

Huddersfield Town [1.58] v Southend United [7.00], the draw [4.20]

The Terriers are unbeaten at the Galpharm, and tackle Southend with the joint best
home defence in the division, and the ability to train indoors all week. Southend had a spell of five days without training, and find goals hard to come by away from Roots Hall.

Suggested bets: Back Huddersfield to win 2-0 [11.00] and 2-1 [13.00]