English Football League / Alan Dudman / 08 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

Leicester are a good price to win the division, Southend come back down to earth with a banjo and for those of us who have been wondering who in their right mind would buy seafood from Iceland, the answer lies within Alan Dudman's League One preview...

This week, and what a cold week it has been, I have been poked, owned and had my lollipop sucked. If all those were real it would have made for a fairly interesting seven days. Sadly, it was all on facebook, and like many 30-somethings, I still am yet to really get to grips with the whole shebang.

Apparently my lollipop has been sucked for 40 points. Whatever that means.

Oh, and someone sent me a gift of a Beagle. Hmmmm. Not the most practical of presents, although it reminded me of those smoking Beagles that used to play snooker in those old paintings.

See - I am a man of the arts. I have seen Renoir's 'Nightwatch', I love the work of Matisse, and last year saw the Hockney exhibition.......but gimme a picture of a dog in a silly hat playing snooker any day.

So from the big two of Renoir and Matisse (I am sure they would be absolutely delighted to be phrased in that way) to the big League One duo of Leeds and Leicester for this week's action.

Leciester City [1.40] versus Leyton Orient [9.80], the draw [5.30]

One of the main factors for looking at this game was that it would not be falling to the weather, as Leicester's state of the art ground will more than be able to cope with the sub-zero temperatures.

I actually could have gone to watch the Foxes in action last week, via a detour to 'Thornley Manor'....which would have been part of my 'Auf Wiedersehen Pet' tour of the Midlands. Admittedly a short tour, having taken in 'The Barley Mow' and 'Cross Keys Hotel' during the past five years. .

Anyway, my brother went instead, and told me it was one of the worst games he had ever seen....and he has seen me play too.

Leicester trade as [1.98] to win the division, and I have to say I am severely tempted to weigh in big time on that price. With boss Nigel Pearson set to spend in the transfer window, I make them a bit shorter in my book. He'll be hoping to hang on to 23-goal striker Matt Fryatt during the transfer window and, if he does, that price is a giveaway.

No such giveaways however for this Saturday, with the home side as short as Tom Cruise in the outright match odds. Leicester do not concede at home, whilst Orient are powder-puff on their travels, having netted nine times from 12 games.

Striker DJ Campbell has left for Blackpool on loan, whilst the division's leading scorer Fryatt missed last week's draw with Palace due to an ankle injury.

With those two playing I would fancy lots of goals, without those two we are left with the immobile Steve Howard to stand and deliver, or more stand, and stand very still.

I actually think Orient are way over-priced for this and could be tempted into a couple of quid if I ask for [10.00], but having looked at the game quite closely, I fancy Leicester to keep a
clean sheet and not score many.

Recommendations: Back Leicester to win 1-0 and 2-0 (both at [7.6])

Leeds United [1.64] versus Carlisle United [7.20], the draw [7.20]

If Leeds were playing Carlisle five weeks ago I would have backed the away team outright. However, under new boss Simon Grayson, the Whites are a totally different proposition.

Nicknamed 'Larry', the former Blackpool boss has had an immediate impact on the two games he has been in charge for. Drawing with Leicester and winning at Stockport.

They have already improved defensively under Grayson, in fact they have 'shut that door' much tighter, that door of course being the defensive one.

Leeds beat the Cumbrians 2-0 earlier in the season, messrs Bechio and Beckford both scored that day. And the great news if you are backing Leeds this weekend is that Beckford (who has hit 19 goals this season), is set to start, and thus renewing his potent partnership with the South American.

Beckford's absence coincided with Leeds' miserable run of results that ultimately cost Gary McAllister his job. His return is a huge boost and Leeds need to win this to get their promotion hopes back on track.

Carlisle have improved under new boss Greg Abbott, who will be busy man in the transfer window trying to fend off interest from Swansea and Charlton in leading scorer Danny Graham.

A recent 0-0 against Oldham shows they are going the right way, but their form is okey-cokey. Goals have been a big problem away from Brunton Park, and with Leeds now a bit tighter, will struggle to pick up a win.

Oh and look out for young Fabian Delph of Leeds, the teenager has been brilliant this season, and according to reports is wanted by Manchester United and could be a £10million target during this transfer window.

Recommendations: Back Leeds to win 2-1 [9.40] and 3-1 [15.00]

Southend United [1.76] versus Crewe Alexandra [5.40], the draw [3.80]

Congratulations to Southend last weekend for their amazing 1-1 draw at Chelsea in the FA Cup, although with the replay looming next week, I am more than happy to take the Shrimpers on that price for the match with Crewe.

Southend may have scored at Stamford Bridge, but they cannot even see a banjo, let alone get near a barn door recently. They have mustered one goal in their last six games, and would you be taking [1.76] about them?

Boss Steve Tilson will be without striker Francis Laurent - who made a huge impact from the bench against Chelsea. He's out with a fractured ankle. Meanwhile, Damien Scannel and Richie Foran have returned to Roots Hall after their respective loan spells.

I backed Crewe in the FA Cup last week at Millwall and will back them again here. They were terrific at Hartlepool in their last league outing, and have shown they are capable of scoring on their travels.

Gudjon Thordasson has arrived from Iceland, and officially takes charge of his first game for the Alex. With a quartet of players coming back from injury, the away side could
be capable of providing a wee bit of a shock.

I wonder if Thordasson has bought any of those £5 Prawn platters with him? They look very tasty, and very good value for money.

Recommendations:
Back Crewe to win outright [5.40]
Back 0-0 [15.00], 0-1 [16.5] and 0-2 [34.00].

Post a comment

Name:

Email Address:

URL:

Remember personal info?

Comment: