English Football League / Alan Dudman / 28 January 2010 /

Alan Dudman reminds us that Leeds are yet to win a league match in January whilst Swindon are carring some serious momentum, can win this weekend and seriously push Simon Grayson's men in terms of finishing top of the pile.

Despite the FA Cup heroics of Leeds United, there is a major worry at the moment for the Elland Road club. An alarming 3-0 defeat at Swindon in midweek has seen Simon Grayson's side drift out to about [2.10] for the title, the biggest price they've been for some time. However, the facts are plain, Leeds haven't won a league game in January.

Hunting them down fast are Norwich ([2.52]) and even Swindon themselves....who can be backed at [5.20] for promotion. This wouldn't be an overreaction to the Leeds win, as Danny Wilson's men have real momentum heading in to 'make or break' time.

Southend United [2.96] versus Swindon Town [2.58], the draw [3.40]

It's a pity Swindon spanked Leeds on Tuesday, as the price to win at Southend would have been nearer the [3.00] mark. Yes, the Yorkshire giants looked jaded, disorganised and distracted at the County Ground, but Swindon looked potent, efficient and hard working. And with messrs Austin and Paynter in rude health in front of goal, they must be followed for the coming month.

It wasn't just the victory, it was the manner of the win that will give them a huge amount of
confidence for the trip to Roots Hall.

Southend just can't get going. Tuesday's defeat at Millwall showed exactly what they are about: two sloppy goals, and not enough firepower to score them. Losing Lee Barnard (17 goals) to Southampton was a blow that will take some recovery. Manager Steve Tilson described the sitiuation recently as 'boys doing the work of men'. I think their prospects look bleak, and can see Swindon scoring twice here.

Suggested bets:

Back Swindon to win @ [2.58]
Back 1-2 [13.00] and 0-2 @ [17.00]

Oldham Athletic [2.54] versus Brentford [3.15], the draw [3.35]

I wrote about Brentford a few weeks ago, and described them as a highly competent and
organised side that lack the goals to push them in to play-off contention. I don't think they are quite there yet, but the signs are very positive from the Bees.

Andy Scott has worked marvels at Griffin Park on a tight budget. His loan purchases have been canny - his tactics seem to be spot on. I remember interviewing him as a player, and the impression he created on me then suggested he would always develop in to a decent coach.

With a solid backline marshalled superbly by Arsenal's Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny, I think they look a proper bet this weekend to get a result up at Boundary Park. They have an excellent defensive record which I cannot see penetrated on Saturday. They were unlucky against Southampton on Tuesday night, and with the recent loan addition of Lionel Ainsworth can perhaps elevate themselves into a play-off side?

Oldham at least showed improvement recently at Millwall, but the Achilles heel of not being able to score is all too prevalent. Brentford can shut them out here en route to a tidy 1-0 hopefully.

Suggested bets:

Back Brentford to win @ [3.15]
Back 0-0 [9.50], 0-1 [9.50]

Elsewhere this weekend, Yeovil ([3.40]) entertaining Huddersfield ([2.34]) could represent a good opportunity for the Terriers to start winning on their travels. Yeovil are good at home, despite conceding too many for my liking. Tactically they can't get it right either, so a sensible play would be to look to overs. Norwich at [1.32] in the meantime are rampant, and for once I will refrain from drooling over the Canaries. However, they must backed to win, keeping a clean sheet against Hartlepool.

Suggested bets:

Back over 2.5 goals Yeovil v Huddersfield @ [1.94] and 2-2 @ [15.00]
Back Norwich to beat Hartlepool 1-0 [7.00] and 2-0 [7.00]

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