English Football League / Alan Dudman / 12 January 2012 /

There's a mouth-watering clash at the top of the table in League One this weekend and Alan Dudman believes it will be Sheffield Wednesday who will take the honours.

Bournemouth v Notts County, KO: Saturday 15:00, Match Odds: Bournemouth [2.1], Notts County [3.9], The Draw [3.6]

Last season Bournemouth made the play-offs, but were looking unlikely candidates to repeat that success a year on with some of their early form. However, manager Lee Bradbury has worked wonders (despite losing some of their key players from 12 months ago), and they've moved up to ninth. The Cherries incidentally are [9.2] for promotion, although tempting, probably unrealistic.

Under Bradbury, Bournemouth like to play a passing game, a style that was virtually rendered useless last Saturday at Walsall. The Banks's Stadium has a poor surface, and their 2-2 draw courtesy of a late equaliser from 'man of granite' Steve Fletcher was reward for a scrapping performance. The south coast club look a very fit side who are enjoying a run of just one defeat from their last seven games. Although Bradbury has improvised with his back four recently, they looked very strong at the back against Wycombe.

Notts County gained an excellent FA Cup win at Championship side Doncaster last weekend, but I always like to take on teams that have been successful against higher placed rivals. County have lost four of their last five matches in League One but have been playing well, and were good enough to hold divisional heavyweights Huddersfield 2-2 recently. Still, I fancy a home win this time.

Back Bournemouth to beat Notts County @ [2.1]

Leyton Orient v Chesterfield, KO: Saturday 15:00, Match Odds: Leyton Orient [2.04] Chesterfield [4.1], The Draw [3.6]

Orient look a team that take one step back and two forward, sometimes two forward and one back. Last weekend's 4-1 defeat at Carlisle was a classic example of this problem, as their two wins over the festive period came against Stevenage and league leaders Charlton.

The loss at Carlisle was horrible. Manager Russell Slade described their defending as ridiculous, and they conceded three very poor goals. Although the Os were good in beating Stevenage as they really had to mix it up physically, but they have struggled at various points this term against the lower ranked teams.

Chesterfield haven't won since their Johnstone's Paint Trophy success in November, and assistant boss Tommy Wright labelled his side's defending as 'all over the place' recently. The Spireites are bottom of the division with a squad that doesn't look strong enough for this league. They also have an upcoming Northern Area Final for the previously mentioned lower division trophy, and maybe their minds will be on a possible Wembley trip.

The Londoners will be without injured captain Stephen Dawson (ankle) and the suspended Ben Chorley, but they have a decent midfield and goalscorers in the line-up with the likes of Kevin Lisbie and Jamie Cureton.

Back Leyton Orient to beat Chesterfield @ [2.04]

Sheffield Wednesday v Charlton, KO: Saturday 15:00, Match Odds: Sheff Wed [2.4], Charlton [3.3], The Draw [3.4]

This is the hottest match of the weekend, with first meeting third in front of an expected bumper crowd at Hillsborough. The hosts can close the gap on the league leaders Charlton - who also have Sheffield neighbours United breathing down their necks. It's tight at the top.

Wednesday beat West Ham 1-0 in the FA Cup recently, and again highlighted how good they have been at home this season. Meanwhile Charlton crashed out 4-0 at the hands of Fulham - a scoreline not deserved, as they had chances and were in the game until two late goals. The angle of attack into this match is the two defences. The Owls have conceded just 10 goals at home this term, whilst the Addicks have shipped just 11 on their travels - the second best away from the Valley.

Both sets of teams are big and strong physically, and both have exceptional wingers with the likes of Ben Marshall and Danny Green (highlighted plenty of times here) to create their magic out wide. Owls boss Gary Megson bemoaned the lack of 'savvy' with the late goals conceded against Walsall and Huddersfield, but their response over Christmas with wins against Preston and Tranmere was superb - and more professional.

The hosts will limit the dangerous areas for Charlton, and are a huge threat at set-pieces with Reda Johnson who attacks the ball like a dentist hovering over a bad set of teeth. Wednesday are good enough to keep Charlton at bay here, and might be able to nick it, although goals might be hard to come by.

Back Sheff Wed to beat Charlton @ [2.4]
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ [2.04]
Back 1-0 Correct Score @ [10.0]

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