English Football League / Ian Lamont / 12 January 2012 /

Ian Lamont explains why he's putting his faith in the Dons to improve their fortunes and wonders if the Robins can take three points without their controversial boss on the touchline.

Port Vale [1.92] AFC Wimbledon [4.3] draw [3.65]

Looking for value, it might just pay to oppose Port Vale. This is all on the Wimbledon angle. Surely their bad run cannot last for ever? Boss Terry Brown says, having reached the Football League, sentiment cannot be relied upon. The same cuts his way - if he does not perform then he could go. Some spectators think he is still employing the non-league tactics that won promotion. Whatever the problems, he has shown real intent to break the losing streak this week by signing striker Byron Harrison from Stevenage for a record, undisclosed, fee. Also arriving, Jason Euell on loan from Charlton, for five weeks. He is sure to get a good reception from the fans who saw him start his career at Wimbledon. Both arrive to replace an injury strike-force. Frequently, new forwards strike goals on their first appearance at a new club. One out of two would delight Dons fans.

Recommended bets: Lay Port Vale at [1.92]

Rotherham [3.0] Swindon [2.56] draw [3.45]

Let's take the emotion out of football. Apparently Paolo Di Canio's celebration was overzealous against Northampton, so he won't be pitch side for the visit to the Don Valley. This is a test of whether his side can get a result without him gesticulating from a distance they can hear. I am sure he has enough backroom staff to get his message across. In any case, his players will not want to face his wrath afterwards if they fail here. I expect they can earn something on this trip, especially with the Italian seemingly getting the best out of Alan Connell, the much-travelled 25-year-old who has scored in the past three games. Three straight wins to rectify a defeat at Torquay confirms Swindon's fantastic form - one defeat in 16 league and FA Cup games. Wins have been harder to come by on the road and Rotherham have a strong home record of late, winning three out of four and only losing and conceding against Crawley in the other. Lewis Grabban will want to continue to set the division alight and Sam Wood is also playing a big part for Andy Scott. Both teams are eyeing at least the play-off and this could well end level.

Recommended bet: Back the draw at [3.45].

Accrington [.81] Barnet [5] draw [3.75]

When layers suddenly see Accrington as an odds-on shot they have caught up with what followers of League Two already know - that they are hard to beat and likely to win. But it is also time to worry. Unfortunately, it is hard to see enough chinks for them to come unstuck against Barnet. There are many matters in the hosts' favour, such as six wins and two draws in eight unbeaten games and four clean sheets. In fact, they very rarely concede more than once. Izale McLeod might be among their opponents this weekend, but the league's top scorer does not hit the net against everyone. The Bees have three straight defeats on the road. There is mileage in the "back the form team" mantra yet.

Recommended bet: Back Accrington to beat Barnet at [1.81]

Plymouth [2.7] Burton [2.84] draw [3.45]

I considered taking Southend to win at revived Northampton but have plumped for the chancier bet of Argyle to take advantage of the stuttering Brewers. Paul Peschisolido's team have, surprisingly, not scored in three games. Carl Fletcher will fancy his chances of starting to fulfil my tip this week to lay his side for relegation, if his team - who score regularly - can answer the call to be tighter at the back https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16469652.stm. I think they should enough revived spirit of their own to give it a go after their FA Cup exit, with Nick Chadwick saying it could only a return to Argyle that could have persuaded him to move his family from Stockport.

Recommended bet: Back Plymouth to beat Burton at [2.7]

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