League One Tips: Back Cook to have an instant impact with Ipswich

U's can get back on track against Addicks

Oxford United v Charlton Athletic
Saturday 6th March, kick-off 15:00

Opposing Charlton was costly on Tuesday, but I maintain their price was all wrong at nearly evens. Saturday is a bit more realistic in terms of where they are at, especially as the 0-1 success against the Latics was their ninth victory on the road compared to just four at the Valley.

But I've struggled to get a handle on them all season.

Oxford's ridiculous winning spell is over, and their depleted team earned a point against Peterborough in midweek. It was an Oxford performance that reminded me of the two play-off games last season against Portsmouth; all the ball, none of the chances.

The U's have hit the Under 2.5 target with all four of their previous games including a couple of 0-0 correct scores, but if they can find a cutting edge on Saturday their price at 2.35/4 is attractive.

Lee Bowyer has tried to take the pressure off his players, but it was interesting he was another manager that said Wigan move the ball well and are a decent side. Darren Ferguson said exactly the same thing. And while Bowyer earned a bit of breathing space on Tuesday, the home win looks likely and so does the Under 2.5 price at 1.855/6.

Oppose short price on Hull with Barton

Hull City v Bristol Rovers
Saturday 6th March, kick-off 15:00

Hull are still floating around the summit of League One, still three points behind the leaders Peterborough. However, a run of three wins from eight is not a run of champions and as we know, the Tigers are prone to the odd slip up. Usually when I back them.

The relentless toll of the Saturday/Tuesday games is causing plenty of unpredictable results in an unpredictable league, which is why I quite fancy an upset here.

The hosts are too short at 1.501/2 to back, but Bristol Rovers under Joey Barton are massive. The win odds 7.26/1 of course bring into play a go at the Draw No Bet - and we are getting 5.509/2 there.

Barton was scathing about Tuesday's opponents Burton and their long-ball game. Scathing wasn't the word. He hated every minute of it. In a strange way, this fixture could suit a little better. They've drawn five on the road and won three, so they are not no-hopers, and while I recognise my record with Hull is hopeless, three wins from eight doesn't warrant a 1/2 price.

Town can keep run going with Cook now at the helm

Gillingham v Ipswich Town
Saturday 6th March, kick-off 13:00

I haven't quite understood why Gillingham always kick-off earlier. Anyway, Steve Evans will be basking in his tactical masterstroke of switching things around against the MK Dons on Tuesday to earn a 3-2 win. Evans said his team had freedom to play, that's not quite the case reading Russell Martin's comments - who said the Gills hardly had a kick.

I quite fancy the MK Dons for the title next season.

Ipswich are in town for Paul Cook's first official game in charge since replacing Paul Lambert. It was never quite a fit with the Scot, who supplied some dire football and had virtually no connection with the fans. A swift change in culture is needed, and Cook is certainly more of an optimist than Lambert even though he can't quite match his playing career.

Cook was in the stands for Tuesday's win at Accrington, and Ipswich are in form with just one defeat from eight. Whether Cook can change Town's sometimes slow, ponderous play in a few weeks is tough, but we might see more of a spring in their step and they do have some good young players. I particularly like the centre-back on loan from Arsenal, although he hasn't featured since the Northampton game.

Gillingham's home matches are usually games that throw up goals, with 5/6 recently finding the Under 2.5 target. But I am happy playing the away win at 2.35/4, as Cook might just start to work his magic in time for a promotion push.