Premier League Tips

Walsall have risen to AFC Wimbledon's challenge and matched their seven goalless draws this season - they have recorded five in the past 10 games - and there is every chance of another game ending up level here.

The Saddlers must be seriously frustrating Micky Flynn. He felt they were "much improved" against Swindon, but they "need something to go for us" as their season peters out. Had they turned a few draws into wins, they would have been vying for a play-off position.

Midfielder Joe Riley admitted his boss was right to describe their recent defeat to Stevenage as "men against boys". Walsall have the attackers to score goals (Isaac Hutchinson and Matty Stevens are proven scorers), they just don't seem to be able to do so.

The reverse fixture in August was also nil-nil, but Gillingham only managed eight strikes in their first 24 games. Since, they have managed 17 in 14 matches and their points tally has been vastly improved, pulling them away from the bottom two.

Recruits such as Tom Nichols have helped Neil Harris's side, although Oli Hawkins revealed that he was surprised to be recruited from Mansfield as a striker, having played in defence for the past 18 months. The 31-year-old doesn't complain when he receives the adulation for scoring though.

The Gills haven't scored in three of their last four away, the other time beating Rochdale. They still have work to do to convince about their away form and would settle for a point.

Opta tell us that Harris' last two games against Walsall have ended goalless, while reporting that the hosts have not yet won at home on a Saturday in 2023. More pointers for a draw.

Back Walsall and Gillingham to draw @

3.211/5

Orient strong at home

Leyton Orient 1.75/7 v Colchester 6.611/2; the draw 3.9

Several teams are odds-on at home to win this weekend, which makes it hard to find value. After success the other week combing Bradford to win, under 2.5 goals and both teams to score "no", there has to be a similar strategy applied here. At least that gives us a chance of a good return at 2.9 on Sportsbook.

Under 2.5 goals seems a reasonable starting point. Orient's past six games have reaped 14 goals, while Colchester's have featured just six - and they have scored only once.

Richie Wellens' side are very capable of the win, with an array of possible scorers from George Moncur and Theo Archibald among those who could find an opening. Ruel Sotiriou, 22, is still making his mark and would love to step up to League One to test his skills.

Opta point out the hosts are unbeaten in 12 league games at Brisbane Road, keeping 10 clean sheets, while Colchester could lose five games in a row for the first time since January 2022.

Ross Embleton, a former Orient manager, has not seen his Colchester team score in five games, but they have conceded either none or once in 12 of their past 14 games. In the other two they let in just two. They are stubborn.

A bottom of the table slog is not what former Exeter captain Matt Jay signed up for, I am sure, and things will not get easier this Saturday.

Back a Sportsbook Bet Builder of Orient to win, under 2.5 goals and both teams to score "no"

2.9

Robins can pinch a win at Dale

Rochdale 3.412/5 v Swindon 2.47/5; the draw 3.55/2

It's taking a bit of a risk to back Swindon at Rochdale, but they might just eek out a victory.

A risk? Why you say? The Robins are in average form and do have some interesting recent results on their travels. They took a point at draw specialists Walsall, before that a point at leaders Leyton Orient. That was after beating Salford.

Jody Morris's men only have two wins in his eight games but need some points fast if they are to keep tabs on a top seven place. The gap is widening. The manager seems to have got something positive out of Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and Jacob Wakeling, recent scorers.

Jim Bentley accused Rochdale of naivety after letting George Lloyd in for one chance that gave Grimsby victory last weekend. He has insisted that his side's performances have merited more than one win in six. Like Swindon, they have scored in six of their past eight games (Danny Lloyd scoring his first two goals for the club) but only won once in 11.

Devante Rodney and Ian Henderson need to put in some stunning performances before the end of the season to rescue Rochdale from their relegation peril. This is a tough match to start. Swindon can earn a first double of their opponents for the first time since 1985-86 (Opta).

Back Swindon to win at Rochdale @

2.47/5

Dons not so hot favourites

AFC Wimbledon 2.111/10 v Crawley Town 4.47/2; the draw 3.814/5

When one team has one win in six games and the other as many points (three) from draws across seven matches, it would seem odd to make either a clear favourite when facing each other. Yet AFC Wimbledon are just that to defeat their visitors. Clearly the odds makers have been led by the fact Crawley have yet to win away and have lost their last six on the road, as Opta emphasise.

How much was an improved performance by Scott Lindsey's Sussex outfit in their 3-1 win over Harrogate a sign of real progress? The manager hopes one win will change everything for the second-bottom team.

Aramide Oteh certainly showed his credentials, scoring two first-half goals. The second came after a break by Ashley Nadesan, who remains a player you can rely on for a quick burst of pace if set free with the right ball.

The Red Devils have not scored in five away games. Jordan Mutch made an instant impact, having signed as a free agent recently, by netting the third last weekend. Dom Telford needs to contribute regularly if Crawley are to stay up.

As for AFC Wimbledon, luck continues to desert the in the hunt for a first win in nine games now: at least they have scored in the past six, having accumulated enough nil-nil draws to set a League Two target of seven that Walsall have now matched.

Can Johnnie Jackson's men actually hold on to a lead this week? They have led in their last six matches, Ali Al-Hamadi netting six times in the process.

Charlton winger Diallang Jaiyesimi is the only other player to have scored in that time. Josh Davison and Ethan Chislett owe their side further goals having topped their scoring charts for much of the season. It's perfectly possible that a draw will ensue.

Back AFC Wimbledon and Crawley Town to draw @

3.814/5