Swindon Town 3.1511/5 v Rochdale 2.3211/8, the draw 3.6553/20
There's something of a renaissance at the County Ground since Martin Ling's appointment, as three wins from four can testify. Ling was a fine player of course at the Wiltshire club, and he likes his teams to play football and attack. This was evident in their recent 4-0 triumph at Chesterfield (a result that led to Dean Saunders' axing), and they looked a unit with some purpose again.
They were superb, snappy and bright. But it's a shame they had no game last weekend due to the FA Cup.
Town have also secured the loan signature of Ben Gladwin through until January. News that represents a major boost as the attacking 23-year-old can be their arch creator - just the sort of player Ling will admire.
I'm not sure Rochdale's price represents great value however, especially considering the upturn in form of the hosts.
Dale boss Keith Hill recently said that: "On any given Saturday we are a good side." He also mentioned how inconsistent they are; and with his team in mid-table and just two wins on the road this term, I would avoid backing them.
Rochdale were defeated in the FA Cup last weekend, losing to their local rivals Bury. And for all they could find a performance this weekend, I favour Swindon to continue their resurgence.
KEY OPTA STATS: Swindon are the only League One side yet to keep a clean sheet this season. There have also been 23 goals between the two sides in their last five meetings (all competitions).
Recommended Bet
Back Swindon Town draw no bet @ 2.3527/20 (half point)
Wigan Athletic 1.491/2 v Blackpool 8.07/1, the draw 4.607/2
When Shrewsbury were beaten 1-0 by Wigan in November, their boss Micky Mellon commented on the quality of player that the north west club were able to call upon. The likes of Will Grigg and Alex Revell are Championship players, but then again, Wigan probably pay Championship wages.
There's a massive gulf in prices for this match, but there's only one way Blackpool will be approaching it - and that's to defend for their lives. And for this, several markets make appeal. I would certainly look to trade the 0-0 correct score to around 35 minutes for a green book, as the visitors will more than likely be parking several buses in front of their goal.
It's nothing revelatory concerning Blackpool, a 'goals for' record of one in their last five hardly inspires confidence. But they have shown they can defend - and Saturday's 1-0 victory over Fleetwood ended a seven match losing streak for Neil McDonald's side.
Wigan featured in a live Sky TV game recently and looked a top side, or a top top side. Since then, they've dropped back to fifth and recently lost at home for the first time this season to Burton (0-1) - undone by Albion's intent to defend and suffocate.
The Brewers pressed in the right areas, allowing a Wigan team that like possession to enjoy it - but in areas that wouldn't harm them. Burton defended in numbers and the Latics couldn't break through.
Of course Blackpool are inferior to both teams, posing the question; are they good enough to replicate what Albion did? Maybe not, but we should not be put off from backing the Under 2.5 Goals here. McDonald's side have netted 15 out of 20 of these, whilst Wigan at home are seven from 10 - including 0-0 results against Doncaster and Walsall. Crewe played pretty well too at the DW Stadium - losing just 0-1.
KEY OPTA STATS: Blackpool have lost six of their last seven away League One games. Wigan have kept the most amount of clean sheets in the third tier (nine).
Recommended Bet
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.804/5 (half point)
Sheffield United 2.305/4 v Coventry City 3.1511/5, the draw 3.5551/20
Sunday, 12:00
Live on Sky Sports 2
If you were set the task of pricing up this match before a ball had been kicked in August, then you would probably have chalked up Sheffield United at around evens. The fact the Blades are badly under-performing and without a win in November makes their odds most unappealing here.
Coventry on the other hand are going well this term, and victory on Sunday could take them top of the table (if leaders Burton fail to gain a result).
I cannot put my finger on why Sheffield United are struggling. For two seasons running they've been ante-post favourites, and for the second successive term they haven't lived up to their price. I viewed Nigel Adkins as a good appointment (as successor to Nigel Clough), and granted there's an element of 'school master' in him which can work - but the board won't view 27 points and 12th in the table as a success.
Their home form is shaky, winning five from 10, with three clean sheets. Worryingly they have conceded a fair chunk of goals against average teams; four against Shrewsbury, two with Southend, Millwall hit a pair too, whilst Colchester and Bury both scored three at Bramall Lane earlier in the season.
None of those sides match the firepower of Coventry, who have scored 38 times this season and have the League One top goalscorer in Adam Armstrong - and quite why he wasn't (or isn't) getting a game under Steve McClaren remains a mystery.
In fact, the Sky Blues might just be suited to this, as the hosts won't be able to flood the middle and defence to frustrate City - and that's where Tony Mowbray's men have struggled a bit this term. The home team have a propensity to concede, and the visitors are good at picking teams off with possession.
Coventry's loan man Joe Cole might be fit in time, but they've been playing perfectly well without him.
KEY OPTA STATS: The Sky Blues have lost only one of their last eight matches with Sheffield United - winning four. The Blades meanwhile haven't won any of their last six matches.
Recommended Bet
Back Coventry City draw no bet @ 2.305/4 (half point)
***
*You can read more League One tips as well as Ian Lamont's thoughts on the week's League Two action by visiting our dedicated English Football League section here on Betting.Betfair.
2015 P/L
League One - 0.23
FA Cup +3.03