Welcome to Matchweek 3 of Last Word On Football’s League One preview. It’s already been confirmed that just 22 teams will, once again, be playing this week after the suspension of another Bury fixture, and we continue to send our full support to those involved with the club.
League One Preview: Matchweek 3
Key Games
Sunderland v Portsmouth
These two sides created quite a buzz with their fixtures last season. The two giant in League One met five times, forming somewhat of a season-long rivalry. The two league matches saw Sunderland lose 3-1 and draw 1-1 and they lost the Checkatrade Trophy final on penalties. However, a 1-0 win in the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Pompey was enough to take them to Wembley for a second time.
That mini rivalry will be reignited this Saturday in the league’s early kick-off and the Black Cats will be hoping they can finally get off the mark with their first win, while Portsmouth will be looking to continue their fine form over the Wearsiders in what should be a fiery encounter.
Blackpool v Oxford United
It may be early, but Blackpool fans probably weren’t expecting to see their side top of the table at any point in the season. That’s where they are, though, courtesy of two wins from two in the league, and they play host to Karl Robinson’s Oxford United this weekend, who are also unbeaten.
Blackpool lost both games against the U’s last season, 2-0 away and 1-0 at home. That will give Oxford hope that they can do it again, and given their solid start to the season, having conceded just one in three games, they will believe it can be a repeat of 2018/19.
Predictions
Sunderland v Portsmouth
This is a massive game for Sunderland, particularly with the multiple stories around recently about their love of a 1-1 scoreline. Unfortunately for them, that’s how we see this one going too. Home advantage is key, but Portsmouth are an excellent side and will take a share of the spoils.
Sunderland 1-1 Portsmouth
AFC Wimbledon v Accrington Stanley
AFC Wimbledon are yet to win this season and will still be reeling from their Carabao Cup exit against rivals MK Dons. However, points have to come from somewhere this season, and home matches against those expected to be around them in the final table are the best places to start.
AFC Wimbledon 1-0 Accrington Stanley
Blackpool v Oxford United
Blackpool might be top of the table but all good things have to come to an end. Oxford have looked solid in their start to the season, while the Tangerines were dumped out of the cup by Macclesfield Town in the week. The visitors could sneak this one.
Blackpool 0-1 Oxford United
Burton Albion v Rotherham United
Both sides have won one and lost one so far this season, so there’s nothing really to separate them. We’re going for a draw in this one.
Burton Albion 1-1 Rotherham United
Coventry City v Bristol Rovers
Coventry City have settled well away from their home city as they play this season in nearby Birmingham. On any other day, they would have secured the points against Bolton Wanderers last week too, but were denied by the linesman three times. The attacking prowess is there and they should be too good for Bristol Rovers.
Coventry City 2-0 Bristol Rovers
Doncaster Rovers v Fleetwood Town
Play-off semi-finalists last season, Doncaster Rovers haven’t quite hit the same gear this time around. Meanwhile, Fleetwood are flying high, and early predictions suggest they’re going to take some stopping.
Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Fleetwood Town
Lincoln City v Southend United
If any team was capable of being the surprise package in League One this season, it was Lincoln City. That claim was backed up in the week as they dumped Huddersfield Town out of the cup. Therefore, a home match against Southend United should bare little problems.
Lincoln City 2-0 Southend United
Peterborough United v Ipswich Town
It’s not been the start Peterborough United would have hoped for. Three defeats from three has left Darren Ferguson’s side in a bit of a predicament, and against an Ipswich Town side expected to be up there come the end of the season, they could be put further in the mire.
Peterborough United 0-1 Ipswich Town
Shrewsbury Town v Rochdale
Rochdale have surprised many so far, sitting high up the table and through to the second round of the Carabao Cup. That form should continue to an extent, but up against a dogged Shrewsbury Town, three points might be too tall an order.
Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Rochdale
Tranmere Rovers v Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers may have been given the green light to go through with their takeover, but that won’t solve the starting 11 problems in time for their game against Tranmere Rovers. Expect another young Trotters side to play, but after their heroics last Saturday and a heavy cup defeat in the week, tiredness could play the biggest part.
Tranmere Rovers 2-0 Bolton Wanderers
Wycombe Wanderers v MK Dons
The first edition of this fixture since 2012 sees two sides who have made good starts come together. Wycombe Wanderers have looked dangerous at home while MK Dons look capable of being amongst the goals at both ends. An exciting atmosphere should bode well for a good match for the neutral.
Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 MK Dons
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