Quality goals, moments of magic and astonishing comebacks. We’ve had it all so far in League Two. Matchweek 5 has come around quickly, and perhaps for some teams now it’s as much about getting out of bad form than into good form. Here’s our League Two preview for Matchweek 5.
League Two Preview: Matchweek 5
Key Games
Morecambe v Exeter City
Exeter City travel to Morecambe in what is one of the longest journies in the division. Grecians fans brave enough to make the journey face a gruelling 574-mile round trip, but their recent form against the Shrimpers will give them hope.
Their 2-1 loss there in March 2018 was the first against Morecambe since 2013 – a run which saw them draw as often as they won, however.
Morecambe come into the game off the back of a rare away win against Macclesfield Town on Tuesday night, their first win of the season. Exeter, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw away at Oldham Athletic but are unbeaten so far in the campaign.
Cheltenham Town v Swindon Town
While Exeter fans are probably already thinking about hitting the road for Morecambe, the same can’t be said of Swindon Town’s contingent, who make the short 30-mile hop over the West Country to Cheltenham Town this weekend.
Swindon are another League Two side to have started well enough, but Cheltenham have acted as one of the league’s surprise packages so far, sitting fifth in the table – two spots above their opponents.
As if that wasn’t good enough for Cheltenham, they have history on their side too. They are unbeaten against Swindon since 2012, a 1-0 away loss. Since the, they have recorded a 5-0 win in the FA Cup, a 3-0 success away from home and the last meeting between the pair back in April also ended 3-2 in their favour.
A goal-filled derby (geographically, anyway) is always one to look out for.
Predictions
Bradford City v Forest Green Rovers
Bradford City have recovered well after drawing their opening two games, but Forest Green Rovers are no pushover at this level anymore. Bradford should get by with their home advantage, but it will be a close-run thing
Bradford City 2-1 Forest Green Rovers
Cambridge United v Oldham Athletic
Cambridge United have had a fantastic start to the season compared to their last campaign and the general expectation. The same can’t be said of Oldham Athletic, so the solid start from the U’s looks set to continue.
Cambridge United 2-0 Oldham Athletic
Carlisle United v Salford City
It looked as though the euphoria of Salford City’s opening day win was wearing off, but they showed that they’re here to compete with an away draw at Plymouth Argyle in the week. That will have wiped them out, though, and Carlisle United will be able to capitalise on that.
Carlisle United 1-0 Salford City
Cheltenham Town v Swindon Town
Games between these two have been high-scoring in the past and their respective league positions suggest that could be the case again. Considering how close they are in the table, though, it could still be tight.
Cheltenham Town 2-2 Swindon Town
Colchester United v Northampton Town
It’s been far from an ideal start for both of these sides, who will have had aspirations of achieving promotion to League One at the end of the campaign. Northampton Town do at least have a win to their name, but it may not do them many favours away from home.
Colchester United 1-1 Northampton Town
Grimsby Town v Port Vale
Between them, these two sides have played out five draws so far this season, and they both currently occupy places in mid-table. We can’t see much separating them, unfortunately.
Grimsby Town 0-0 Port Vale
Leyton Orient v Crawley Town
Leyton Orient will be riding a wave of confidence after their stunning comeback against Mansfield Town in the week, and with all their strikers now off the mark, they should find no problem in getting past a struggling Crawley side.
Leyton Orient 2-0 Crawley Town
Macclesfield Town v Scunthorpe United
Macclesfield Town may be without a manager after Sol Campbell’s departure, but Scunthorpe United look to be in dire straits at the moment at the foot of the table. The Silkmen have shown so far that they have the quality to inflict more pain.
Macclesfield Town 1-0 Scunthorpe United
Mansfield Town v Stevenage
Mansfield Town suffered late heartbreak at home in the week, but they should have little difficulty in getting past a Stevenage side that are yet to get off the mark with a win.
Mansfield Town 2-0 Stevenage
Morecambe v Exeter City
Both sides have shown winning qualities so far this season, but off the back of such a long trip, Exeter may struggle to get going in this one. Expect Morecambe to hold out for a draw.
Morecambe 1-1 Exeter City
Newport County v Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra lead the way in League Two, and it currently looks as though nothing can stop them. Despite having just one win, though, Newport County are still unbeaten this season and could make it a difficult afternoon for the visitors.
Newport County 1-1 Crewe Alexandra
Plymouth Argyle v Walsall
After winning their opening two games, a draw and a loss has seen Plymouth Argyle enter a minor blip. However, Walsall are yet to win since the opening day and could struggle against a side expected to battle for the title.
Plymouth Argyle 2-0 Walsall
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