Welcome to the first Last Word On Football EFL League One preview of the season. Every week we’ll bring you a closer look at some of the key fixtures from each matchweek, as well as having a go at predicting the weekend’s results.
League One Preview: Matchweek 2
Key Games
Ipswich Town v Sunderland
There is plenty of anticipation surrounding this fixture as two of the League’s early promotion favourites go head-to-head in Suffolk.
Ipswich Town began their league campaign with a 1-0 victory at Burton Albion last weekend; on the other hand, Sunderland were only able to muster a 1-1 draw at Oxford United.
The Lads were behind after Tarique Fosu’s early opener for Oxford; however, Layden Gooch levelled the scores from the penalty spot early in the second half.
Town boss Paul Lambert appeared a character full of frustration in Friday’s press conference ahead of the trip to Burton; however, the former Norwich City manager oozed confidence after the Tractor Boys opened their League One campaign with a hard-earned victory thanks to Luke Garbutt‘s deflected shot.
Town will be keen to continue their early season form with back-to-back victories; meanwhile, Ross’ side will be desperate to claim maximum points for the first time this season against one of their firm promotion rivals but we can see Lambert’s side having enough to hold off their Geordie opponents.
Ipswich Town 2-1 Sunderland
Portsmouth v Tranmere Rovers
There will be a lot riding on this meeting between promotion favourites Portsmouth and newly-promoted Lincoln City. Neither Kenny Jackett’s or Micky Mellon’s sides were able to register victories on the opening day of the season.
Wolves loanee Ryan Giles delivered the points for Shrewsbury against Portsmouth as his 30-yard shot flew into the top corner. Portsmouth’s cause was not helped by Ross McCrorie‘s late red card for a second bookable offence.
It was an unfortunate start to life in League One for Tranmere too. Rochdale captain Ian Henderson netted twice, including one from the penalty spot, before Rhys Norrington-Davies added a third for the visitors.
Stephen Dooley netted an own goal before Connor Jennings‘ stoppage-time striker narrowed the deficit; however, Dale held on after Rushian Hepburn-Murphy was then sent off.
Portsmouth boss Jackett will be keen to prove that, after the sale of Jamal Lowe to Wigan Athletic, Pompey’s opening day defeat was only a blip in form. On the other hand, Micky Mellon will aim to register his first three points of the season and reduce the risks of Tranmere becoming an early relegation contender but we don’t see the Wirral-based side as having enough to overcome Jackett’s side.
Portsmouth 2-0 Tranmere Rovers
Rotherham United v Lincoln City
There is another battle between one newly-promoted side, Lincoln City, and a promotion favourite, Rotherham United, this Saturday at the New York Stadium. The Millers sit among the top six in the early League One table after a 2-1 victory at AFC Wimbledon.
The Yorkshire side seemed destined to earn only a point after Freddie Ladapo‘s opener was cancelled out by Joe Pigott‘s header; however, Clark Robertson fired the Millers ahead with six minutes left.
Similarly, League One new boys Lincoln City also registered maximum points with a 2-0 victory over Accrington Stanley. Goals from Michael Connor and John Akinde ensured the League Two champions started with a victory.
Either side will be keen to continue their victorious start to the season. Danny Cowley’s side sit third in the table and head to the side sitting sixth in the standings. It’s too early to call this a ‘promotion six-pointer’ but it could set the tone for how either side’s season will pan out if they can register back-to-back victories.
Rotherham United 1-0 Lincoln City
Predictions
Bolton Wanderers v Coventry City
Despite facing troubles off-the-field and arriving at Adams Park with just three contracted players, Bolton performed admirably against Wycombe Wanderers in a 2-0 defeat. Meanwhile, Zain Westbrooke netted the only goal of the game as Coventry City beat Southend United 1-0 at their new temporary home, St Andrew’s.
It’ll be interesting to see how this game pans out with either side going through struggles, but we can see the Sky Blues having enough quality on the day.
Bolton Wanderers 0-2 Coventry City
Bristol Rovers v Wycombe Wanderers
A 2-0 defeat marked Bristol Rovers’ start to the League One season; however, the Gasheads should have enough to overcome Wycombe Wanderers. The Trotters defeated Bolton Wanderers on Saturday; although, the Lancashire-based side were forced to wait until nearly an hour before breaking the deadlock.
Bristol Rovers 1-0 Wycombe Wanderers
Fleetwood Town v AFC Wimbledon
Fleetwood Town were tipped to make the play-offs at the beginning of the season and beat one of their rivals for a top-six spot, Peterborough United, comfortably 1-3. AFC Wimbledon were unable to hold on for a point against Rotherham United and, as a result, we think their defensive frailties could be worrying signs for the London side.
Fleetwood Town 2-0 AFC Wimbledon
Gillingham v Burton Albion
Burton Albion showed little execution in their defeat to Ipswich Town and their lack of attacking edge could cost the Brewers. They travel to a Gillingham side who shared the points in a 1-1 draw with Doncaster Rovers.
Burton had chances to score against Town but were unable to convert; however, we think their opportunities may prove more fruitful at Priestfield.
Gillingham 1-2 Burton Albion
MK Dons v Shrewsbury Town
Newly promoted MK Dons are playing catch up in the third tier after missing out on the opening day. The League Two promoted side’s fixture at Bury was suspended by the EFL due to the Shakers’ ongoing financial turbulence.
The Dons’ opponents, Shrewsbury, held off promotion contenders Portsmouth last Saturday but we can see the points being shared upon MK Dons’ return to League One.
MK Dons 1-1 Shrewsbury Town
Oxford United v Peterborough United
After differing performances last weekend, it’s difficult to call which way this tie will fall. Oxford surprised many by holding on for a point at Sunderland; however, Peterborough were easily beaten by Fleetwood Town. Posh will be desperate to bounce back and, for that reason, we can see Darren Ferguson’s side having enough conviction to claim all three points.
Oxford United 1-3 Peterborough United
Rochdale v Doncaster Rovers
Rochdale claimed all three points against Tranmere Rovers last Saturday; however, the Dale conceded two goals late on. Doncaster drew 1-1 with Gillingham; however, Rochdale’s inability to defend in the closing stages suggests there are weaknesses in Dale’s defence.
Rochdale 1-2 Doncaster Rovers
Southend United v Blackpool
Simon Grayson’s tenure as Blackpool boss got underway with a win following a goal in each half against Bristol Rovers. Southend United had few chances in their 1-0 defeat at Coventry City and, with little execution up-front, we predict Grayson will claim consecutive victories.
Southend United 0-2 Blackpool
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