Welcome to Matchweek 5 of Last Word On Football’s League One preview. It’s already been confirmed that just 20 teams will be playing this week after the suspension of another Bury fixture. We continue to send our full support to those involved with the club. In addition, Portsmouth v Rotherham United has been postponed due to logistical reasons.
League One Preview: Matchweek 5
Key Games
Wycombe Wanderers v Southend United
These two teams fought head-to-head against relegation. Both survived the drop. This term, though, has seen a stark contrast for Wycombe. The Chairboys find themselves among the early promotion pack in fourth place, two points behind league leaders Blackpool.
For Southend, however, life under Kevin Bond is proving a turbulent time. The Blues are yet to register their first point of the season and have conceded nine goals already from four matches. For this reason, we predict it will be an easy victory for Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.
Bristol Rovers v Oxford United
For both of these teams, a victory could be the kickstart needed to get their seasons truly underway. The pair find themselves occupying 17th and 16th respectively with an identical goal difference of negative two.
Last time out Bristol Rovers registered their first win of the campaign. Oxford United, meanwhile, head into the tie on the back of two consecutive victories. For that reason, I expect that the Pirates will be full of confidence and two tough a competition for Oxford United to defeat.
Predictions
Wycombe Wanderers v Southend United
This is a massive game for Southend, particularly for the future of manager Kevin Bond. The Blues boss is yet to register a point with the Essex side and, with Southend within threat of being dragged into a relegation dogfight, the Blues boss could end up on the chopping block if this weekend’s fixture ends negatively for Southend. Wycombe are full of confidence upon their positive start and will be too difficult for Southend to defeat.
Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 Southend United
Bristol Rovers v Oxford United
Heading into this tie there is very little to separate the two sides. The duo share an identical goal difference and have struggled to get their season fully underway. Oxford United do, however, head in with marginally more momentum than their opponents having won their previous two fixtures. For that reason we predict Oxford to edge this fixture.
Bristol Rovers 1-2 Oxford United
Doncaster Rovers v Lincoln City
Danny Cowley’s Lincoln City have proved nothing more than a wildcard so far this season. The Imps started the season in blistering style with three back-to-back victories before a defeat to MK Dons last time out. Cowley’s side have scored nine goals from their four League games thus far and so we can see Lincoln beating Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat.
Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Lincoln City
Bolton Wanderers v Ipswich Town
The Tractor Boys very nearly found themselves on the back of a disappointing result to AFC Wimbledon during the week. The Blues had to score twice in the final ten minutes to come from behind to beat the London side 2-1 at Portman Road. This time out, against Bolton Wanderers, Paul Lambert’s side should find things relatively more straight forward. The Trotters are one of two sides yet to find the net so far this season and, facing a fearsome attacking frontline of James Norwood and Kayden Jackson, we expect it to be a difficult afternoon for the now managerless Lancashire outfit.
Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Ipswich Town
Coventry City v Gillingham
Coventry have continued their expectations from last season, to challenge for promotion, and an unbeaten start from four fixtures has put them in good stead. Gillingham, on the other hand, have not registered a victory yet this season and could find themselves on the back of another defeat on Saturday night.
Coventry 2-0 Gillingham
Fleetwood Town v Accrington Stanley
Accrington Stanley are one of six sides without a win so far this term. Fleetwood Town, meanwhile, started with two victories but have since entered a blip in form – drawing once and losing their last fixture. We can see the points being shared from this fixture.
Fleetwood Town 1-1 Accrington Stanley
MK Dons v Peterborough United
MK Dons found themselves on the fortunate side of upsetting Danny Cowley’s side last time out with a 2-1 victory. Peterborough registered their first win of the season on their last outing after drawing 2-2 with Ipswich Town. The two sides will take a share of the points from this fixture.
MK Dons 2-2 Peterborough United
Rochdale v Blackpool
With the news of ownership carrying a huge feel-good factor through Blackpool, the Tangerines have struck a fine chord and sit atop the League One table after four fixtures. They were held to a draw in their last outing but, in comparison, Rochdale have not won since the opening day. We can see the visitors returning home with maximum points.
Rochdale 1-2 Blackpool
Shrewsbury Town v Burton Albion
Similar to Oxford United and Bristol Rovers, there is very little to separate Shrewsbury and Burton. The duo share an identical goal difference and are split by just one point as Shrewsbury take the marginal upper hand. Shrewsbury enter with the slight better form though – having lost just once from four fixtures – and should win on Saturday.
Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Burton Albion
Sunderland v AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon will be no walkovers for Sunderland this Saturday. The London side proved their worth mid-week and were unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Ipswich Town. The Mackems will, however, be boosted by large, vociferous support at the Stadium of Light and will, therefore, have enough in them to avoid defeat.
Sunderland 2-0 AFC Wimbledon
Main Photo
