Back at the Valley for match number six of Chris Powell's reign and the first test of reaction to defeat. We owe Exeter for a late 1-0 defeat in early September and we are long overdue a first-half performance. I am expecting both to be addressed on Saturday. Assuming we can collect three points, the focus will turn to results elsewhere...
AFC Bournemouth v Huddersfield Town
With seven wins and two draws from the last ten, Bournemouth are sustaining and unlikely looking challenge that has withstood the loss of manager eddie Howe. they have the best home record in league One and Huddersfield could be scalp number 12 at home.
Prediction; 2-1
Bristol Rovers v Oldham Athletic
The Latics will be favourites to beat bottom-of-the-table Bristol Rovers here. Rovers could do us a favour and I am going for them to do just that and nick this.
Prediction; 2-1
Charlton Athletic v Exeter City
A draw will be a bad result for us. We have to bounce back if automatic promotion remains a conviction of the players. We have four of the next six at the Valley and we must be looking to win them all (Carlisle, Tranmere and Brentford to come). If we can at least remain unbeaten, we should still look healthy for a play-off place come the tough run of matches from mid0March to mid-April.
Prediction; 2-0
Colchester United v Walsall
Walsall bounced back from their home defeat by Bournemouth last Saturday to see off fellow strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge in the week. they desperately need to keep their revival going but Colchester should ask too many questions here.
Prediction; 2-0
Hartlepool United v MK Dons
Hartlepool will be looking for a home double this week and I can see them repeating the Tuesday night result. It would slow MK Dons down and put Pools back on the play-off fringes.
Prediction; 1-0
Peterborough v Tranmere Rovers
Posh will be confident of three points here against lowly Rovers. Goals are almost guaranteed at London Road and they have a play-off place to defend.
Prediction; 3-0
Rochdale v Southampton
Rochdale could actually leap-frog us if they win this and we managed to lose. I don't see that happening but this could be an uncomfortable trip for the Saints.
Prediction; 1-1
Swindon Town v Carlisle United
It was ten games ago that Swindon ended Phil Parkinson's managerial career in SE7 and they haven't managed a win since. They are in the drop zone and desperately need three points to stem the bleeding and fight their way out of an unlikely looking relegation. I can't see mid-table Carlisle putting up too much of a fight if Swindon can open the scoring.
Prediction; 2-0
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