Coca Cola Football Championship

Wolverhampton vs Luton Town FC

Wolves are out of the Carling Cup competition following a medicore goal-shy performance and a penalty shootout defeat by League One side Chesterfield. Wolves had a relatively strong side but still couldn't do anything against the Spireites, with the forwards looking especially bad. And despite the recent 1-0 league win over Burnley, Mick McCarthy's side is still far from impressing, epecially in terms of attacking football. Perhaps with Carl Cort back from suspension that problem could be fixed. Jemal Johnson is also expected to be given a run following his winning goal vs. Burnley, especially as Jay Bothroyd is doubtful. Charlie Mulgrew should make his debut after arriving from Celtic in return for left back Lee Naylor. The boys from Molineux still have problems, however. The injury to Michael Oakes means Wolves will have to field either Matt Murray or Carl Ikeme between the posts. Also out are defender Gabor Gyepes and midfielders Lewis Gobern , Guilherme Finkler and Jackie McNamara.

The Hatters, on the other hand, did manage to squeeze through the next round of the Carling Cup but only after beating Bristol Rovers in a penalty shootout. Newell fielded a weakened side for this match. Luton won their first two league games of the season, however they have dropped a 2-0 and 2-1 advantages in their last two games to lose 2-3 (Norwich) and draw 2-2 (Stoke). Still, this is an attack minded team that will be further boosted by the recent signing of Ipswich's Sam Parkin. Key duo Markus Heikkinen and Steve Robinson are expected to return and take the side back to winning ways. Additionally, according to BBC, Kevin Foley, Carlos Edwards, Richard Langley, Lewis Emanuel and Rowan Vine are all set to return after being rested during midweek, with Warren Feeney also likely to be available.

I see no reason to back Wolves at these joke odds, even if its a home game for them. I'll take Luton (+0.5) @ 1.85 (CANBET), though the DRAW has great value.

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my apologies for not updating too often as microsoft's recent fix totally destroyed my machine.

Coca Cola League One

Rotherham United FC - Scunthorpe United FC

The Millers managed a narrow 0-1 away win on Saturday over an absolutely horrendous/clueless/abysmal (pick your favorite) Blackpool side, currently the league's worst team. The goal came from young striker Will Hoskins who also scored against Scunthorpe in last season's 1-1 home draw. It is likely that he will now be on the Millers' starting line-up. The win was Rotherham's first of the season, though their record is still negative with -7 points following deduction. They looked slightly better in comparison to their previous defeats, with Hoskins, Dave Hibbert , Gregor Robertson and Nicky Cutler all putting a relatively better display. However, defender Dave Worrel and forward Delroy Facey still play badly. Justin Cochrane is generally fit now but will probably not start, while skipper Colin Murdock is definetely out. Either way, the bookies (...and Millers' fans) now believe Rotherham has the momentum and rate them favorites for this upcoming home clash.

But the Millers still have a mountain to climb in their survival campaign. Scunthorpe United is a tougher rival that will certainly put Rotherham's below-average defense to the test as they can easily outplay them. Andy Keogh and Billy Sharp are simply too good for this level and I won't be surprised to see either of the two strikers move to a bigger club in the near future. Young Italian forward Andrea Ferretti is an excellent new loan signing from Cardiff who can provide good offensive support. Iron's last game ended as a 2-2 home draw against Crewe, in a game where they were better and actually deserved to win. Previous results include a hard fought 2-2 draw with Swansea and 0-1 defeat to Bristol City. I think this is a good opportunity for them to get their first win of the season. The squad is still injury ridden with Andy Butler, Jim Goodwin, Ramon Calliste and Ashley Allanson all out. Steven Torpey is still suspended. Rumor has it that Brian Laws will sign new players by Saturday, most likely striker Daniel McBreen and/or midfielder Shane Paul, both of whom were training with the club and were impressive.

In my view, medium stakes on Scunthorpe with the +0.25 ball assure at least half a win as I clearly don't see Rotherham winning twice in a row.

Coca Cola Football League Two

Peterborough United FC - Macclesfield Town FC

Posh were held to a close goaless draw last weekend when they faced a tough Wrexham side in their second away match of the season. While they were not impressive on the offensive side (with Trevor Benjamin working hard but never really excelling), the defense led by the rock solid pair of Mark Arber and Guy Bronston was very tight and sustained heavy Wrexham pressure at times, to record a second consecutive clean sheet. Last season's top goalscorer Danny Crowe got injured in that match and thats a serious blow for boro's attack, adding to the suspension of Lloyd Opara. However, I suppose that could make room for young Justin Richards to start up and show his skills as he already proved he can score consistently for Woking in previous years. Richards was Alexander's first signing of the season and I'm sure he'll want to prove himself in front of the home crowd. Also available for Posh is Simon Yeo, who despite his age is still a threat.

I expect Peterborough to be far more sharp and dangerous when they host a team like Macclesfield Town. The Silkmen seem to have a very poor side this season at both ends of the field. They seem to start well but eventually get a bad result: 0-4 Darlington (away), 0-0 Hartlepool (home), 1-2 MK Dons (home). If the outcome of your first three games is a single point and a negative 1-6 goal difference, you will have some hard time in this league. Especially when your only goal was scored through a penalty kick.

With a squad featuring a defense that lacks coordination, an anemic midfield and misfiring forwards, Manager Brian
Horton is already under pressure. Dave Morley is a slow defender who lacks the leadership required for captaincy. Lack of leadership on the field can be seen as one of Macclesfield's problems with their in-match inconsistency serving as evidence. There are plenty of other problems. Danny Whitaker and Paul Harsley's double move to Port Vale, for one, has crucially damaged Macca's midfield. Veteran Martin Bullock is to hold the remaining young midfield together, but we haven't seen anything too bright from him so far. Defenders Kevin Sandwith and Mark Bailey left together with experienced goalie Alan Fettis, explaining the leaky defense we have seen from the Silkmen. Other notable releases incldue Clyde Wijnhard
(12 goals last season), and defenders Tony Barras and Michael Briscoe. Recently-signed strikers Mathew McNeil (Hyde) and Colin Heath (Man Utd) are overrated and hardly contribute anything to the club's offense. Marvin Robinson who arrived from Lincoln is a better signing but was poor so far and it seems it will take time for him settle at the club. On a more positive note, Welsh midfielder James Tolley, who signed from Shrewsbury, had a relatively good debut against MK Dons. Young defensive midfielder Jordan Hadfield also looks promising.

According to a certain Macca fan poll I saw, about 50% of the fans believe the team will either be relegated or battle against relegation. With their current form, I sadly have to agree. Macclesfield appears to continue its poor run from last season, when they narrowly avoided relegation and finished 17th. With the poorest away record in the league, they won just two of 23 games on the road. Peterborough grabbed all six points against them last season, winning 3-2 at home and 4-0 away. Posh seems more balanced, calm and dangerous, so I'll go for the home win with medium-high stakes.

Coca Cola Football League Championship

Ipswich Town FC vs. Hull City FC

Hull (23rd) and Ipswich (24th) both opened the season with three consecutive losses. This was quite predictable from an Ipswich side that is in a constant state of deterioration since the closure of the successful 2004/05 playoff season. Indeed, the Tractor Boys never got any better since the departures of Darren Bent, Shefki Kuqi, Tommy Miller, Jamie Snowcroft and Kelvin Davies. They finished 15th at the end of the 2005/06 season. Former captain Jim Magilton started his managerial career at the club with further weakening of the squad, releasing 10 players including midfielders Kevin Horlock and Ian Westlake. So Town continues its terrible yet predictable run of form since last season, recording just one competitive win in their last 13 games (yes, that's one win since March 11th). Things don't look very promising and I expect the Blues to endure a tough relegation battle.

Ipswich last few games demonstrated several squad problems. Striker Nicky Foster is sadly starting to show his age and seems to have a negative effect on any striker that plays alongside him, mainly Bowditch. Alan Lee also seems rusty (though he has never been a great scorer), so that leaves only Sam Parkin as the most potent threat up front. Defenders De Vos and Naylor appeared completely lost over the past 3, and that affects the whole team given their important influence and key place at the heart of the Blues' defense. Ex-Birmingham City boy Alex Bruce is a good defender, but Magilton likes to give him a midfielder role. With Owen Garvan out Ipswich will use West Ham's out-of-favor youngster Mark Noble as a possible replacement for the talented playmaker. It remains to be seen how he cooperates with Darren Currie and Gavin Williams to give Ipswich some hopes in the middle, and more importantly, to give them better possession of the ball.

Let's have a look at the visitors now. I think Hull are playing well offensively. Despite the results, this team has a solid back bone and seems to be working very hard. They were impressive against promotion favorites West Brom in the opening fixture despite losing 2-0. They were all over the pitch and went 2-0 up vs Barnsley until the 40th minute, though they eventually lost 2-3. And finally, their 2-1 defeat by a very medicore Derby County was a result of extreme bad luck and two very controversial goals - not bad form. Jon "the beast" Parkin certainly has the ability to score goals and if Nick Barmby regains fitness and plays full 90 minutes then surely Hull can score. Fagan, Marney, Livermore (good debut) and new Spurs-loanee Yeates can also help create chances. It is the defense that is more vulnerable and that problem is even more acute now as key defender and club skipper Damien Delaney will be sidelined for around three months following ruptured ankle ligaments. Danny Coles and Stephen McPhee are still out.

Yes, Hull is demoralized, injury struck and generally has a terrible away record, so predicting an away win might indeed qualify as a long shot. The thing is, however, that Ipswich is just as bad if not worse, and if Hull wants to get something of this season they simply must get a good result at Portman Road. I reckon the Tigers' squad is stronger and surely more experienced than that of Ipswich. They also hold a certain advantage in the manager's post. In my view, that just gives them the edge for this match. What they want now is to put a stop to their recent run of defeats, so even a draw will make them happy. At 1.87 I'll take X2 everyday, so high stakes on Hull with the +0.5 (Asian Handicap).

It would seem wise not to bet on Leeds games as long as Kevin Blackwell remains at helm.

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Coca Cola Football League Championship

Crystal Palace FC vs. Leeds United FC

As both teams are set to figure in this year's promotion race, this is a game they will both strive to win.

Palace have lost plenty of key players over the summer, players who led them to finish 6th last season. First and foremost is the mighty Andy Johnson who signed for Everton, but also gone are Fitz Hall and Emmerson Boyce. Iain Dowie quit as manager to be replaced by England U21 coach Peter Taylor, who in turn signed Carl Fletcher (West Ham), Mark Kennedy (Wolves) , Leon Cort (Hull) and Jamie Scowcroft (Coventry). They join the in-form winger Jobi McAnuff and strikers Dougie Freedman & Clinton Morisson to form one of the league's strongest sides. Their record so far is perfect, however their opponents (Ipswich [2-1] and Southend [3-1]) were relatively weak. Note that in both games so far the Eagles started poorly and had to come back from behind, despite being the stronger side. In my view, this indicates that the team has not fully adapted to the changes, both of squad and manager. What's certain is that a promotion campaign requires good results against tougher sides, and Leeds is just one of those.

5th last season, Leeds had a medicore performance against Norwich in the opening fixture, luckily beating them 1-0 through a David Healy penalty. A much better show against Q.P.R on midweek saw them almost keeping a 100% record, however an injury time goal from a Q.P.R sub meant they had to settle with the undeserved 2-2 draw. The Whites had a busy summer as Kevin Blackwell worked to strenghten his playoff-finalist side by signing Geoff Horsfield on loan from Sheffield United, a strong goalscorer already proven as a decent replacement for last year's top goalscorer Rob Hulse. Additional signings are Aussie defender Hayden Foxe (Pompey) and midfielders Ian Westlake (Ipswich) and Sebastien Carole (Brighton). Ex-Luton star Kevin Nicholls signed as well, however he won't be playing for the next few weeks which is a blow. Also missing are fellow midfielder Richard Cresswell and first choice keeper Neil Sullivan. Eirik Bakke should be available again so he can stabilize the midfield alongside the excellent Ian Westlake and Steve Stone. Their defense, featuring Premiership-target Matthew Kilgallon, is a strong one, however they must avoid mistakes like the ones made by Stephen Crainey and Paul Butler against Q.P.R. Kevin Blackwell's tactical changes must also be examined carefully as they have cost Leeds their last match.

Leeds may be slightly weaker than Crystal Palace, but that weakness is generally the result of inconsistency as opposed to inability. That is why Leeds should prove a stiff challange for Palace's winning run. Keep in mind that both teams underwent big changes this summer and are still forming up. Leeds are yet to lose in London during the Blackwell era (May 2004) and I don't expect to see them losing here again. To conclude, my prediction is that both teams will lose points here in a hard fought game that will end undecided.

Coca Cola Football League Two

Boston United FC vs Darlington FC

On-fire Darlington look very strong, perhaps too strong for Boston, even as the game is being held at the Staffsmart Stadium where the home side won three of the last four meetings. With a 6-0 goal difference and 6 points out of their first two games, Darlington's promotion campaign started in the best possible way. Manager David Hodgson had a busy summer building an almost perfectly balanced team. Goalie Sam Russell has a decent back four, in which ex-Valiant Craig James and former Owl Patrick Collins are commanding figures. Michael Cummins, yet another excellent summer signing from Port Vale, has adapted quickly to his new playmaker role in Darlo's midfield. The attack consists of Martin Smith, Barry Conlon and the immense Gaetano Giallanza, to make it, pure and simple, the deadliest one in the league. Darlington just missed on last year's playoff spot, but with their current squad and form I am confident they will reach automatic promotion.

Boston has had a bad opening for this season following two defeats, and I think they will struggle this year. Julian Joachim, who is a Darlington target himself, can be regarded as the team's key-player. He is assisted by ex-Posh striker Francis Green, veteran winger David Farrel and the 36 years old Welsh goalkeeper Andy Marriot. Their squad is small (19 players) and old (9 players over 30). Although Boston has demonstrated a good overall passing ability, I reckon they don't have what it takes to defeat a team like Darlington. The task is even harder given the absence of three Boston midfielders, Brad Maylett, Simon Rusk and Richie Ryan. That will damage the Pilgrims' passing-based tactics and allow Darlington to gain possession and better control of matters in the center.

All in all, I'll have to agree with fellow tipster Tyrone (whose blog can be accessed through my friends list). Going for a third consecutive win for Darlington, Medium stakes.

Coca Cola Football League Two

Wrexham AFC vs Peterborough United FC

Something good must be happening at Wrexham, now that the club is finally out of an 18-month administration. The Dragons were impressive at home against Grimsby Town, totally outclassing them with a thorough 3-0 victory. Playmaker Darren Ferguson and ex-Norwich forward Chris Llewellyn are clearly among the best players in this league, with former Doncaster striker Neil Roberts, Welsh international Mark Jones and winger Matty Done also performing very well. However, Wrexham are likely to miss key defenders Lee Rooche and Shaun Pejic, as well as striker Lee McEvilly. Also note that their goalkeeper, Michael Ingham is a medicore one at best.

Wrexham could of course build on this victory as part of their apparant revival, but I think Peterborough will prove a tougher side for them than the weakened Grimsby Town. After a terrible pre-season, Posh have a 100% record having thrashed playoff candidates Bristol Rovers 4-1 on Saturday and narrowly defeated Boston United 1-0 on midweek with 10 men. Ex-Lincoln boss Keith Alexander has a side packed with decent players in League Two terms. A powerful, physically built attack featuring Trevor Benjamin, Justing Richards (22 goals for Woking last season) and Danny Crow (17 goals for Posh last season) should take care of any goalscoring issues. Veteran striker Simon Yeo, who arrived from Lincoln, has already scored twice for Posh. However, despite the signing of Oldham's Richard Butcher, I reckon Peterborough's midfield is weaker following the departure of David Farrell and the injuries to key midfielders Peter Gain and Paul Carden. Another Ex-Oldham player, Guy Branston, looks like an adequate replacement for the solid Sean St Ledger who signed for Preston, as he appears to be cooperating well with Chris Plummer in the center of Peterborough's defense.

Both teams look strong and capable after a good opening to the season. Peterborough may have the better lineup, but a long trip to Wales, a lively, in-form opponent and a weakened midfield damage their chances to take all three points. Both teams will be happy with the draw, so I'll take it with small stakes at a good price.

Recent previous meetings:

Football League Two Wrexham 1-1 Peterborough United 19-11-2005
Football League Two Peterborough United 1-1 Wrexham 25-10-2005
Football League One Peterborough United 2-2 Wrexham 11-01-2005
Football League One Wrexham 1-1 Peterborough United 26-10-2004
Football League One Peterborough United 6-1 Wrexham 13-03-2004
Football League One Wrexham 2-0 Peterborough United 13-12-2003
Football League One Peterborough United 2-3 Wrexham 02-02-2002
Football League One Wrexham 1-2 Peterborough United 29-09-2001

Coca Cola Football League Championship

Colchester United FC vs. Barnsley FC

Colchester suffered their second consecutive defeat on Tuesday having lost 0-1 to a medicore Plymouth side. The U's are clearly yet to solve their problems up front, with Jamie Cureton, Richard Garcia and Chris Iwelumo not being able to convert. The likes of Kem Izzet and Pat Baldwin also seem to struggle at this level, and veteran skipper Karl Duguid has not been the same since his injury. Bad luck is no excuse for two consecutive defeats. Perhaps lack of squad depth and quality are better explanations.

New manager Geraint Williams knows that he has to go shopping, but unfortunately he has one of the league's tightest budgets. I reckon that Colchester are in need of a total makeover, including at least two wingers, a left back, a center back and most importantly a decent striker. All positions require immediate improvements if Colchester are to survive this season.

On the visitor side we have Barnsley. The Tykes' ability to come back from 2 goals behind in order to defeat Hull City 2-3 at the KC Stadium demonstrates, in my view, two key points:

A) This young, pacey and well-balanced side has both the ability and the motivation to avoid relegation this season, and I dare to say - achieve even more than that. Barnsley's excellent midfield, led by McIndoe, Howard and Devaney, led the team to victory on Tuesday, and I believe we haven't seen the last of them. Manager Andy Ritchie has just completed the signing of Irish international Colin Healy, which I think would prove a major, major boost for Barnsley this season as soon as he is match fit. Could prove a decent replacement for Stephen McPhail. The attacking pair is decent and productive as well, with Richards and Hayes getting both on the scoresheet on Tuesday. Still, the need for a higher-quality striker is always there.

B) In addition to the aforementioned quality, the Tykes show high mental resilience and distinctive character, both of which are necessary ingredients for a successful English Championship campaign. There is simply no other way to explain the team's complete control of the game during the second half. I suppose the non-playing staff should be credited as well for encouraging the players during the break. Bear in mind the fact that this is the second consecutive match in which Barnsley's performance significantly improves during the second half.

Last season, Colchester United had to wait until the third fixture in order to pick their first win. They played at home, and their opponents were... Barnsley FC. This time, however, I'll go with Barnsley, as beating the current Colchester side would prove an easier task than beating Hull City. Just in case, I choose to take the draw-no-bet option as the price offered still represents value. High stakes.

Coca Cola Football League One

Oldham Atheltic FC vs. Swansea City FC

Early bet. Both teams had a disappointing opening for this season thus far. The home side's attempt to repeat last year's 10th place achievement doesn't look very promising, having signed an unproven manager (John Sheridan) and made some strange transfers this summer. They are yet to win a point after two consecutive 1-0 losses.

It has to be said however that Oldham's game vs. Port Vale was fairly equal, with the Latics in possession, passing the ball well but failing to progress and push for goal. They are in desperate need of a striker. Liddell and Larkin were both disappointing up front and I suppose that unless Sheridan gets a new striker till saturday, he would go for a midfield-oriented attack (Hall, Wellens, Hughes, Wood) if he wants to score some goals this season. The midfield is Oldham's strongest link.

I'm going for the OVER because both teams are set to field some shaken defensive lineups. In the absence of Swansea's Alan Tate (suspended) and captain Gary Monk (out for six weeks), the Swans will have to rely on the terrible defenders Amankwaah and Austin, the rusty Iriekpen and the unstable French goalie Willy Gueret. That basically means that Oldham will get their first goal of the season on Saturday, as all 4 goals Swansea conceded thus far were the result of defensive errors made by that dismal back four. Last but not least - Swansea has no natural left back. Tom Williams is forced to play there but it is obvious he can't find himself in that position.

However, Swansea is an offensively capable team able to score home and away (as they did on Tuesday), especially if Akinfenwa and Trundle are in the starting lineup (likely, given the injury to Robinson). Oldham's defense so far looks much better than it did last season, however their first team goalkeeper Les Pogalicomi is out for at least a month, so they'll have rookie Howarth between the posts. Certainly something the attacking Swans would take advantage of. Another thing is Sheridan's most recent addition to the club, 34 years old defender Simon Charlton, who did not play regularly over the past years and is reported to be slow and rusty. If he plays on saturday, which is not probable, it would prove another liability for the Latics.

Can't predict the outcome of the match. Swansea could win it (if they don't, people will get suicidal over there), but the over seems more certain so I'll take it with medium stakes.