English Football League 
/ Alan Dudman / 07 April 2011 / Leave a Comment 
The normally reliable Lee Hughes hasn't been as prolific in recent times and Notts have struggled
"Dagenham still have some fight, and will be right up for this. County seem to have lost all their drive and determination and could face an onslaught here of bodies and balls into their box."
Alan Dudman looks ahead to another intriguing weekend of League One action where
Brighton and Hove Albion [1.60] v Sheffield Wednesday [6.40], the draw [4.00]
Most accurate description of a player's ability this week goes to Sheffield Wednesday boss Gary Megson and his assessment of the returning midfielder James O'Connor. "He's not Iniesta." Indeed. He would probably say that himself.
So on to serious matters, and Wednesday's back-to-back home wins which have virtually preserved their League One status. The panic was there, but to the backdrop of the band at Hillsborough, the Owls thumped Tranmere 4-0 on Tuesday night, and secured a vital 2-1 win over Colchester last weekend. Successive wins for the first time in five months.
Megson's plan was simple, pick 11 players who want to win, play at high tempo and get at the opposition. Show plenty of commitment, desire and work hard. It wasn't quite Pep Guardiola science, but it has worked wonders, and the Owls boss must be applauded for some brave decisions.
Brighton are of course the 'Barca' of the division. With 84 points, the Albion have been the outstanding team of the season. Manager Gus Poyet said this week: "People say you can't get out of this division playing football - well that's rubbish." And Poyet has been a man of his word, and a splendid run of eight wins in row in March
has all but sealed the title.
The Seagulls play terrific football, and try to play from the back. Saturday's 2-2 draw with Rochdale was slightly disappointing, as Poyet's side were defensively not quite on it, and missed a few chances. In theory this game presents two contrasting styles.The visitors have won their games by tearing into the opposition straight away (but both at home), but lack the quality of the hosts.
Back Draw/Brighton @ [4.70]
Colchester United [2.50] v Rochdale [2.94], the draw [3.40]
If Brighton are the Barca, then Rochdale are the Villarreal of League One this term. Manager Keith Hill has worked wonders with a team that have collected 61 points and sit within pouncing distance of Bournemouth and a play-off place (plus they have a game in hand). All hail the Hill.
The Dale have won five out of their last six, whilst Saturday's 2-2 against Brighton was a terrific game in which both sides went for the win. It's that gameplan and philosophy which should give us a good angle into this Saturday's match. Hill will see this as winnable, and his tactic against Brighton was to press hard against a side that keep good possession.
Well Colchester do exactly that, certainly at home. Tactically last weekend's defeat at Sheffield Wednesday nearly worked, as manager John Ward went there to try and keep the crowd quiet early and soak up pressure. However, for me the Essex side
are better when on the front foot and keeping the ball. I think both teams can score here, but Rochdale are in such good form they can't be ignored.
Back over 2.5 goals @ [1.96]
Back Rochdale to win @ [2.94]
Dagenham and Redbridge [2.30] v Notts County [3.50], the draw [3.40]
Another week and another managerial exit, and maybe not surprising considering the recent record of Notts County. Paul Ince has gone. He becomes part of a staggering statistic that none of the last five Magpies managers have lasted longer than six months. And the Midlanders are in trouble, with five defeats in a row and one solitary goal from their last six games. The relegation price is currently [4.30] which could drop dramatically if losing this weekend. Could be a good trade.
Dagenham still have some fight, and will be right up for this. County seem to have lost all their drive and determination and could face an onslaught here of bodies and balls into their box. Caretaker manager Carl Heggs will have a tough job to do for the visitors, who look gone at the game.
Back Dagenham to win @ [2.30]
Back under 2.5 goals @ [1.96]
Former betting.betfair columnist Ben Herd plays for Aldershot against his old club Shrewsbury in a match Ian Lamont expects to finish all-square. Elsewhere Stevenage are good for a win away to Stockport....
Paul Ince has been sacked as manager of Notts County and after their recent run of results, it hardly came as a surprise....
Alan Dudman gives us the best bets from League One this weekend, including why the great entertainers Peterborough are worth backing In-Play with the Sky cameras on them....
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