Coca Cola League 1 - Boxing Day

[mrmuzeman]

26 Dec-12:30 Rotherham v Huddersfield 2.62 3.40 2.30
26 Dec-13:00 Brentford v Swansea 2.20 3.30 2.87
26 Dec-13:00 Gillingham v Bristol City 2.10 3.40 3.00
26 Dec-13:00 Oldham v Bradford 2.10 3.40 3.00
26 Dec-15:00 Barnsley v Hartlepool 1.83 3.40 3.75
26 Dec-15:00 Nottm Forest v Doncaster 2.00 3.40 3.25
26 Dec-15:00 Port Vale v Blackpool 2.00 3.40 3.25
26 Dec-15:00 Scunthorpe v Chesterfield 2.40 3.25 2.62
26 Dec-15:00 Southend v Milton Keynes Dons 1.72 3.40 4.33
26 Dec-15:00 Swindon v Colchester 2.50 3.25 2.50
26 Dec-15:00 Walsall v Tranmere 1.90 3.40 3.50

All odds bet365

[rcgills]

Not much Gills team news on the official site, as Jepson has said he doesn't like to reveal too much and give the opposition any clues. He has said though that the players who were out last week are unlikely to be back over Xmas. That presumably covers Byfield (rumours are he's off in the transfer window anyway), Hope, Pouton and Hislop (off the top of my head, I think they're the only ones who were out injured). Leon Johnson and Andrew Crofts were both suspended, but only for one game, so should be back in contention. Tom Williams has agreed a deal with Swansea for as soon as the transfer window opens, so will definitely be out of our game with Swansea on the 28th, but Jepson has said he will be considered for the Bristol City game. Paul Smith missed Bournemouth through his own choice, as apparently he had to sort some things out with his agent, according to the local paper. There's also the very much unconfirmed rumour I heard this week from a friend of a friend who works with one of the Gillingham player's brothers , who says Smith has a reputation of being the most difficult player to work with at Gillingham. It was Cooper who brought him to the club, but as Cooper's no longer here, and as Jepson reportedly didn't like Smith much from last season (when Jepson was assistant to Stan Ternent), he doesn't seem particularly fussed about losing him.

One last thing, Gills will be training every day over Christmas, including Christmas Day.

As for the likely winner of this game, it's a tough one. Gills have found some very decent form at home in the past couple of months, we've won our last 4 at home in the league, against Blackpool, Hartlepool, Doncaster and Port Vale. Unfortunately Bristol City have just won their last 2, at home to Huddersfield and away to Port Vale. Handicapman and AMP, how well did they actually play in those games? Gills have been in good form all round since the 5-0 drubbing at Colchester. Including down at Bournemouth at the weekend, we lost 2-1 in the 90th minute, but even the Bournemouth manager told Jepson after the game that they'd robbed us. By the sounds of it (didn't make it down there in the end), we deserved at least a point, and could possibly have got all 3. All in all, a tough one to call, but I'd go with Gills home form (and Bristol C's away record of 2-0-8) to tip the balance in our favour.

As for the other games, could be tempted by Huddersfield (have Rotherham appointed a new manager yet?), Bradford, Chesterfield and Colchester. Will have a look into them some time, but it will most likely be Boxing Day morning.

[A.M.P]

RC Gillis,

Handicap man will be able to provide better quality info than me as he goes like yourself.

From the forum / match reports we've apparently turned the fabled "corner".

Our performances have been a lot better of late and were unlucky not to get something out of the home loss to Bradford before our two game winning streak...

It's interesting to note that our recent clean sheets have coincided with the dropping of ever present GK Phillips and replacing him with a Brazilian loanee, Basso. Apparently the new keeper has been pulling off some great saves lately. Also Alex Russel's return from injury has revitalised the midfield.

The new addition of David Noble into midfield has also been receiving rave reviews. IMO that Steve Brooker is probably City's most influential player. If he's fit than we should have a chance as he goal scoring record in this league in very good and apart from another loanee he's our only target man at the club.

Incidentally I remember going to Gillingham in the 2000 or so season and we got spanked and Ade Akinbiyi was terrorising our defense...I always maintain that we should have "poached" Taylor and not that donkey Pullis...

we hardly ever win there and I'd be happy with a draw but will chuck on a tenner for City if I can get odds closer to 3/1 on Betfair.

Good luck,

AMP

[MickeyPaul]

Barnsley and Colchester the teams in form. I fancy a look at them two if I can get a chance.

[Swooperman]

Forgot about putting this up sorry Muze.

Quite like the look of this actually. I certainly like the look of Colchester, Chesterfield, possibly Donny, Barnsley & Brentford. I also think Evs on walsall at Skybet is a stonking bet, but I guess I'll do research whilst the relatives are pissing me off

Oh, Ive got a sneaking suspicion for MK Dons as well

[rcgills]

Originally Posted by A.M.P

RC Gillis,

Handicap man will be able to provide better quality info than me as he goes like yourself.

...

Incidentally I remember going to Gillingham in the 2000 or so season and we got spanked and Ade Akinbiyi was terrorising our defense...I always maintain that we should have "poached" Taylor and not that donkey Pullis...
AMP

Just to clear one thing up, I've not been to a game this season, as am in Madrid! I just go on what's on the forums, and what I hear from a mate of mine who's virtually an ever-present home and away.

And as for Pulis, you'll hear him called a lot of things in Gillingham (not least by our chairman ), but not a donkey. One of the best managers we ever had. Peter Taylor inherited the team from him, and took them one step further, but Pulis did far more in terms of taking a team from the depths of what is now League 2 to a team capable of challenging for a place in the Championship for the first time in its history. As a manager of a team in the lower two divisions, I don't think there are many better than Pulis, although he seems to struggle a bit more in the Championship.

Anyway, will post more thoughts on this league on Boxing Day morning. Happy Christmas to you all

[A.M.P]

Cheers RC and a merry one to you mate!

Hear what you're saying about Pullis but he is not well liked (to put in midly) by perhaps 99.9% of City fans. Still, he did do a better job than RusselL Osman and Big Fat Benny I suppose...

[kompressaur]

looks an ok fixture list. Im really looking forward to boxing day now. Ive a few fancies but i aint telling you what they are as its a secret. Its good to get suprises at xmas aint it? We wouldnt be much of a forum if everyone followed my lead though

[kompressaur]

from the bbc

Barnsley v Hartlepool
Barnsley winger Martin Devaney should be ready to face Hartlepool after recovering from a bout of flu. Goalkeeper Nick Colgan (ankle) could be recalled to the first team but striker Daniel Nardiello (hamstring) remains on the sidelines. Hartlepool captain Micky Barron faces a race to be fit after pulling a muscle in his back against Walsall. Right-back Darren Williams is suspended while striker Michael Proctor is back from a ban.

Brentford v Swansea
Brentford skipper Ricky Newman and midfielder Jay Tabb are both suspended for the top-of-the-table tie. Bees midfielder Eddie Hutchinson has shaken off a virus but defender Andy Frampton is a major doubt. Roberto Martinez, Kevin McLeod and Kevin Austin are all serving bans so miss Swansea's trip to Griffin Park. Striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is set to return, while defenders Izzy Iriekpen and Alan Tate have recovered from knee injuries and are set to play.

Gillingham v Bristol City
Andrew Crofts and Leon Johnson are back from suspension for Gillingham for the visit of Bristol City. Darren Byfield (knee), Chris Hope (calf), Steve Hislop (groin) and Alan Pouton (knee) are all still missing. Bristol City are expected to name a relatively unchanged side for the trip to fellow strugglers Gillingham. On-loan striker Bas Savage is likely to start on the bench now Marcus Stewart is back from a ban while fit again Luke Wilkshire should make the squad.

Nott'm Forest v Doncaster
Nottingham Forest striker David Johnson faces two or three months on the sidelines with a serious back injury. John Thompson is pushing for a recall after a one-game ban, while Kris Commons (ankle), David Friio (calf) and Gino Padula (groin) could feature. Doncaster welcome back New Zealand international David Mulligan from a foot injury for the trip to Forest. Dave Penney has no new injury concerns and will be looking for a boost after the Carling Cup defeat to Arsenal

Oldham v Bradford
Oldham welcome Richard Butcher back to the squad after he broke his nose and knocked out some teeth against Brentford in the Carling Cup. Rob Scott (ban) is ruled out but fellow defenders Guy Branston and Gareth Owen both return from similar suspensions. Bradford veteran strike duo Dean Windass (calf) and Steve Claridge (neck) are doubtful. Lee Crooks starts a three-match ban but teenage midfielder Joe Brown could make his league debut

Port Vale v Blackpool
Port Vale midfielder Michael Cummins could be available for the first time since October as he continues his comeback from a hernia injury. Skipper Tony Dinning returns after suspension but Steve Rowland serves a one-match ban.
Blackpool boss Simon Grayson is without Danny Coid (broken ankle) and may be forced to name himself on the bench. There is better news as Ciaran Donnelly returns from suspension and Rob Edwards is back after a thigh injury

Rotherham v Huddersfield
Defender Scott Minto (ankle) is Rotherham's only absentee for the visit of high-flying Huddersfield. Shaun Barker is back in the squad after serving a ban while Michael Keane and Lee Williamson have been given the all-clear after knocks. Terriers defender Danny Adams returns from a one-match ban which means Tom Clarke is likely to start on the bench. Tony Carss is out with cartliage problems while defender Martin McIntosh could feature against his former club.

Scunthorpe v Chesterfield
Scunthorpe defender Andy Butler faces a fitness test after missing the last two matches with hamstring problems. Matt Sparrow (knee), Marcus Williams (hamstring), Richard Hinds (ban) and captain Andy Crosby (head) are all looking to return to the squad. Chesterfield captain Shane Nicholson, Derek Niven and Mark Allott all return from bans for the trip to Scunthorpe. Alex Bailey has recovered from a hamstring strain and is in contention for a place on the bench.

Southend v MK Dons
Southend striker Freddy Eastwood is aiming to make a swift return from a calf strain in time to face MK Dons. Mark Bentley is banned after picking up a fifth booking this season but skipper Kevin Maher returns from suspension. MK Dons striker Clive Platt hopes to shake off an ankle injury for the trip to Roots Hall.
Fellow forward Izale McLeod will continue his comeback from a knee injury while defender Ben Chorley is in the middle of a three-match ban.

Swindon v Colchester
Swindon striker Christian Roberts returns for the visit of Colchester after recovering from a toe injury. Charlie Comyn-Platt's thigh injury is expected to rule him out while fellow defender Andy Gurney is receiving treatment on an Achilles problem. Striker Jamie Cureton will not feature as the terms of his loan deal prevent him playing against his parent club. Neil Danns, Richard Garcia or Gareth Williams could replace him in an otherwise unchanged Colchester side.

Walsall v Tranmere
Walsall winger Ishmel Demontagnac misses the Boxing Day tie to serve the final game of a three-match suspension. On-loan Preston midfielder Eric Skora (knee), Darren Wrack (shin) and player-manager Paul Merson (Achilles) are all struggling. Tranmere striker Chris Greenacre (knee) and defender Ian Goodison (thigh) should be fit enough to face Walsall. Calvin Zola (back), goalkeeper John Achterberg (stomach) and striker Chris Dagnall (injured leg) are all missing.

[Swooperman]

Walsall v Tranmere

Preview from soccernet:

"Walsall player-manager Paul Merson will be without winger Ishmel Demontagnac for the clash with Tranmere at Bescot Stadium.
Demontagnac misses out as he serves the final game of a three-match ban, while on-loan Preston midfielder Eric Skora will be absent too after a knee injury forced his return to Deepdale for treatment.
Darren Wrack is still sidelined with a broken shin.
Meanwhile, Merson has revealed he is suffering from an Achilles' tendon problem having only recently recovered from a groin injury.
``I'm struggling at the moment and it's sore but I put myself out on the pitch to try and make something happen,'' he said.
Tranmere boss Brian Little is optimistic Chris Greenacre and Ian Goodison will be available to face the Saddlers.
Striker Greenacre (knee) and defender Goodison (thigh) missed the LDV Vans Trophy exit to Carlisle in midweek but have a good chance of featuring against the Saddlers at Prenton Park.
Forward Calvin Zola (back) will miss the festive programme as he is sidelined along with goalkeeper John Achterberg (stomach operation) and striker Chris Dagnall (injured leg)."
.......as quoted above Demontagnac is missing for the final game of his suspension, & Merson is rated only 50/50 but is likely to be on the bench as he was against Hartlepool to come on if Walsall are struggling with creativity. Fox is expected to be fit & apart from Wrack & Wright Walsall are at full strength, which means it'll be interesting to see if Roper & Gerrard will remain together in the centre of defence with so many games coming up.

Greenacre is Tranmeres leading scorer with 7 goals & if he doesnt make it he will be badly missed. Simon Francis returns after being cup tied.

Walsall are strong at home with a record of 6-3-2-18-14 & they havent lost at Bescot sinced mid-september. The 2 defeats have been Swansea 5-2 & Chesterfield 3-2 so without them Walsall have only conceded 6 in 9 home games. The last 5 home games have been 4-1-0-8-2 & they are unbeaten in 2 with a creditable draw at Forest & last weeks win over Hartlepool.
Tranmeres away record is 3-2-7-9-13 but their away wins have been Chesterfield, Doncaster & Scunny which are no mean feats. The last 5 away reads 2-1-2-6-5 but they havent won in 4 in the league & lost 4-1 at home to Brentford last week.

Walsalls fans have been rocked by the news that the highly popular striker Jorge Letaio is returning to Portugal in January due to personal problems where he will sign for Beira Mar. His last game will be the cup tie in the first week of january.
There are also 2 different sets of rumours that Fryatt is going in the window, or that he is leaving in the summer & signing for Villa. The rumour being that Eric Skoras injury isnt as bad as first feared but he was recalled by Preston as walsall broke a handshake on giving them first refusal on Fryatt when Villa came in. The recent signing of James Constable does seem to add credence to this but Leitao leaving has complicated the issue.
Other rumours from the same source seem to have Darren Byfield ready to rejoin Walsall & also junior Agogo on his way in as well, but the same source says that the man behind the takeover at Villa is an ex-IRA kingpin


Walsall for me as with that home rfecord I think its a good price

[Swooperman]

Swindon v Colchester

Soccernets preview:
Swindon boss Iffy Onuora is boosted by the return of Christian Roberts for the game with Colchester.

Roberts has been sidelined with a toe injury but featured in a midweek behind-closed-doors friendly and is in contention.

Charlie Comyn-Platt's thigh injury is expected to rule him out, while fellow defender Andy Gurney has been receiving treatment at parent club Swansea as he bids to overcome an Achilles problem and is a doubt.

Colchester manager Phil Parkinson will be forced into one change from his in-form side's last league outing.

Forward Jamie Cureton is unavailable due to the terms of his loan deal from the Robins.

Parkinson made 10 changes for the LDV Vans Trophy win over MK Dons in midweek and is set to revert back to the line-up, Cureton aside, that started the previous five games.

Neil Danns, who has scored twice in two substitute appearances, Richard Garcia or Gareth Williams could come into the attack.

Colchester are unbeaten in their last eight League One games - a run that has moved them up to fourth in the table.

The only doubt in my mind here is that Swindon are unbeaten in 3, although the last 2 have been draws....winning at Rotherham & drawing at Oldham & at home to blackpool. the home record is 3-2-5-15-18 & the last 5 at home 1-2-2-4-7.

Colchester are bang in form & are 8 games unbeaten & they won last time out v MK Dons & held swansea to a creditable away draw before that. Away they are 4-5-2-11-10 & the last 5 is 4-1-0-12-3 with the last 5 away being 3-2-0-6-3.

Looking at the table it should be plain sailing really but the 3 unbeaten does make me hesitate slightly, especially at this time of year. But the 6/4 available on Colchester looks too good to refuse but I'll restrict my stakes a little I think

[Swooperman]

Notts Forest v Doncaster

Preview:
Striker David Johnson will be missing from Nottingham Forest's line-up when they entertain Doncaster.

After playing through the discomfort of a back injury, Johnson has been told surgery is required and is now facing the prospect of between two and three months on the sidelines.

Fellow forward Spencer Weir-Daley is expected to miss the remainder of the season after a shoulder injury forced him to go under the knife too.

Winger Felix Bastians has been ruled out until the new year, with the German sustaining an ankle knock.

Utility player John Thompson is pushing for a recall after serving a one-game suspension, while Kris Commons (ankle), David Friio (calf) and Gino Padula (groin) could also play a part.

But Danny Cullip remains sidelined by hamstring trouble, while Scott Dobie has yet to recover from a hip operation.

Doncaster welcome back New Zealand international David Mulligan for the trip to the City Ground.

The utility player has missed the last three games with a foot injury but is back in contention.

Dave Penney's side have no new injury concerns and, according to assistant-boss Mickey Walker, are nursing only ``broken hearts'' after their Carling Cup defeat against Arsenal.

On-loan goalkeeper Dino Seremet has returned to Luton, and Tonny Nielsen will step up to the bench as cover for Jan Budtz.

Phil McGuire, Tim Ryan, Andy Warrington and Jermaine McSporran are still ruled out, while Barry Richardson is missing with a broken leg.

.....well its a question for me how Donny will react after the penalty defeat by Arsenal in the League Cup. Theyve won 9 of the last 12 & although its xmas I think the extra 2 days rest is needed for them to get over the agonising cup defeat.
Forest at home are strong with a record of 8-2-2-17-7 & their last 5 at home is 4-1-0-7-1. Theyve not won in 2, losing at Scunny last time out & being held by their bogey team Walsall at the City Ground before that.
Donnys away record is 4-1-5-11-12 & the last 5 is 4-0-1-11-6. Theyve won the last 2 v MK Dons away & at home to Swansea. Theyve also won away at Barnsley, Oldham & Swansea & any side doing the double over the Swans looks worth backing at 2/1 to me, particularly with Forest missing strikers.

[Swooperman]

Brentford v Swansea

Preview:
In-form Brentford go into their top-of-the table clash with stuttering Swansea without skipper Ricky Newman and midfielder Jay Tabb.

The duo were both on target in the Bees' biggest win of the season at Tranmere last weekend - Newman notching his first goal for more than five years in the 4-1 victory - but they have each now been booked five times this season and are suspended.

Andy Frampton is also a major doubt, while Alex Rhodes remains a long-term casualty.

On-loan midfielder Darren Pratley is still receiving treatment at parent club Fulham after taking a heavy knock in the recent FA Cup win over Oldham. He could be out for up to six weeks and may not return to the club.

However, Eddie Hutchinson is over his recent virus and should line up again after returning against Rovers.

Swansea will be without a trio of suspended players for the trip to Griffin Park.

Roberto Martinez, Kevin McLeod and Kevin Austin all serve bans but the Swans are boosted by the return of Adebayo Akinfenwa.

The striker is available again after missing last week's defeat at Doncaster to return home for his grandmother's funeral.

Izzy Iriekpen is also in contention after a knee injury, while defenders Sam Ricketts (foot) and Alan Tate (knee) face late fitness tests. The pair suffered injuries during the defeat at Doncaster.

.........I fancied Brentford here until I realised that they were missing players as well as Swansea. I felt the momentum was more with the home side but having looked at it & the fact Brentford have drawn 3 of their last 5 at home I think its more the momentum isnt with Swansea, rather than with Brentford

No bet

[Swooperman]

Scunthorpe v Chesterfield

Preview:
Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws is sweating on the fitness of Andy Butler ahead of the home clash against Chesterfield.

Defender Butler has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem and is a doubt for the Spireites clash.

However, Matt Sparrow (knee) could play for the first time since mid-November after sustaining an injury in training. Marcus Williams (hamstring) is hoping to return to the side as well.

Richard Hinds returns from suspension and captain Andy Crosby should be fit, despite injuring his head against Hereford in their last game.

Spireites boss Roy McFarland is boosted by the return of three key first-team players.

Captain Shane Nicholson completed the final game of a three-match suspension last week against Oldham, while Derek Niven and Mark Allott have served one-game bans after being booked five times.

The trio are all expected to regain starting places.

Alex Bailey has recovered from a hamstring strain and is in contention for a place on the bench.

......Scunny beat Forest last time out but had lost the previous 4, whereas Chesterfield are unbeaten in 6. The draw is the danger but Chesterfield are 5-3-4-18-20 away & have had trips to Brentford & southend in this unbeaten run.
Scunny at home are 5-2-4-21-19 but 1-0-4-7-13 in the last 5. Chesterfield have drawn 4 of their last 5 but I'll chance them at 7/4

[kompressaur]

cheers swoops youve managed to put me off most my fancies (Forest it was)

Looks like i'll follow you fellas in Colchester. Good luck