Another near miss on Thursday saw just Turkish side Bursaspor let the side down as they were trounced 3-0 at home to Vojvodina!
With just one week to go until THE big kick-off, another bank building opportunity arises this weekend with a full fixture list across the football league. Here’s my thoughts on proceedings:
Bolton Wanderers vs Reading, KO 15:00, 4/6
Two former-Premier League sides of recent years meet at The Reebok for a game that looks wide open on paper. Whilst I wouldn’t like to predict who will take the points tomorrow afternoon, I’m confident both sides will get on the scoresheet in a fiercely contested encounter.
Bolton haven’t failed to score in the league at home since 2012, and have scored and conceded in their opening 2 competitive games this season. Whilst Reading struggled whilst dining at the top table last season, they scored plenty of goals along the way, and last failed to score away from home when they visited Old Trafford back in March. Reading battled back from behind to defeat Ipswich 2-1 last week, and will face a similarly tough test here.
Tranmere Rovers vs Crawley Town, KO 15:00, 5/6
Crawley Town finished just off the play-off places in 10th last season whilst their opponents today finished 1 point and 1 place below them. However, the away side have started with a bang this season, netting 6 goals in their opening two matches. Unfortunately they’ve also conceded 6 and it’s already apparent that they plan to outscore their opponents this season as opposed to address their leaky defence.
Tranmere will come into this game with plenty of confidence having beat Crawley twice last season, including a 5-2 demolition in the early stages of the 2012/13 campaign. The Red Devils of League One will be seeking revenge in this full-blooded match-up that should gives us goals aplenty.
Burton Albion vs Rochdale, KO 15:00, 4/6
Another closely contested match is expected this afternoon at the Pirelli Stadium in Burton as the home side welcome league leaders Rochdale to town. The visitors despatched of Hartlepool United 3-0 at home last week, sending Jeff Stelling’s boys rock bottom of League Two whilst propelling themselves to the pinnacle of the division.
Meanwhile, Burton embarked on a fantastic comeback to draw 2-2 after being 2-0 down at Cheltenham. A certain Rory Delap grabbed the equaliser and his side kept their momentum with a brilliant 2-1 win away to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in midweek. The home side edged a 5-goal thriller by the odd goal in the corresponding fixture here last season, and I’m predicting more of the same this time round to bring up our treble in style!
