L1, L2, and Scottish Predictions > Jan 31st - Feb 2nd

[StevieDay1983]

[StevieDay1983]

Check out the latest odds and ratings for the weekend matches in this section. A gruelling schedule continues and we'd love to hear your predictions for these games! 

[StevieDay1983]

Southend vs Lincoln

The League One preview of the week is one of the biggest punts we've taken in recent memory. It's Southend versus Lincoln in a 3pm GMT kick-off this Saturday afternoon at Roots Hall. The odds, form, and league positions tell us to go one way. Even my gut instinct is backing that theory. However, the ELO ratings are guiding us towards a different way. It's time to really test the strength of these ratings!

Southend are in a world of trouble this season. Sol Campbell has taken the reigns from Kevin Bond but the team remains down in 22nd place and 15 points adrift of safety. Results have improved slightly since Campbell came in with the Shrimpers a lot tougher to beat these days. Unfortunately, the art of turning those draws into wins is harder to come by. The last 9 league games have seen 1 win, 5 draws, and 3 losses. The club is also now unbeaten in their last three home league games as well so there are signs that maybe they're beginning to move in the right direction.

Lincoln continue to do just about enough to stay in mid-table under Michael Appleton. Back-to-back defeats in the league has seen the team drop to 14th in the table but with the Imps 15 points clear of the relegation zone and just 8 points off the play-off pace there's every reason for Appleton's men to feel they can still gatecrash the play-off party. One thing that does need to change is their away form though. Just 2 wins from their 16 away games in the league is grim reading with only Tranmere, AFC Wimbledon, MK Dons, and Bolton taking less points on their travels this season.

It is this game that offers us a chance to be brave punters. Do we show faith in the ELO ratings or do we buckle? I don't know about you guys but I think taking a punt on Southend to get something from this game is well worth it. Lincoln have an atrocious away record and even though I don't think I'll be convinced at all this season that Southend will win I think they're good for at least a draw.

Draw @ 3.84 with Marathonbet

BTTS @ 1.72 with VBet

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[StevieDay1983]

Swindon vs Exeter

The League Two preview of the week can only be one game this week really can't it? 1st versus 2nd when Swindon host Exeter in a 3pm GMT kick-off at The County Ground on Saturday afternoon. I was going to refer to the ELO ratings that heavily support Oldham to beat Bradford but felt this game was too good to ignore with so much more at stake for both teams.

Swindon are flying this season at the top of the table. Richie Wellens is doing a superb job at the club but results have been a bit patchy lately. Back-to-back victories in the league haven't been recorded since 14th December and 2 defeats in their last 3 league games has seen their lead at the top cut. The home form of the Robins has remained in tact with the club now unbeaten at home in the league for 9 matches.

Exeter come into this game in 2nd place but know a win would see them leapfrog their opponents to take them top of the table with a game in hand. Matt Taylor will be another manager delighted with the way his team are handling this season. A slight blip of two league games without a win will raise an eyebrow but before those two matches the Grecians had gone 11 league games undefeated. It's been a run of form built on a foundation of a solid defence with the club keeping 8 clean sheets from their last 12 league matches.

I'm expecting a typically tight affair in this top of the table clash. Both sides know it's too close to call at the top with the likes of Crewe, Plymouth, Colchester, and Northampton biting at their heels. A spell of bad form that a loss here might trigger has to be avoided at all costs. I appreciate that Swindon remain resilient at home but I think last week's off day for Exeter's defence against Port Vale will be rectified here and they'll get a point.

Draw @ 3.55 with Marathonbet

Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.80 with Marathonbet

[malabgd]

Cambridge Utd vs Colchester Utd

Cambridge Utd

Doubtful:

Out (injuries/other): Sam Smith (27/7 f, top scorer), Samir Carruthers (6/0 m, personal reasons), Jabo Ibehre (4/0 f), Gary Deegan (0/0 m)

Suspended:

Colchester Utd

Doubtful: Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe (2/0 f)

Out (injuries/other): Paris Cowan-Hall (5/0 f)

Suspended:

 

 

Cheltenham vs Morecambe FC

Cheltenham

Doubtful: Ryan Broom (26/7 m, top scorer), Chris Clements (19/0 m), Reuben Reid (3/0 f), Jonte Smith (10/1 f)

Out (injuries/other): Scott Flinders (25/0 first goalkeeper), Tahvon Campbell (11/0 f)

Suspended:

Morecambe FC

Doubtful: Ryan Cooney (5/0 m), Shaun Miller (18/2 f)

Out (injuries/other): Rhys Oates (4/0 d)

Suspended:

 

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