All of the three Football League divisions return to action this weekend after the second round of the FA Cup was played out for Leagues One and Two with the Non League sides. The FA Cup was still on club’s minds when the third draw was announced during the week. Some decent looking games lie ahead, and plenty of opportunity for those who keep a keen eye on the lower divisions to make a nice profit on the cupsets. But that’s January and we still have a few full round ahead.
Plenty of manager movements in the Football League with Reading saying goodbye to Steve Clarke who may have wished to take the Fulham job now after declining despite strong interest. Tough times – Reading are 11th and just two points behind the playoff place and one behind Ipswich whose form has seen their manager and striker win the manager/player of the month. Shows how cut throat the business is.
An equally strong display of the cut throat nature is the poaching of high flying Burton Albion and Walsall managers. Jimmy Floyd Hassselbank had enough name and recent achievement with Burton to earn the poisoned chalice at QPR. Dean Smith, formerly the long serving manager of Walsall has been given the keys at Griffin Park, home of Brentford. Burton were lucky enough to attract their former long time manager Nigel Clough to keep their momentum going (currently in first), Walsall are still waiting for their replacement but would be a good prospect as they are only two points behind Burton.
Outside of the usual array of managerial changes, the story of the 5 pounds pie tax at Leeds is an interesting one for a neutral, and another reason why the Leeds fans want a new owner. Why wouldn’t you increase the already expensive tickets (now 37GBP for a second tier game) just so you can use the increase to get some food.
Enough blabbing, how about some highlights and “best bets”.
HIGHLIGHTS
CHAMPIONSHIP
Fulham v Brentford
Derby v Brighton
QPR v Burnley
LEAGUE ONE
Gillingham v Burton
Sheffield Utd v Coventry
LEAGUE TWO
Oxford v Carlisle
BEST BETS
CHAMPIONSHIP
$1 for $11
QPR to beat Burnley
IPSWICH to beat Milton Keynes
MIDDLESBROUGH to beat Birmingham
HULL to beat Bolton
LEAGUE ONE
$1 for $12
PETERBOROUGH to beat Shrewsbury
PORT VALE to beat Scunthorpe
GILLINGHAM to beat Burton
WIGAN to beat Blackpool
LEAGUE TWO
$1 for $10
PORTSMOUTH to beat Hartlepool
OXFORD to beat Carlisle
WIMBLEDON to beat Stevenage
NOTTS COUNTY to beat Newport
BRISTOL ROVERS to beat York
CURRENT TABLES
[soccer-info id=’20’ type=’table’ columns=’#,Team,MP,W,D,L,F,A,G,P’ title=’CHAMPIONSHIP’ /]
[soccer-info id=’21’ type=’table’ columns=’#,Team,MP,W,D,L,F,A,G,P’ title=’LEAGUE ONE’ /]
[soccer-info id=’22’ type=’table’ columns=’#,Team,MP,W,D,L,F,A,G,P’ title=’LEAGUE TWO’ /]
