September’s fixtures are now in full flow, and here are our previews on some of the matches to look forward to this weekend…
Clash of the titans
The Sky Bet League One’s top five teams are all enjoying unbeaten runs, however, parties could be spoilt as the top-two, Peterborough United and Portsmouth, battle it out on Saturday.
Steve Evans, August’s Manager of the Month in League One, has masterminded Posh to the club’s best ever start to a campaign. They’ve dropped just two points in their first seven games, bagging 19 goals in the process.
Posh have taken a slender lead at the top of the table after second-placed Pompey drew against the winless Shrewsbury Town last weekend, however they come into Saturday’s game having lost just once at Peterborough since 1977.
This fixture also sees the league’s best attack face the joint-best defence at the ABAX Stadium.
Staying beside the seaside
A full Sky Bet League One programme also features an exciting battle between two seaside clubs from different ends of the country. Winless Plymouth Argyle, who will be buoyed by their first clean sheet in the league last weekend, are entertaining Blackpool.
The Tangerines, who promoted interim boss Terry McPhillips to the vacant managerial post this week, face a round-trip that could reach almost 700 miles. Historically, this has not fazed them, having returned with maximum points from their last four visits to Home Park.
Under McPhillips, the Seasiders' have become comeback kings. Two injury time goals took Macclesfield Town to penalties in the Checkatrade Trophy before a trio of late goals helped Pool flip a 2-0 deficit against Bradford City – their second win of the campaign.
Therefore, Argyle’s first home game since 25th August could turn into a roller-coaster ride. Hold onto your hats.
Around the grounds
All three of the other unbeaten teams in Sky Bet League One only managed draws last time out, so will any of them falter this week? Barnsley visit mid-table Coventry City, Sunderland travel to Burton Albion and Walsall welcome Doncaster Rovers who are on the fringe of the play-offs.
Oxford United will be looking for a way out of the relegation zone when they visit Wycombe Wanderers, whilst Shrewsbury Town will search for their first win of the season against Southend United.
Rochdale host a mid-table clash with Gillingham, and Fleetwood Town welcome Accrington Stanley to Highbury Stadium.
Saturday 15 September (3pm kick-off unless stated)
AFC Wimbledon v Scunthorpe United
Bradford City v Charlton Athletic
Burton Albion v Sunderland
Coventry City v Barnsley
Fleetwood Town v Accrington Stanley
Luton Town v Bristol Rovers
Peterborough United v Portsmouth
Plymouth Argyle v Blackpool
Rochdale v Gillingham
Shrewsbury Town v Southend United
Walsall v Doncaster Rovers
Wycombe Wanderers v Oxford United