The international break has reduced Saturday’s League One programme to just three matches, but all three have implications towards the top end of a tightly packed table.
Burton Albion and Huddersfield Town meet with both sitting on 12 points, Plymouth Argyle travel to Leyton Orient looking to respond to last weekend’s defeat, while leaders Bradford City face their first match since Graham Alexander left the club to take charge of Preston North End.
Below, we look at all three fixtures, the major factors that could decide them and our selections for Saturday.
Saturday, 3 October
Saturday, 3 October · 15:00 UK · Pirelli Stadium
Our considerations
Burton have made an encouraging start to the season and go into the weekend seventh in League One, level on 12 points with sixth-placed Huddersfield. Gary Bowyer’s side have lost only twice in their opening eight league matches and arrive with confidence after Jack Armer’s goal secured an impressive 1-0 victory away to Plymouth last weekend.
The Brewers are also unbeaten in four matches at the Pirelli Stadium, although Bowyer has selection problems. Joe Lewis is sidelined with a broken toe, Toby Sibbick is away on international duty with Uganda and Kyran Lofthouse has been working his way back from injury.
Huddersfield have collected the same number of points but need to respond after a 2-1 defeat at Bromley extended their winless League One run to three matches. Martin Drury’s team have struggled to turn promising periods of possession into victories, which has become a concern for a side expected to challenge towards the top of the division.
Burton have also proved a difficult opponent for the Terriers in recent years. They are unbeaten in the last five meetings and have won their previous two home encounters with Huddersfield by an aggregate score of 6-1. With the teams level on points and neither possessing an obvious advantage, another closely contested meeting looks likely.
Verdict
Huddersfield possess the greater squad depth, but Burton’s strong start, home record and excellent recent results in this fixture make them difficult to oppose. There is not enough between the sides to confidently back either for all three points. Our tip: Draw.
Saturday, 3 October · 15:00 UK · BetWright Stadium
Our considerations
Plymouth missed the opportunity to move to the top of League One when they suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat to Burton last weekend, but Tom Cleverley’s side remain fourth and their attacking performances across the opening weeks provide plenty of encouragement.
Before the Burton setback, Argyle had won three successive league matches against Doncaster, Barnsley and Blackpool, scoring 10 goals in the process. They have also won their last two away league fixtures, suggesting the defeat at Home Park is more likely to have been an isolated disappointment than the beginning of a significant downturn.
Leyton Orient have had two weeks to prepare after beating Stevenage 1-0 in their most recent League One appearance. Richie Wellens’ side have been inconsistent, but their position in the table is slightly deceptive given how tightly packed the division remains. Victory on Saturday would take the O’s above Plymouth.
Orient should benefit from home advantage and the additional preparation time, but Plymouth’s attacking output and recent away performances give the visitors a slight edge. Argyle have demonstrated that they can create goals from several areas of the pitch, and Cleverley will expect a reaction after last weekend’s setback.
Verdict
Orient’s extra preparation time and home advantage deserve respect, but Plymouth had produced some of the division’s best attacking form before last weekend. Cleverley’s side have already demonstrated that they travel well and should have enough quality to respond to the Burton defeat. Our tip: Plymouth Argyle to win.
Saturday, 3 October · 15:00 UK · Select Car Leasing Stadium
Our considerations
League leaders Bradford City face a fascinating test at Reading in their first match since Graham Alexander left the club to take charge of Preston North End. Mark Trueman and Colin Doyle have been placed in interim charge, and their immediate challenge is to maintain the momentum that Alexander established during Bradford’s excellent start.
Bradford have built their position on an outstanding defensive record and enter the weekend having put together a strong winning sequence. The managerial change nevertheless introduces uncertainty at an awkward time, while international duty also affects the visitors, with Jon McCracken and Ibou Touray among those unavailable.
Reading have selection issues of their own, with Andy Rinomhota, Jeriel Dorsett and Charlie Savage away with their national teams. Leam Richardson can, however, call upon one of the division’s most productive forwards in Jack Marriott, whose goals have played a major part in the Royals’ promising start to the campaign.
The Royals have been particularly convincing at home, winning their last three League One matches at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. That record makes this a difficult first assignment for Bradford’s interim management team, particularly with Reading sitting close enough to the leaders for the early table to underline how competitive this matchup is.
Verdict
Bradford’s organisation and defensive strength should not suddenly disappear because Alexander has departed, but the managerial change and international absences arrive before a difficult away fixture. Reading’s strong home form gives the Royals every chance of taking something from the leaders. Our tip: Draw.