Skip to content

League One preview

Image: Ling: Os manager

Leyton Orient look to continue their 100 per cent start at home to Northampton on Saturday.

Leyton Orient look to continue their 100 per cent start to the League One season at home to Northampton on Saturday. Carlisle, Swindon, Bristol Rovers and Leeds also put their unbeaten starts on the line this weekend, but all four are also on home turf. Gillingham remain without a point after three games and host Walsall, who themselves have only mustered one draw. Nottingham Forest go in search of their first win of the season when they visit promoted Bristol Rovers.

Bournemouth v Port Vale

Kevin Bond may stick with the side that beat Doncaster last weekend, with defender Russell Perrett still out with a knee injury and Paul Telfer likely to be missing due to a groin problem. Port Vale striker Luke Rodgers should return to the side and defender Ashley Westwood could make his debut.

Brighton v Southend

Brighton new boys George O'Callaghan and David Martot could make their debuts after joining on loan but defender Andrew Whing is suspended. Southend manager Steve Tilson is without left-back Steven Hammell (ankle) but otherwise has a fully-fit squad to choose from as captain Kevin Maher is back after a foot problem.

Bristol Rovers v Nottm Forest

Paul Trollope could make changes to his Rovers side but Ryan Green is the only absentee with an Achilles injury. Forest defender Ian Breckin is available after coming through a reserve team outing in midweek, while Luke Chambers should recover from a knee problem. But Chris Cohen, Matt Lockwood, Lewis McGugan and Arron Davies are all expected to miss out.

Carlisle v Cheltenham

Carlisle's only absentees are Ged Dalton (knee) and Peter Murphy (ankle). Cheltenham continue to be without Michael Wylde (broken jaw), Gavin Caines (knee) and Scott Brown (broken leg).

Gillingham v Walsall

Gillingham have a host of concerns with Simon King, David Graham, Gary Mulligan, Barry Cogan and Nicky Southall doubts and Aaron Brown, Duncan Jupp and Efetobore Sodje definitely out. Walsall defender Ian Roper is suspended and Allan Picken will also not be involved. Striker Tommy Mooney will require a fitness test on his calf strain.

Hartlepool v Oldham

Hartlepool manager Danny Wilson is hoping to have midfielder Willie Boland fit following a hamstring complaint. Defender Ali Gibb is in contention after returning from a three-match ban. Oldham striker Lee Hughes could be involved for John Sheridan's side after joining The Latics this week, but midfielder Mark Allott is a doubt with a thigh injury.

Leeds v Luton

Dennis Wise welcomes back Andy Hughes, Alan Thompson and Jamie Clapham for the visit of Luton but Tore Andre Flo and Ian Westlake are struggling. Luton goalkeeper Dean Brill returns to challenge David Forde for the starting spot, however, defender Richard Jackson is doubtful with a groin problem.

Leyton Orient v Northampton

Leyton Orient midfielder Sean Thornton is suspended and will sit out the match, as could captain Stephen Purches who has a hamstring complaint. Northampton manager Stuart Gray could hand a league debut to 17-year-old winger Alex Dyer after his impressive performance against Middlesbrough in midweek. Left-back Danny Jackman and midfielder Giles Coke are still sidelined.

Milwall v Huddersfield

Jamie O'Hara is in line to start at home against Huddersfield, but goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley is out and striker Tom Brighton is doubtful. Frank Sinclair returns from a hamstring injury and will take his place in the starting line-up while Tom Clarke could be in the squad. New signing Robbie Williams is not match fit and David Mirfin, Danny Schofield and Danny Cadamarteri are all missing.

Swansea v Doncaster

Swansea are without defenders Marcos Painter (foot) and Alan Tate (knee) for the visit of Doncaster. Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll is missing captain Graeme Lee, James Coppinger, Brian Stock, Jason Price and Kevin Horlock.

Swindon v Crewe

Ady Williams (knee) and Andy Nicholas (heel) continue to be sidelined by injury but otherwise Swindon manager Paul Sturrock has a fully fit squad. Lee Barnard is set for his Crewe debut after joining from Tottenham and could partner Byron Moore up front. Nicky Maynard is out until the New Year, while Chris McCready has an ankle injury and Michael Connor is still recovering from hernia surgery.

Yeovil v Tranmere

Striker Lee Morris has joined Yeovil's injury list after picking up a knee injury. Captain Terry Skiverton and midfielders Gary Dempsey and Marc Bircham are also injured. Striker Paul Warne and defender Nathan Jones should return. Tranmere striker Gareth Taylor is sidelined with a broken rib while fellow front man Calvin Zola has a hamstring injury and is a doubt to face Yeovil.