League One Betting: Tranmere to take the points

Tranmere Rovers boss Ronnie Moore has built a decent counter-attacking side
Harry Redknapp is back at Bournemouth, whilst Graham Westley is still building at Preston. League One expert Alan Dudman is back to view their chances, and a decent bet at Prenton Park.
Tranmere Rovers v Coventry City, Saturday 15:00
Tranmere Rovers 2.1411/10 v Coventry City 3.90n/a, the draw 3.55n/a
The market seems to have underplayed Tranmere's excellent start to the season, and I would make them slightly odds-on for this weekend's League One clash at Prenton Park. Remember, Rovers are still unbeaten this term, and have won both their matches at home.
Saturday's 0-0 at Crewe was a decent game between two attacking sides, but Tranmere lacked a clinical touch despite pressing forward. I have often spoke in glowing terms of their manager Ronnie Moore, who has created a really good counter-attacking side with loads of pace. Their 4-0 win over Colchester this season highlighted their strength in wide areas, as well as the talent of 19-year-old striker Jake Cassidy - who bagged a hat-trick in that encounter.
The hosts have conceded just one goal in two games at Prenton Park, which sets a fairly tough task for Coventry City, who have managed just three points thus far. Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Stevenage once again showcased their ability to switch off defensively and the second-half goals conceded are becoming a recurring theme. And they are still to finalise a new permanent manager.
To me, the Sky Blues and their current squad look a bit short in this division, and short for these types
of games against hard-nosed, quick teams that will ask plenty of questions. That makes them too difficult to side with for the weekend, and Tranmere look a bet.
Recommended bets:
Back Tranmere to win @ 2.1411/10
Bournemouth v Hartlepool, Saturday 15:00
Bournemouth 1.784/5 v Hartlepool 5.309/2, the draw 3.505/2
If the news passed you by, former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has returned to Bournemouth in some
kind of advisory capacity. Whether his influence was crucial in their 1-0 victory at Yeovil last week will be open to debate, but the three points were thoroughly deserved against an in-form team.
The Cherries have been a bit unlucky this season, having played some good football whilst dominating quite
a few games, perhaps their points tally of six hasn't quite matched their efforts. Manager Paul Groves has got them playing, and they really bossed Yeovil last weekend and kept the ball for long periods. The arrival of experienced midfielder Richard Hughes has been inspired, as the veteran brings intelligence and a calming influence where it is needed.
Bournemouth look good when playing a diamond formation - which allows their full-backs to push on and whip balls into the box. Both their home matches have been under 2.5 goals this season however, and their plan will be to control the match and limit Hartlepool's chances.
Pool were a bit naive last Saturday (and a blow for this column in nearly bagging the correct score), and
conceded a late goal having chased the game rather than protect, and I think Bournemouth might just start
finding their mojo to gain another win.
Recommended bets:
Back Bournemouth to win @ 1.784/5
Preston North End v Crawley Town, Saturday 15:00
Preston North End 2.285/4 v Crawley Town 3.45n/a, the draw 3.505/2
It's time I looked at one of my ante-post bets, and a chance to assess 'Project Graham Westley'. And it looks fairly healthy, with the Whites sitting in eighth with eight points and GW still striving for more.
His new squad are still evolving, but striker Akpo Sodje has made a big impact with four goals in six appearances, whilst recent signing Stuart Beavon from Wycombe fits Westley's mould as a hard-working forward with a terrific work-rate.
Crawley had a blip last weekend, simple as that. More so the referee having a blip during that nightmare 3-0 defeat to Portsmouth, a game they dominated for good periods but were reduced to nine-men, with the defeat ended an excellent opening run to their campaign.
The hosts are a big threat from set-pieces, with Scott Laird's wand of a left-foot providing much of the ammunition this term, and it might be a game where both will be good defensively. Laird provided two of the assists for the goals against Bury, and I think set-pieces will be the overriding factor here.
Recommended bets:
Back-to-lay correct scores 0-0 and 1-1
Back Preston to win @ 2.285/4