League One Betting: Blades set for another stalemate?

Preston's Jeffrey Monakana

Alan Dudman previews Saturday's League One action and predicts another draw for Sheffield United, this time at Preston...

Preston North End 2.809/5 v Sheffield United 2.6813/8, The Draw 3.412/5

Graham Westley was once again in the news following Sunday's 0-0 televised draw against the MK Dons. Not for his very dubious pink v-neck and suit combo, but for yet another reported spat on the sidelines - this time with Karl Robinson.

The MK Dons boss was unhappy with the home side's coaching staff waving imaginary cards, whilst Westley
said afterwards: "They cry about money." All fun stuff, and we might get more of the same this Saturday.

Conclusions from Sunday's 0-0 Sky game with the Dons were that Preston are looking organised, and seem to be responding to the manager's plan to cut out sloppy goals. They're also dangerous from corners and set-pieces with Scott Laird's delivery, whilst I was most impressed with right-winger Jeffrey Monakana - a former Arsenal Academy product. It was the first chance to see him live - and he was very good, good technique and pace.

Sheffield United are third in the table, but are the draw specialists having collected seven already this term from 12 games. Saturday's 1-1 draw at Oldham was a killer blow with a 90th minute equaliser - a goal that could have been prevented as the back line were ball watching. Their 1-0 win at Leyton Orient the week before prompted Os boss Russell Slade to describe them as the best side they have faced this season.

The Blades have only conceded 10 in 12, whilst Preston seemed intent on not conceding against MK last week. United line up a 4-4-2, with two good forwards in Dave Kitson and Nick Blackman - with the former best suited to crosses coming from out wide to feed on.

This looks a perfect match for a 0-0 In-Play trade, to then use the profits to dabble in 1-0 scores either way.

Recommended Bets
Back The Draw @ 3.412/5
Back HT Draw @ 2.0421/20
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.910/11

Walsall 2.186/5 v Crewe Alexandra 3.711/4, The Draw 3.45n/a

There are never any sour grapes here, even with two last minute goals this season denying the column two correct scorelines. But Walsall's 1-0 defeat to Shrewsbury on Sunday was an absolute travesty. I will write about the Saddlers again, as this is a terrific side with an exciting young manager.

I settled down in front of the Sky cameras last weekend, and was mesmerised by Walsall's first-half display. The opening 25 minutes was dazzling, they played some terrific football and had it not been for Shrews' keeper Chris Weale and three outstanding saves - the game would have been over. The midlanders controlled the match, and even Sky pundit Don Goodman said how much he would like to see one of Walsall's training sessions.

The problem is the Saddlers have lost their last three games yet have been the best team. But I admire this side, I love the way they play, and I want to stick with them and their boss Dean Smith.

Crewe are the 'School of Science', which should make for a decent footballing encounter. As a club there will never really be any real pressure on their manager, as the philosophy of playing a passing style and bringing through youngsters has historically served them well. Like a lower level Udinese - without the loan system.

Manager Steve Davis has a youthful side who were beaten 2-0 at Portsmouth last weekend, or I should say out-muscled, as there were some fairly hefty challenges from Michael Appleton's men. Striker Ajay Leitch-Smith suffered in that brusing affair - and he looks set for a spell on the sidelines.

There should be a lot of possession here, but Crewe have no cutting edge, scoring a paltry 10 goals in 12 games this season. If Walsall can play like they did last Sunday, they should win. Keep the faith.

Recommended Bet
Back Walsall to win @ 2.186/5

Portsmouth 2.186/5 v Shrewsbury Town 3.65n/a, The Draw 3.412/5

Portsmouth have fashioned a decent little run of four games unbeaten, topped off by Saturday's 2-0 win at Fratton Park against Crewe. Their pressing was good, and they really got in Crewe's faces, but Shrewsbury will be a different sort of proposition to the Alex.

The visitors didn't deserve the three points against Walsall, but manager Graham Turner must be credited for switching the system to press much higher up the pitch. The veteran boss also revealed that the dressing room was 'like a morgue' after Sunday's victory, a compliment once again to Walsall.

The Shrews don't score many away - with just five goals in six games, and I think this will be an ugly affair.

Pompey's 4-4-2 is based on hard work and organisation, with a good front pairing of Izale McLeod and Wes Thomas. The latter has made a real impact on loan from neighbours Bournemouth, and as a front pairing, they like to push and start hard, as in the words of Appleton "like a house on fire".

The hosts look better now having endured three home defeats in September, and with Thomas and McLeod up front have the goal threat that Shrewsbury are lacking.

Recommended Bets
Back Portsmouth to win @ 2.186/5
Back Portsmouth HT @ 2.26/5