League One Betting: Stylish Dons face tough task at Ricoh

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson swapping style for the tracksuit

Karl Robinson's promotion chasing MK Dons travel to the Ricoh in midweek, whilst under pressure managers Paul Groves and Paul Dickov need some positive results. League One man Alan Dudman is back to preview three of Tuesday night's third tier matches.

Coventry City 3.259/4 v MK Dons 2.3411/8, the draw 3.4012/5

Coventry gained their first win under Mark Robins at the weekend (much to my annoyance), with the last gasp header from Cody McDonald the killer blow in a dreadful game at Oldham. Robins went as far as to describe it as the worst match he had ever seen in his life. However, that win will be a huge lift for the players, who were desperately short on confidence under the previous manager.

The Sky Blues had a habit of throwing a lead early in the season, but they will be more steely under the new boss. Robins gave an interesting insight to his approach for Tuesday's game by saying: "the ball will be on the floor and we need to pass the ball like we know we can, and try to out-play them".

The Ricoh is a big playing surface, which will suit the visitors ideally. The MK Dons are one of the best footballing teams in the league and will pass, probe and move the ball. Sadly Jimmy Bullard won't be seen for the club again, knee problems have forced him to retire.

The hosts will be better suited in a passing game too, whilst MK Dons haven't totally fired on their travels this season. Saturday's 1-0 win over Crewe included the best 45 minutes of football ever seen in League One (according to Dons boss Karl Robinson). The game might be bit tighter than my initial impression between two footballing teams and would favour the draw.

Recommended bets:
Back the draw @ 3.4012/5
Back 1-1 @ 6.806/1
Back HT draw @ 2.05n/a
Back MK Dons to win 1-2 @ 10.09/1

Crawley Town 2.166/5 v Bournemouth 3.86n/a, the draw 3.45n/a

What an earth has happened to Bournemouth? The Cherries appear close to crisis. The manager Paul Groves is under great pressure on the coast, and they were beaten 2-1 at home to Walsall on Saturday, to start the chants of 'Groves out'.

Bournemouth simply appear a side massively short on confidence, especially at home, where they have taken just one point from 15. Groves has spent a fair amount of money, and Russian oil baron Maxim Demim wasn't setting his sights on hovering above the drop zone. The boss appeared mentally drained during Saturday's post-match interview, but at least has received a vote of confidence from his chairman.

On the plus side, the Cherries have played better away from home. However Crawley are doing well this season, bar the 5-2 horror story recently against Tranmere. Saturday's 2-0 win at Carlisle wasn't their best performance, but I like they way they defended in the second-half - being braver by pushing up the pitch rather than sit back.

It's clear that something isn't quite working with the manager at Bournemouth, and they cannot be backed
with any confidence at the moment.

Recommended bets:
Back Crawley to win @ 2.166/5
Back Crawley to win 1-0 @ 8.4015/2 and 2-0 12.50n/a

Crewe Alexandra 2.3811/8 v Oldham Athletic 3.4012/5, the draw 3.3512/5

Another manager under pressure appears to be Oldham boss Paul Dickov, although to compare his situation with that of Paul Groves would be ludicrous. Dickov has virtually no money to spend, and yet has had a side that remains competitive in the league.

Results have masked some reasonable displays, but Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Coventry was agony (for the reasons outlined above). The Latics are a big, physical side that likes to be aggressive and bully teams, but they might not be able to keep Crewe out.

The Alex have a youthful verve and like to pass the ball around, so this match-up will be one of vastly contrasting styles. Boss Steve Davis lamented his side's inability to take their chances in the 1-0 defeat to MK Dons, but technically and tactically they look quite smart.

Oldham's away matches have all been under 2.5 goals, where as Crewe haven't scored enough goals but look
sound defensively. The hosts can start well, so I would trade on 0-0 and 1-0 correct scores In-Play, with the'School of Science' winning.

Recommended bets:
Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.804/5
Back Crewe to win @ 2.3811/8
Back Crewe to win 1-0 @ 8.6015/2