League One Betting: How can the Alex crack Bournemouth?

Fred Dinenage and the famous 'How' salute - my second favourite 'How' behind Eddie

Two of the best footballing sides in League One meet this Saturday as Crewe entertain Bournemouth, a match in which Alan Dudman feels could be a bit tighter than the market predicts. Meanwhile two sides who let him down last week are once again the focus of his attentions.

Doncaster Rovers 3.55n/a v MK Dons 2.3411/8, the draw 3.4012/5

In last week's column I championed the defence of Doncaster Rovers, who had conceded just 10 goals at the Keepmoat all season, so to lose 4-1 at home to Coventry City on Saturday was a huge shock. Their otherwise strong back-line was poor, as League One's top striker David McGoldrick bagged another brace.

Donny's strength this season has been their defending, but in the words of their manager Dean Saunders 'it was appalling'. McGoldrick also benefited from some generous ball watching from the hosts, who allowed him to score from a three-on-one and four-on-one situation.

I am convinced they are not a bad side overnight, and their three wins from four on home soil last month showed them at their best - with three of the matches under 2.5 goals.

The MK Dons sit alongside their hosts in the play-off places, and the Christmas period could be crucial in terms of their automatic chances for the season. Saturday's 1-0 win over Hartlepool was a solid performance, with Ryan Lowe bagging his third goal in four games.

Their thrilling 3-2 defeat at Brentford two weeks ago was most interesting from a tactical point of view, with Bees boss Uwe Rosler suggesting teams in the division allow the MK Dons too much respect and allow them to play. His side harried and pressed superbly that afternoon, but the Dons are still one of the best sides to watch.

I'm pleased to see Lowe scoring again and given a chance at a run of games, as I've often thought the little poacher would be the ideal fit to a side that enjoys lots of possession.

I expect the visitors to enjoy lots of the ball, with Doncaster hopefully looking to get back to their defensive strengths to use the under 2.5 market again.

Recommended bets:
Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.9010/11
Back 0-0 @ 11.0010/1 and MK Dons to win 0-1 @ 8.07/1

Crewe Alexandra 3.309/4 v Bournemouth 2.3211/8, the draw 3.4012/5

Two of the better footballing teams in the division have influenced the goals markets for Saturday, with layers anticipating an open game, especially in the over 2.5 market at 1.855/6. That is quite short and I am not so sure it will be as open as the prices are predicting.

Bournemouth gained their first clean sheet in five games on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Colchester. Their first-half performance was solid and continue to show their good mentality under Eddie Howe - who has yet to taste defeat in 13 matches since his return to the south coast club and has been my favourite manager for a long time.

The Cherries play 4-4-2 at home, although their holding midfielder Shaun MacDonald sustained an ankle injury in the Colchester win and is likely to be out for over two months. His presence in front of the back four is vital to Howe's side, as MacDonald sits and keeps their play ticking from the back. The options of Eunan O'Kane and Harry Arter wouldn't be as classy in that role if they were to get the nod.

Crewe were also 1-0 winners last weekend, perhaps luckily against a rejuvenated Bury. However, manager Steve Davis has fashioned a young team that have collected 33 points this term and are known for their bright passing and link-up play.

Two weeks ago the Alex produced their best away performance of the season at Preston, winning 3-1, with Davis out-foxing his opposite number Graham Westley by employing a 3-5-2 formation. Mathias Pogba bagged his tenth of the season in that match, and the Crewe front man is dangerous from crosses at the back post.

Also look out for the home team's loan player Brad Inman. The 20-year-old is adjusting to the pace better since his arrival from Newcastle (where he is quite highly rated by all accounts), and has also featured in a 'three' up front.

Recommended bets:
Back 0-0 @ 14.013/1 1-1 @ 8.07/1
Back under 2.5 goals @ 2.1011/10

Scunthorpe United 2.3611/8 v Carlisle United 3.1085/40, the draw 3.55n/a

Scunthorpe were another side that suddenly found improved form last weekend, and were the surprising 3-1 winners at Leyton Orient (a team who had won five straight in the league). The Iron started really well in that game and were intent in keeping Orient's front two quiet early on to build a platform, as Michael Collins was employed as a defensive midfielder to negate the service - and it worked a treat.

Since Brian Laws arrived at Glandford Park, the form has been slightly erratic and they need to produce a level of consistency before I would be involved in them as an outright bet. However, their goals against ratio is of far more interest, as all of their last 10 games have been over 2.5 goals.

The hosts should see this as a winnable encounter - which would back up a play at overs. Even more exciting is the dreadful defensive record of Carlisle (the worst in the division), who have conceded 43 goals this term. Manager Greg Abbott has played the team DVD's of their defensive performances, which might be the equivalent of watching the live special of 'The Only Way Is Essex', but at least the play was better last weekend in losing 2-1 to Shrewsbury.

Carlisle are getting dragged towards the foot of the table, but the great news is that star striker Lee Miller is back to hopefully boost a very quiet dressing room. Incidentally, 10 of of their last 11 matches have all been over too.

Recommended bets:
Back over 2.5 goals @ 1.9010/11