League One Betting: Crewe's improved form sways the Chesterfield lay

Crewe boss Steve Davis

League One returns this Saturday and Alan Dudman is looking to Crewe and Notts County to help with a pair of lays, whilst Leyton Orient could be worth a punt at Gillingham...

Crewe Alexandra 4.03/1 v Chesterfield 2.0421/20, the draw 3.412/5

The last time Crewe appeared in the column they were really struggling, and they may still be bottom of League One with just 14 points, but they will give backers at a decent price a good run for the money this weekend. In fact, it's probably a good time to face Chesterfield who are without a win in six games - losing four. 

With that run in mind, I would look to take on the Spirerites, and it's certainly a laying price at 2.0421/20. The goals have dried up recently for the 14 goal forward Eoin Doyle - who has failed to find the net in his previous five league matches (although did bag a brace recently against Braintree Town in the FA Cup). The visitors have no new injury worries, but they have looked slightly nervous in matches and maybe have been lacking some of their attacking fluidity that was serving them so well earlier in the campaign. 

Crewe's top scorer Marcus Haber won't be featuring however, he's away for the big international clash between Canada and Panama, but it's the Alex in defence that are so much better recently. The three centre-halves experiment has yielded a profit in clean sheet terms, collecting three in their most recent five matches - largely down to the influence of promising defender Harry Davis. 

In terms of form, the Railwaymen bagged a hat-trick of victories in October against Coventry, Peterborough and Walsall, whilst their 1-0 loss to Sheffield United highlighted a really decent team spirit - if ultimately lacking in quality. So here we have a chance to back a team that has improved their form, and overall has just one defeat from five. 

I doubt if there will be many goals, despite the exploits of Chesterfield's Doyle, and it will be interesting to see if Paul Cook utilises a 4-3-2-1 or 4-4-2 for the visitors this weekend - who have been better defensively as well, so it might be worth looking to the under 2.5 goals. 

Recommended Bet
Lay Chesterfield @ 2.0421/20

Gillingham 3.45n/a v Leyton Orient 2.285/4, the draw 3.412/5

My instant impression when viewing the fixtures and prices for this weekend's coupon on Betfair was back under 2.5 and possibly under 1.5, but the more I look at this, the more tempted I am to weigh in with the visitors. 

Granted I am not totally blown away by their price of 2.285/4, but I can't be laying a side at 3.45n/a or bigger (it's not my thing but it might be yours). 

But as a straight shoot-out, Orient's quality in the final third could win this. It hasn't so far, which is why the Londoners are residing just above the relegation places and a terrible form line of one victory from eight. But they have to see this as a winnable affair. 

Goalkeeper Adam Legzdins is fit again after suffering a finger fracture in August, and I like the 27-year-old. His kicking really impressed me when I watched him earlier in the season, plus his presence and command. Orient have also added former Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena, which certainly will plug that problematic left-back position, whilst increasing the Italian influence at the same time. Dossena once commanded a 7million transfer fee when moving to Anfield, and with ten international caps, this is something of a coup for the new Orient owner. 

I think the O's have been showing better discipline and an improving shape, whilst away from home they can 'sit in' and defend. And put simply they are a better team on their travels and have been all season. New manager Mauro Milanese needs to address that chronic home record at Brisbane Road - but for now we'll be happy with a solid away victory. 

Defeat for Gillingham could heap more pressure on under-fire boss Peter Taylor, who has overseen a shocking run of just one win in 12 matches. They don't score many either, with a measly five goals in 11 league games. Taylor has pleaded for more time, and he certainly needs more goals - which is why this could be an unders and 1-0 sort of game for Orient. 

Recommended Bets
Back Orient to Win @ 2.285/4
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.910/11

Coventry City 2.1211/10 v Notts County 3.613/5, the draw 3.613/5

Since Coventry City's return the Ricoh Arena, it's been the opposite to a happy homecoming. The Sky Blues have gained just a solitary win from nine league one matches, and are now worryingly just two points above a relegation place. More misery was heaped on the former FA Cup winners, who fell at the first hurdle in the world's greatest knock-out competition last weekend with a shock exit at the hands of Worcester City. Manager Steven Pressley hit out at his players afterwards, and as mentioned in the local press this week, it's a dangerous move that can backfire. 

For some reason it hasn't quite clicked for Pressley. It seems the Coventry job is like several in the Premier League - whoever goes there it just doesn't happen, and I cite Spurs and Sunderland here - two remarkably tough roles at football clubs where decent managers seem to fail. The Scot has issued a warning by stating that individuals will be 'shipped out' - so with all this mind, do you want to take 2.1211/10 on a home win?

On a positive note, the loan signing of Gary Madine is a good one, as the forward is too good for this level. 

If you share my concerns about the work ethic and motivation of City at the moment, you have no fears on that front with Notts County, who are now up to sixth in League One and are certainly surprising many. Manager Shaun Derry had no complaints though after their latest league defeat to Walsall, and that ended runs of six successive victories and 11 unbeaten for the Magpies (just as I had tipped them). 

Derry will now stress the importance of embarking on another run, and sometimes at this level teams are so evenly matched that everybody and can beat anybody on their day - so it comes down to attitude, and County's has been excellent. 

The visitors have the odd bit of magic in them, notably winger Michael Pedrasso, who nearly pulled off a John Barnes 'Maracana' goal at Walsall, and for all that wizardry, Derry simply said he needs to know 'when to pick a pass'. Delightful. 

Coventry haven't kept a clean sheet since September, so we must be against them at near evens. 

Recommended Bet
Lay Coventry City @ 2.1211/10

League One 2014/15 P/L (all selections one point)

-10.70 pts