League One – Endgame

I’m assuming that Yeovil are now safe from the drop in League One and can now concentrate on their holiday plans or scrumpy drinking exploits, but there are seven other teams at the bottom of the table who are all in danger of being relegated. I thought I’d take some time out to look at each of their run-ins and predict the final table.
This is just for fun … unless you are a fan of one of the sides I predict to stay up because, given my track record, that means you’re probably doomed! I’ve checked the maths, but …

The league table currently looks like this:

Tranmere kick off their six remaining fixtures with a home game against Dagenham and I’m going for a draw (1pt). Then it’s home Notts County and I can see the Martin Allen effect kicking in with an away win (0pts). Next up, they are away at Hartlepool where I expect them to draw (1pt). Back at home to face Exeter next and another draw (1pt). Down to east London to lose at Orient (0pt) and finally a home fixture against Swindon which, I predict, they will lose in a last day nail-biter(0pt). Currently on 46 points, final tally 49. Let’s face it, it’s been coming for a few seasons now.

Dagenham’s five games: Away at Tranmere (1pt); home against Plymouth (1pt); away to Huddersfield (0pt); home with Carlisle (1pt); away to Peterborough (0pt). Currently on 44 points, final tally 47. Been a breath of fresh air in this division. Fond farewells though.

Walsall’s five games: Away to Brighton (1pt); home to Sheffield Wednesday (3pts); away to Oldham (3pts); home to Charlton (1pt); away to Southampton (0pts). Currently on 43 points, final tally 51. Certs to go down under Chris Hutchings, but Dean Smith saves the Saddlers and James Walker signs a five year deal – and joins the coaching team.

Bristol Rovers five games: Away at Southampton (1pt); home to Charlton (3pts); away to Bournemouth (0pts); home to Sheffield Wednesday (1pt); Colchester (3pts). Currently on 43 points, final tally 51. Followed by Stuart Campbell being given the keys to half of the city.

Notts County’s six games: Home against Bournemouth (0pts); away at Tranmere (3pts); away at Swindon (0pts); home against Brentford (1pt); away against MK Dons (1pt); home against Brighton (0pts). Currently on 42 points, final tally 47. Mad dog couldn’t work his magic - Barnet stay up in League Two and send him their heart-felt commiserations.

Swindon’s five games: Home against MK Dons (3pts); home against Notts County (3pts); away at Sheff Wednesday (1pt); home against Oldham (3pts); away at Tranmere (3pts). Currently on 38 points, final tally 51. Four wins in five games – an amazing escape act!

Plymouth’s six games: Away at Peterborough (0pts); away to Dagenham (1pt); home against MK Dons (3pts); away at Exeter (1pt); home against Southampton (0pt); home against Orient 3pts). Currently on 36 points, final tally 44. Without the FA’s ten point deduction they would have been safe.

So my prediction for the final table is:

Of course I’m not risking any of my ‘hard earned’ on the above predictions and suggest that you don’t either :-)