Weekend Preview

As I'm off to Rio this weekend and will be out of action for the next two Saturdays, I thought I'd just post a little preview about what I expect to happen to local teams (not that it will of course, as regular readers will testify) along with my usual rambling thoughts.
Everyone connected with Bristol City will hold their breath in the coming days as they wait to see whether Nicky Maynard makes a move to Leicester after Sven Goran Eriksson's latest bid. The reported price is up to £6.5m apparently and - if this figure is correct - it is going to be difficult for the club to turn the offer down, especially with Nicky's contract due to run out next summer.
This weekend they take on Doncaster away, but with Donny rooted to the foot of the table and yet to chalk up a point, it could be a good time to play them whoever is playing up front. And don't forget, they still have some decent strikers (if fit) in Brett Pitman, Ryan Taylor and Jon Stead. It's a great time for one of these guys to send a positive message to boss Keith Millen.
I was sorry to hear that keeper Dean Gerken picked up an injury in the League Cup defeat to Swindon on Wednesday night, before being replaced by former England number one, David James. The lad has waited patiently for his chance during the last couple of seasons and played really well last weekend. I hope he comes back soon and no doubt his 'understudy' will do the club proud.
Wycombe Wanderers travel to Yorkshire to take on promotion favourites Huddersfield and boss Gary Waddock will be hoping that they can rustle up some of the spirit they showed in the cup defeat to Forest. It's a tough game, but the Chairboys will welcome back veteran schemer Gareth Ainsworth into the squad and will feel like they can get a result. I fancy them to bounce back after the disappointment of Tuesday night and get a decent point.
In League Two, Bristol Rovers take on another of the clubs I cover during the course of the season - Hereford United.
I haven't had the pleasure of seeing either team yet this term and so can only go on the reports I've read, but Rovers are looking very strong 'early doors' while the Bulls haven't set the world alight and have picked up just one point from four games. Mind you, if their performances last season are anything to go by, Paul Buckle's Rovers are in for a surprise if they let their guard down. Hereford manager Jamie Pitman showed he could rally his troops back then and there's no reason to think he can't do it again. I think this one will be a home win though.
Cheltenham take on moneybags, league two new boys and current leaders Crawley at Whaddon Road and welcome back striker Wes Thomas who scored nineteen times for the Robins last season. Who would bet against him coming back to do the business against his old mates? Crawley have yet to lose in the four previous games, but I'm going to stick my neck out on this one and go for a home win.
Oxford host Aldershot and I expect them to get back to the style of play they showed when beating Shrewsbury a couple of week ago rather than the dogged stuff they had to employ when they beat rivals Swindon last Sunday. A home win this one.
Finally, Swindon travel to the Shrews and must have a happy camp after knocking Bristol City out of the cup. Hopefully that result will kick start their season, although Shrewsbury themselves must be riding high after seeing off Swansea in the same competition. I suspect this one will end all square, but Swindon will be more than happy to take a point off one of the pre-season promotion favourites.
Have a good and safe weekend whoever you support and wherever you travel. The next post will come from the Copacabana and be accompanied by a photograph of me in a thong (XL of course)!