It’s been said before but we may as well say it again, npower League 2 is an absolute
nightmare to predict. As we know, there is a fine line between stupid and clever, but here at Route One we thought we’d stick our collective necks on the
line and give a few predictions anyway.
Outright & Promotion
These two markets are set to be very closely fought.
Relegated from League One last campaign, Chesterfield
will be in the mix for the title. They have streamlined their squad by
releasing up to ten players, and have been shrewd in the market themselves by
bringing in Sam Togwell, Terrell Forbes and Marc Richards. With Jack Lester
and Craig Westcarr also still on the books, the Spireites have plenty of goals in
them.
Fleetwood will be
looking to keep up the momentum of their promotion to the third tier, and have
plenty of resources at this level to succeed. Their loan offer for Joey Barton
highlights their ambition, with the signings of Jon ‘The Beast' Parkin, Steven
Gillespie and former Premier League regular Damian Johnson adding further fuel
to the fire. Expect a successful 2012/13.
A club that we at Route One managed to catch in a game last
season was Southend. We were
impressed by how well organised they were, and with Paul Sturrock at the helm
they have an experienced pair of hands steering the ship. The addition of
Freddy Eastwood could be a masterstroke. Will be there or thereabouts in the
shake-up come next April.
The Verdict: Whilst
Rotherham are clear favourites, the 6/1
offered by Ladbrokes on Fleetwood to lift the trophy is
great, great value. For fans of the
value outsider, Southend for
promotion (7/2, William Hill) seems fair.
Relegation
Following their trials and tribulations of last season, Barnet are likely to be heavily involved
in the relegation dog fight again. They only escaped the dreaded drop on the
last day of the season, and this saw the departure of manager Martin Allen, his
coaching staff and club captain Mark Hughes.
Burton Albion are
perennially in the mix and can expect the same perils again, and if Morecambe showcase the sort of form
they produced in the last half of last season they could be in deep trouble
too.
The Verdict: If
you are looking for value, then take the
4/1 offered
by William Hill on Morecambe to drop through the football
league trapdoor. If, on the other hand, you are looking for safe money then
surely this season will be one too far for Barnet
(7/2, William Hill).
Top Goalscorer
There are so many contenders for this that it’s hard to know
where to begin. Marc Richards (14/1, Coral)
is a prolific lower league marksman, and he will enjoy his new surroundings
down Chesterfield way. Another Spireite to consider is Jack Lester, who is very generously priced at 33/1
with Paddy Power.
Others of note include the new Fleetwood pair Steven Gillespie and Jon Parkin (14/1
and 20/1 respectively, Ladbrokes), Stuart Beavon scored 25 goals last season and at the
time of writing is still with relegated Wycombe
Wanderers (16/1, Coral) and last season’s League Two top goalscorer Adebayo Akinfenwa (a staggering 28/1, Coral).
The Verdict: Take
the two golden oldies – Akinfenwa and
Lester – for prime value.
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