LEAGUE ONE PREVIEWS
LUTON v CHESTERFIELDVery few people would have predicted that these two sides would have been setting the pace in League One after the first seven matches of the season. Last week's goalless draw at Sheffield Wednesday ended the Hatters' 100 per cent record, although Mike Newell's side still remain five points clear at the top.
There is no doubting that Luton have started the campaign in outstanding form and it's easy to see why so many clubs are keen to grab the signature of prolific target man Steve Howard. The Hatters' hit man has scored five times already this term and it remains to be seen if Newell can persuade his board to resist the temptation to sell their prize asset.
After narrowly avoiding the drop last season, second-placed Chesterfield have turned the form book on its head by taking 14 points from their first seven games. The signing of Wayne Allison is looking more and more like a shrewd acquisition by Roy McFarland and the veteran striker is sure to help the development of promising young striker Tcham N'Toya.
SHAILY'S VERDICT: The Hatters to return to winning ways back at Kenilworth Road.
SWINDON v PETERBOROUGH
After tasting defeat in their opening two games, Swindon have moved up to sixth place on the back of an impressive run of form. Robins' boss Andy King has spiced up the build-up to this game by insisting he will not greet visiting assistant manager Bobby Gould with a handshake.
The pair clashed when Swindon travelled to London Road last term, culminating in King being fined by the FA and warned about his future conduct.
Meanwhile, King is trying to persuade the club's board to raise the cash to make a bid to sign on-loan Darius Henderson on a permanent deal. The Gillingham striker has scored four goals in four games and neighbours Bristol City are also reported to be interested. Henderson and Stef Miglioranzi are both struggling to be fit for tomorrow's clash, whilst Andy Nichol is definitely ruled out.
Posh have been hit by a number of injuries, with Sagi Burton and Richard Logan both sidelined, while striker Leon Constantine suffered suspected broken ribs in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Bristol City. Barry Fry has been frustrated in his bid to sign Manchester City defender Stephen Jordan, but Barnet front man Chris Plummer arrived last week for £30,000.
SHAILY'S VERDICT: Swindon are in a rich vein of form at present and the Robins can extend their winning run.
HULL CITY v BLACKPOOL
After a flying start, Hull have been brought back down to earth with successive defeats, including last Sunday's 4-0 loss at fellow League One new boys Huddersfield. Manager Peter Taylor was absent from that game as he was in Austria taking charge of the England Under 21 side.
Assistant boss Colin Murphy took over the managerial reins for the trip to the McAlpine, but Taylor is now back and no doubt looking for the Tigers to regain the wining habit in front of their own supporters.
Blackpool have endured a desperate start to the season, with Colin Hendry's side currently the only side in the division yet to register a win this term. The Seasiders have conceded 12 goals in their first six matches and Hendry will need his side to shore up their leaky defence if Blackpool are to climb their way out of trouble.
SHAILY'S VERDICT: With the likes of Allsopp, Keane, Walters and Wilbraham all competing for places up front the Tigers should have too much firepower for the Tangerines.
