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The Opposition – League One Season Preview (Part 4)

Afrer previewing three quarters of the teams in League One this season this is our final preview before we reveal our five players to watch and our complete predicted league table for the season.

Sheffield Wednesday

After a cruel, final-day, relegation last season ‘The Owls’ will be looking for a swift return to the Npower Championship. Financial problems appear to be looming over the club – a winding up petition has been issued – although fresh hope has been given due to the fact that a takeover bid appears to be imminent. Due to these financial problems the spending has been equally restricted and ‘Wednesday’ have had to release, or sell, many of their top earners to reduce a high wage bill. Despite these restrictions on the financial side of the club their reputation has meant that they have still been able to attract some accomplished players at this, and indeed higher, levels. After the sale of Lee Grant to Burnley some much needed money has been raised and with a takeover bid seemingly imminent the turbulence at Hillsborough may have finished, thankfully for Wednesday fans, and their squad, as it is currently, should put them in with a chance of an immediate return to the Championship. Prediction: 4th

Ins: Giles Coke (Motherwell), Paul Heffernan (Doncaster), Daniel Jones (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Clinton Morrison (Coventry City), John Ostemobor (Southampton), Chris Sedgwick (Preston), Gary Teale (Derby), Neil Mellor (Preston), Nicky Weaver (Burnley)

Outs: Lee Grant (Burnley), Leon Clark (Queens Park Rangers), Sean McAllister (Shrewsbury Town), Frank Simek (Carlisle), Nick Wood (Tranmere), Etienne Esajas (Released), Francis Jeffers (Released), Michael Gray (Retired)

Sheffield Wednesday v Peterborough – Saturday, 1st January 2011

Peterborough v Sheffield Wednesday – Tuesday, 1st February 2011

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Southampton

Southampton are yet another ‘fallen giant’ that are having to play in the third tier of English football after financial problems damaged the club. These problems, which led to a 10 point deduction last campaign, are seemingly over now, following a take-over, and ‘The Saints’ have been free-spending, for this division, over the previous two transfer windows. Southampton fans will certainly be confident of promotion this season, on paper they have the strongest squad in the league and the strike-force of Rickie Lambert and Lee Barnard will be a threat to even the strongest of defences. The bookies favourites are justifiably in that position and they should be strong enough to gain promotion to the Championship, winning the title in the process. Prediction: 1st

Ins: Ryan Dickson (Brentford), Frazer Richardson (Charlton), Danny Butterfield (Crystal Palace)

Outs: Simon Gillett (Doncaster Rovers), Lloyd James (Colchester), Oliver Lancashire (Walsall), Lee Molyneux (Plymouth), John Ostemobor (Sheffield Wednesday), Michael Poke (Brighton), Garyn Payne (Burton), Jake Thompson (Exeter City), Jack Boyle (Released), Tom Dunford(Released), Kayne McLaggon (Released), Graeme Murty (Released), Chris Perry (Released), Wayne Thomas (Released), Jamie White (Released)

Southampton v Peterborough – Saturday, 20th November 2010

Peterborough v Southampton – Saturday, 5th February 2011

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Swindon Town

Last season was one of mixed emotions for Swindon Town fans. Their squad had achieved more than most expected but had also lost in a play-off final, a heart-breaking feeling for any supporter. The reason for their excellent league campaign can be credited to manager Danny Wilson the combination of  Billy Paynter and Charlie Austin was inspired and with them two up-front ‘The Robins’ had one of the most potent strike-forces in the division, enough to fire them into the play-offs. Unfortunately for Swindon fans though Paynter has left to join newly promoted Leeds United and club captain, Gordon Greer, also departed joining Brighton. With a new found confidence around The County Ground, a quality striker in Charlie Austin and with Danny Wilson in charge Swindon Town will still be threat, even with the loss of two key players, and should just be strong enough for another visit to the play-offs. Prediction: 6th

Ins: Paul Caddis (Celtic), Simon Ferry (Celtic), Thomas Dossevi (Nantes), David Prutton (Colchester), Michael Rose (Stockport), David Ball (Manchester City)

Outs: Gordon Greer (Brighton), Billy Paynter (Leeds United), Alex Henshall (Manchester City), Craig Easton (Southend United), Lloyd Macklin (Torquay), Mark Marshall (Barnet), Kurt Hammonds (Released)

Peterborough v Swindon – Saturday, 16th October 2010

Swindon v Peterborough – Tuesday, 28th December 2010

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Tranmere Rovers

Why did we sack Ronnie Moore? Is probably the question on most Tranmere Rovers fans lips even now. Moore guided the ‘Super Whites’ to a spot just outside the play-offs, missing out in the final minute of the season in the 2008-2009 campaign. Since then John Barnes has been and gone from Prenton Park and now, former physio Les Parry is in charge. Parry’s first objective was to save the club from relegation, which he successfully achieved; it will now be to build on last season’s disappointing 19th place finish. Tranmere should improve this season but it is unlikely that they will do so as dramatically as many fans will hope. Prediction: 16th

Ins: Timothy Cathalina (FC Emmen), Josh Ladabie (West Bromwich Albion), Enoch Showumni (Leeds), Nick Wood (Sheffield Wednesday), Gunnar Nielson (Manchester City)

Outs: Craig Curran (Carlisle), Gareth Edds (North Queensland Fury), Kithson Bain (Released), Charlie Bennett (Released), Josh MacAuley (Released), Bas Savage (Released), Chris Suker (Released)

Tranmere Rovers v Peterborough – Saturday, 4th September 2010

Peterborough v Tranmere Rovers – Saturday, 19th February 2011

Walsall

Since promotion from League Two in 2007 Walsall have been a side that look comfortable in League One surroundings. Without ever threatening the play-offs they also haven’t been too frightened by the possibility of relegation with the club generally finishing somewhere around the mid-table spots. However, there is bad feeling amongst Walsall fans towards owner Jeff Bonser meaning protests were arranged towards the back end of the last campaign. ‘The Saddlers’ have had somewhat of a clear-out over the summer with no less than 15 players departing from the club. This turbulence will probably mean that Walsall will not maintain their position in the top half, but as per normal, they should have enough strength to avoid relegation and finish in a comfortable mid-table spot. Prediction: 18th

Ins: David Bevan (Aston Villa), Jonny Brain (Macclesfield Town), Julian Gray (Barnsley), Oliver Lancashire (Southampton), Aaron Lescott (Bristol Rovers), Ryan McGiven (Manchester City), Paul Marshall (Manchester City)

Outs: Rene Gilmartin (Watford), Mark Bradley (Rotherham), Mark Hughes (North Queensland Fury), Josh O’Keefe (Lincoln City), Dwayne Mattis (Chesterfield), Sam Parkin (St Johnstone), Peter Till (York City), Jamie Vincent (Aldershot Town), Sam Adkins (Released), Richard Davies (Released), Netan Sansara (Released), Rhys Weston (Released), Clayton Ince (Retired)

Walsall v Peterborough – Tuesday, 2nd November 2010

Peterborough v Walsall – Monday, 3rd January 2011

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Yeovil Town

Even for Yeovil to be in League One, where they have been since the 2005-2006 season, it could be argued they are punching above their weight. Plans have been made for the future though, a new 10,000 all-seater stadium is being built, there is even room to expand it to a 20,000 all-seater if needed, and Yeovil are happily competing as a League One club. ‘The Glovers’ are run on a small budget and often rely on loan deals to supplement the squad and this season has been no different with four players brought into the club via loan deals. Unfortunately for Yeovil they may not be able to keep pace with some of their league one rivals this season and their 6 season stay in the division may be ended. Prediction: 21st

Ins: Luke Ayling (Arsenal), Craig Calver (Southend), Paul Huntingdon (Stockport County), Andy Williams (Bristol Rovers), Ed Upson (Ipswich), Adam Virgo (Brighton & Hove Albion), Luke Freeman (Arsenal), Cameron Stewart (Manchester United), Rob Kiernon (Watford), John Sullivan (Millwall)

Outs: Terrell Forbes (Leyton Orient), Arron Davies (Peterborough United), Scott Murray (Bath City), Kieran Murtagh (Wycombe), Gavin Tomlin (Dagenham & Redbridge), Aidan Downes (Released), Andre McCollin (Released), Richard Martin (Released)

Yeovil Town v Peterborough – Saturday, 4th December 2010

Peterborough v Yeovil Town – Monday, 25th April 2011

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