Friday 16 October 2015 17:23, UK
Sky Sports pundit Ian Holloway predicts the outcome of the big Football League weekend fixtures.....
Last weekend I watched one of the games of the season at Exeter as they drew 3-3 with Stevenage (see video below). It was a fantastic game with wonderful skills on show.
There is so much talent outside the Premier League - as shown by the exploits of Football League players for Wales and Northern Ireland.
We've got to put some legislation down for clubs to stop buying abroad. Players have shown in the qualifying over the past six months that there is talent in the UK and we've got to get more young homegrown players playing in the professional league. The talent is there and it's showing on the international scene.
The richest clubs in this country have started stacking and racking the best young players, so they don't have to pay massive money for them. But rather than progressing them up the ladder, they go and buy a foreign player for the first team, who will block that young player's passage to the top. What chance have they got?
Rant over. Time for predictions.....
Bristol City v Nottingham Forest, Friday 7:45, Sky Sports 1
I don't think Bristol City will be bottom of the league for long. They will turn things around, starting this weekend. When you assess the stats in their matches, they don't deserve to be where they are. I'd just tell Steve Cotterill, who has done a fantastic job, to keep believing in himself.
Being a Bristol boy, I read the local press and keep a look out for their results, and they have been very, very unfortunate. The biggest problem they've had is trying to secure a proven goalscorer, after Dwight Gayle and Andre Gray moved elsewhere, and the affect that's had on the team. A decent win this weekend in front of the cameras could get their season rolling.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 12/1)
Sheffield Wednesday v Hull, Saturday 12:30, Sky Sports 1
I'm going against my previous logic here. I love what Steve Bruce is doing but Wednesday have been one of the surprise packages this season and it's time I got onside. Every time I go against them, they come back and bite me.
Lewis McGugan may prove the difference in the game. When given the license to roam free in this league he can get goals - a bit like Charlie Adam did for me at Blackpool when we got promoted. McGugan is one of these "pocket" men who can play behind the striker and has an amazing way of striking the ball. When he was at Watford the whole crowd would scream for him to shoot from anywhere and I thought they were crazy… until he smacked one in the top corner against one of my teams!
OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-0 (Sky Bet odds 6/1)
Derby v Wolves, Sunday 1:30, Sky Sports 1
I'm looking forward to covering this one, but I was less enthused about predicting it. I'm dreading walking into the iPro Stadium as the away support aren't going to like me that much as I'm predicting that Derby might just have too much for them. That said, I've got so much time for Wolves and will happily be proved wrong.
The longer Paul Clement is there, the better Derby will get. It's about getting the balance of youth and experience. The set-up at Derby is fantastic with their youth team. They've got some wonderful players coming through the academy. This team will take some stopping now they've got going.
Plus, Tom Ince is getting better all the time and it reminds me of the days of him in Tangerine banging goals in left, right and centre. He's a good shout for the first goal.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 7/1)
Birmingham v QPR, Saturday 3:00
Gary Rowett has made Birmingham into a brilliant counter-attacking team. He soaks up what other teams do and then hits them on the break with killer bursts forwards. They're not comfortable with dominating the ball in front of their own crowd but QPR will want to do that on Saturday and that could play into Birmingham's hands.
I just don't think QPR are the same without Charlie Austin despite them winning 4-3 without him two weeks ago. Plus, if there is a weakness in QPR it's down the flanks with the lack of doubling up and Demarai Gray is brilliant at rolling off the wing to get into goalscoring positions. I hate to say it as I like what Chris Ramsey is building at QPR and they're not badly positioned, but Birmingham look good for the win.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 8/1)
Brentford v Rotherham, Saturday 3:00
When you first look at this game you'd think draw, but home advantage has just swayed me towards Brentford. I remember how strong they were at home when they won promotion two years ago and despite their underwhelming start they've won twice at home this season.
I read that new Rotherham manager Neil Redfearn believes the club have the potential to get to the Premier League and it might add some pressure as someone clever might remember he said that in a few months' time and bring it up.
But you've got to believe. Just like Brian Clough did at Nottingham Forest and Bill Shankly did at Liverpool. I really wish Neil all the best, he's a great fella and I hope he's given time.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 9/1)
Middlesbrough v Fulham, Saturday 3:00
Middlesbrough are annoying for anyone that wants one of those promotion spots as you'll have to finish above them to achieve it. They look very strong and are already showing signs that they are better than last year. It's hard to find fault in their squad. If someone gets injured they've got a ready-made replacement to bring in.
Grant Leadbitter, who is one of the best players in the Championship, looks a good shout for the first goal. He's got it all. He's a leader that affects people around him. He and Adam Clayton are like Patrick Viera and Emmanuel Petit at Arsenal. Like those two, they always have the middle of the pitch blocked up.
Fulham are full of talent and the way they ripped through QPR a few weeks ago was phenomenal. Getting the early goal in that game was crucial as they became very confident but in games where it's tight their lack of experience is a worry.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 13/2)
Leeds United v Brighton, Saturday 3:00
I keep getting Brighton wrong and I can now see them rolling on. Their defence is so solid and I can't see Leeds scoring. They are the only unbeaten side in the Football League and I'm starting to get the feeling it could well be their season.
Dale Stephens has impressed me in the middle of the park. He's a bit of a "Ronseal" player in that he does everything. He's got skill, tenacity and has great athleticism to get about the pitch. He reminds me of James Milner and every team needs a player like that in their first team.
Uwe Rosler says he's going to "simplify" things this week and that probably means he's going to try and sort out the back four by concentrating on defending rather than attacking. I totally understand what he means as he's trying to give the players clarity on their roles. Their poor defensive play cost them against Middlesbrough a few weeks ago. I believe they're a good young side but Brighton look a tough nut to crack.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 0-1 (Sky Bet odds 11/2)
Reading v Charlton, Saturday 3:00
Reading have looked a different team since Matej Vydra has come in. He might have not scored yet but his teammates now feel they can. He's lifted the whole club. Fair play to Steve Clarke for convincing his board to stump up £2.5m on just a loan fee. You might not be jumping out your seat when you get an interview from Clarke but he knows what he's talking about. Clarke's men can now occupy a whole back four with their very classy front three and Nik Blackman is having the season of his life. They'll be too strong for Charlton.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 3-1 (Sky Bet odds 12/1)
Walsall v Chesterfield, Saturday 3:00
I managed to call Walsall's win over Burton last week and I'm siding with them again, although it won't be as easy as many people think. Chesterfield are always very competitive in their games.
Dean Smith looks as though he's enjoying his work and so are his team. It's such a difficult place to go and win for visiting teams. The Bescott Stadium gives me nightmares as I used to get stuck outside there all the time on the M6 when I used to drive up from home to Blackpool. Widen the motorway for goodness sake!
OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 9/1)
Newport v Portsmouth, Saturday 3:00
Newport can't buy a win at home while Portsmouth have the joint-best away record in the Football League. Surely an away win will be an unbelievably popular selection on the coupon this week although the sneaky gambler who likes to go against the grain might be quids in if following a Newport win. I just can't see that though. I like Portsmouth and the way they play.
OLLIE PREDICTS: 0-2 (Sky Bet odds 9/1)
