League One Fixtures 23rd February Part 1

Charlton Athletic v Brighton & Hove Albion
A welcome win for Charlton at the weekend prevented them from slipping further behind the top three, only one of whom won. But they will of course be without the injured Grant Basey, who has an ankle injury. Grant will see a specialist this week in order to find out how long he’s likely to be out for. Andrew Crofts will be helping to play Brighton out of trouble and play himself into the Wales squad. Probably not in time for next week but I love his eagerness.

Colchester United v Brentford
Colchester continue to press their case for a play-off place at the very least – if Leeds keep going the way they are, it could easily be more. Christian Ribeiro’s groin injury will prevent him from playing for Colchester – it can’t be long before his loan runs out.
Lee Beevers is out and it seems I wasn’t wrong about the shoulder injury, he really did have one. But BBC Sport are also right because Sporting Life says that having recovered from his shoulder injury, he’s picked up a knee injury. I just hope the medical people know which part of him to treat.
I hope Lewis Price will be on the bench for Brentford again (at the very least) but their official first-choice goalkeeper is now rated ‘doubtful’.

Exeter City v Bristol Rovers
Exeter confirm their place in the relegation battle by slipping into the bottom four for the first time but they do have some good players. Several people have commented on how well Andy Marriott has done in goal for Exeter since regaining his place in the first team and Richard Duffy and Rob Edwards have also looked good. And that’s just the Welsh players. Loanee Stuart Fleetwood was given a rare start at the weekend, if he starts again maybe he’ll get on the scoresheet.
They are playing a side who haven’t won away since September. Bristol Rovers however have a bit of a point to prove – three points ideally – after defeat to Gillingham. Byron Anthony and Ben Swallow are both likely to feature in the squad somewhere.

Leeds United v Oldham United
The good news for Oldham is that Leeds still haven’t really recovered from their FA Cup hangover after beating Manchester United. Oldham have some injury concerns but they also have Joe Jacobson and Jason Price, who is hoping to extend his loan from Millwall.