Pilgrims' progress could continue on trek to Scunthorpe

EFL matches 3pm Saturday

Scunthorpe v Plymouth

Actor Bill Murray is often on our screens in Ghostbusters at this time of year but his performance in Groundhog Day may have more resonance to Plymouth fans as they make the long trek to Scunthorpe this weekend.

Murray's character goes through the same day over and over again and Plymouth supporters may feel some empathy as they chart their way through a campaign which feels identical to the last one.

Last season Argyle collected just ten points from their first 15 games, posting two wins, four draws and nine defeats.

They have exactly the same record after 15 games this season and Plymouth's fans will be hoping the spooky coincidences continue because it was at about this stage last year that Argyle began a charge up the League One table which almost delivered a playoff place.

Repeating that effort will be tough but Argyle feel happier after winning 3-1 at home to Gillingham on Tuesday and have a good chance to follow up against Scunny, who are on a four-match losing sequence.

Scunthorpe lost 1-0 at Blackpool in midweek and their injury problems increased with key midfielder Funso Ojo picking up a hamstring strain.

Ojo looks set to join fellow midfielder Matt Lund, creative spark Josh Morris and striker Lee Novak on the sidelines and the depleted Iron are set to struggle.

Plymouth are attractively priced to win the game but it may be worth backing them in receipt of a small start on the Asian handicap, ensuring a half-stakes profit if they draw and a full profit if they win.

Recommendation
Plymouth +0.25 on Asian handicap
2pts 21-20 bet365

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Northampton v Charlton

Northampton have dramatically improved since appointing Keith Curle earlier this month and their rise up the Sky Bet League Two table can continue with a home victory over Oldham.

Curle has led them to three wins, two draws and one defeat and the loss was 1-0 at highflying MK Dons last week when Northampton's best player, midfielder Matt Crooks, was suspended.

The Cobblers have climbed only from 21st to 18th but they will have their sights set a lot higher having begun the season with promotion as their target.

Curle has quickly won over the players and confidence should be sky high after Tuesday's 5-0 away success at basement boys Macclesfield.

Mid-table Oldham are tougher opponents and haven't tasted defeat on their league travels this season.

However, the Latics will be without injured top scorer Sam Surridge (hamstring) and may struggle to halt Northampton's revival.

Recommendation
Northampton
2pts 13-10 general

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Rochdale v Charlton

The battle for League One playoff places looks competitive and includes 11th-placed Charlton, who look a tasty draw-no-bet wager at Rochdale.

Four points separate fourth-placed Accrington from Walsall, who are 12th in a congested top half of the table.

Charlton have struggled for consistency but showed what they are capable of by deservedly winning 2-0 at home to Barnsley last Saturday.

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Karlan Ahearne-Grant bagged both goals against the Tykes, taking his league tally to seven, and his pace and finishing prowess will be a major worry for Rochdale.

Dale have the worst defensive record in the division, shipping 31 league goals, and were beaten 3-0 at Wycombe on Tuesday.

They play some neat football but have conceded three goals or more in seven of their 15 league games this season and their dodgy defence could let them down again.

Recommendation
Charlton draw no bet
2pts 11-10 Betfred

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Coventry v Doncaster

Coventry have climbed to eighth in League One, their highest position this season, after four consecutive wins and look worthy favourites to beat promotion rivals Doncaster at the Ricoh Arena.

Scoring goals was a problem for the Sky Blues earlier in the campaign but Mark Robins' side have steadily improved and were 4-2 victors at Bradford on Tuesday.