Football Analyst

Bristol City extended their lead at the top of League 1 to 10 points after a 3-1 victory at Leyton Orient. Chris Dagnall got Orient off to the best possible start slotting home after 4 minutes from David Mooney through ball. But it didn’t take long for City to equalise after a mistake Mathieu Baudry allowed Kieran Agard to lay off to Freeman to strike home. City took the lead 9 minutes later when Aden Flint rose unmarked to head home a Freeman free kick. Aaron Wilbraham wrapped up the 3 points tapping in at the back post from Joe Bryan cross on the hour mark to give City a third straight win.

Orient named an unchanged side for the first time this season after their 2-0 win at Walsall on Saturday. Steve Cotterill made only 1 change with Joe Bryan coming in for Greg Cunningham who dropped to the bench. Orient, full of confidence started on the front foot, trying to grab what could be the important first goal and they did. Jobi McAnuff robbed Mark Little, laying off to David Mooney; Mooney played Chris Daganll in on goal and the striker calmly slotted home for the opener. With City playing a 3-5-2 system, Liverani’s tactic in the opening exchanges was to turnover possession quick, breaking with the two wingers to create a 4 vs 3 situation.

The home side were using Ryan Hedges and Jobi McAnuff on the flanks trying to pull out the City centre halves. McAnuff had a shot palmed away from Fielding after Mooney got in behind and laid off to the winger. The Robins, who have only lost 5 games in the league this season responded 8 minutes after the opener. Joe Bryan got in behind full back Luke O’Neil; Mathieu Baudry tried to shield the ball out but Bryan nipped in and played to Agard. The former Rotherham man played the ball back for Luke Freeman to fire home with a deflection to level the scores. After the goal City grew in the game with Freeman beginning to dominate in the middle of midfield causing the home side problems.

Orient were being tempted in challenges with the referee awarding City a succession of free kick in promising areas. Orient have been vulnerable all season from dead balls and City exploited this through center half Aden Flint who put them ahead. Freeman swung in a free kick to an unmarked Flint who headed home to complete the comeback 9 minutes after the equalizer. Orient were looking for an instant response to going behind and after recent results they had the confidence to do so.

The O’s were unlucky not level on 26 minutes when a Josh Wright free kick found Dagnall who’s goal bound shot was brilliantly blocked for a corner by Wilbraham. City seemed to heed the scare looking more comfortable in possession with Pack and Freeman dictating play in midfield. Mark Little who has impressed for City down the right since joining from Peterborough was an outlet ball for the away side and seemed to have the better of former Liverpool full back Andrea Dossena. Bryan could have given City a two goal lead but headed wide from a Little cross at the back post.

Orient searched for a leveler before the break with McAnuff having another shot spilled by Fielding but Vincelot should have equalized on half time. Wright whipped in a corner by the make shift skipper headed over from 6 yards. City started the second half on the front foot with Marlon Pack having a shot pushed round for a corner. The resulting corner was somehow missed by Mooney and Wright at the front post and the chance went begging for City.

The home side looked to push on with both O’Neil and Dossena pushing forward down the flanks. It was the Italian who had a 25 yard shot brilliantly saved on 58 minutes to keep City ahead: the save proved pivotal as juts two minutes later City grabbed a third. Bryan whipped in a teasing cross from the left; Wilbraham avoided his marker to tap in for his 16th goal of the season. Fabio Liverani looked to his bench  to respond with Dean Cox and Jay Simpson introduced for Ryan Hedges and David Mooney. But City resorted Orient to long shots until the latter stages when Vincelot and late substitute Gianvito Plasmati had shots saved by Fielding. Simpson had a late header saved by Fielding as City clung on for what could be a massive 3 points in their charge for the League 1 title.

Orient will feel unlucky as they performed well but as many games this season, defensive lapses has cost them a result. Luke O’Neil continues to impress at full back with Jobi McAnuff and Ryan Hedges picking up form for Orient.  The Robins now sit 10 points clear of nearest rivals, Preston who needed a late Jermain Beckford goal to grab a point whilst MK Dons and Swindon both suffered home defeats. In truth City did what they needed to get the 3 points against a battling Orient side, but Orient should be buoyed with performances like that they should have a good chance of survival. City face a trip to Crawley where they could extend their lead at the top whilst Orient travel to Peterborough where they have fond memories after their victory in the League 1 playoffs last May.

Bristol City midfielder Korey Smith states that his team will not underestimate Leyton Orient when they travel to E10 tomorrow night. The Robins extended their lead at the top of the League 1 to 8 points with their 1-0 win over Rochdale after MK Dons and Swindon dropped points on Saturday. Smith, who spoke to Robins players today stated that “we are at the business end of the season and to get the 3 points is the most important thing”. “It will be a big challenge with Orient fighting for survival. We won’t underestimate them, they are a good team but we will play our game”.

Orient come into the game after their third win in four after a 2-0 victory at Walsall with Smith aware of the threat that they possess, “they have good players, are on a good run of form and we are aware of what they can do”. City face 3 of the bottom 4 away in their next three fixtures and boss Steve Coterill is mindful of “funny results” at this time of the year. Robins top scorer Aaron Wilbraham has hit two in as many games after a spell on the sidelines and will need to continue scoring to fire City to the Championship. Orient will breath a sigh of relief after Matt Smith returned to Fulham after netting 14 goals in 20 games for the Robins but will still need to be aware of the City strike force. Between them Wilbraham, Kieran Agard, Smith and Jay Emmanuel Thomas have netted 32 of City’s 62 league goals.

With 9 points from 15 games, Orient’s form has began to improve under Fabio Liverani after a poor start to his O’s reign. Orient’s top scorer Chris Dagnall, hinted at the growing confidence in the camp with back to back wins with clean sheets for the first time this season. “All down to confidence, we were playing well and not getting results but the boys remained confident and results have started coming”. Orient will welcome City to Brisbane Road after beating 2 teams in top half in their last 4 and with only two defeats in 7 against the top 6; Dagnall says “it will be a really good test and we will look forward to it”.

Robins boss Steve Cotterill, praised his side after a hard fought win over Rochdale, “we looked a bit tired, had a lot of games with turnover not as quick and passing not as crisp as usual but was a big result”. With the trip to Orient it will be City’s 8th game in 24 days but realizes that Saturday’s result could be massive at the end of the season “we work hard on set pieces and that was the difference today”. City reached 70 points with the win and Cotterill’s team will aim to add to that tomorrow night. “We have a pretty good idea of the team and will play as much football as the pitch will allow us to”. The Robins are the league second top scorers behind MK Dons and have the joint best away record in the division with 29 points from 16 matches.

Interestingly for City, 2 of their 5 league defeats this term have come in their last 5 matches with a loss at Colchester and home defeat to Sheffield United. Orient could build on what Colchester did to City where they went 3-0 up within 26 minutes. City have scored first in 24 of their 33 games and in 10 of their 16 away games. Orient will have to try and stop a City goal with City unbeaten when scoring first on the road this season with 7 wins and 3 draws. But with Orient netting first in their last two games this could help them at home where their form is some of the reason why they find themselves 21st. Cotterill’s men have only lost 1 game when leading at half time but are unbeaten away when leading at the break which Orient will need to be weary of.

City could cement themselves to within touching distance of the Championship with wins over Orient, Crawley and Yeovil in their next 3 games. City have only lost 1 in 8 against the bottom 6 picking up 6 wins but with Orient improving under Liverani, it could be another tough test for Steve Cotterill’s promotion chasers. Orient are without a win in 6 attempts against Bristol City with their last win coming back in 2001, 1-0 at Ashton Gate in the F.A. Cup. City won 3-1 at Brisbane Road last year when the teams were in completely the opposite positions and Cotterill is aware that “it is a different season, we are not looking at last year’s scenario”. 3 out of the last 4 meetings between the sides have been draws and with Orient’s improvement, a score draw could be a likely result.

Orient will still be without Adam Legizins and Lloyd James with Darius Henderson also a major doubt. Fabio Liverani could name an unchanged side for the first time this season after his sides win at Walsall but Gary Sawyer, Jay Simpson and Dean Cox will be pushing for starts. Cotterill stated “that we have a few knocks but nothing that is really serious” and with Wilbraham back scoring he looks set to partner Kieran Agard in attack with 10 assist man Kieran Freeman behind them.

Prediction – Leyton Orient 1-1 Bristol City

Leyton Orient sealed back to back wins for only the second time this season with a 2-0 victory at Walsall. 2 goals in a 3 second half minutes made it 9 points from 12 for Fabio Liverani’s Orient side. On loan Swansea midfielder Ryan Hedges fired home on 56 from Shane Lowry’s through ball before Chris Dagnall fired home at the near post 3 minutes later to send Orient back to E10 with all 3 points. Orient climb closer to safety, sitting 1 point from safety but in an ever tightening division only 10 point separates Orient in 21st and Chesterfield in 7th.

O’s boss Fabio Liverani made only 1 change from last weeks victory with new signing Luke O’Neil making his debut ahead of Gary Sawyer, who dropped to the bench. Dean Smith made 3 changes with 2 enforced as Rico Henry and Anthony Forde missed out through injury while Ashley Grimes dropped out. Andy Taylor slotted in at left back while Smith welcomed back top scorer Tom Bradshaw and Romaine Sawyers.

In a scrappy start neither team were able to gain the initiative but the Saddlers had plenty of movement going forward. Smith’s men played a 4-1-4-1 system with Adam Chambers sitting in front of the back four allowing the four in front to be interchangeable when going forward. However the majority of the home sides play was in front of the O’s side who were defending well, Alex Ciask made 2 comfortable saves from 2 Saddlers free kicks. Walsall, who had only 1 home win in 6 were struggling to break down an O’s side who looked relatively comfortable. Orient grew into the game as the half went on but the final ball in the attacking third was of a poor quality, frustrating Liverani, on the O’s bench.

Jordy Hiwula, who has impressed since his loan move from Man City was the Saddlers bright spark and looked the main threat, forcing a corner after getting in behind O’Neil. The final ball for both sides was lacking but O’Donnell did well in the Walsall goal to prevent Jobi McAnuff latching on to a through ball smothering the Jamican midfielder as he bared down on goal. Chris Dagnall had the first shot in anger but fired wide on 29 after McAnuff played him through. McAnuff and Andrea Dossena were linking up well down the left but as has happened this season but Orient played to narrow at times with Ryan Hedges and McAnuff coming in from the flanks too much.

The away side could have taken the lead as the half ran out, first David Mooney received a throw in, held off James Chambers and curled a shot towards the far post but it went just wide. Second, with what was the best move of the match, McAnuff, Vincelot and Dossena all combined down the left with Dossena whipping in a ball for Dagnall but the Scot could only flash a header wide of the mark.

The O’s started the second as the first with miss placed passes but the game opened up after the break. Orient deservedly took the lead 9 minutes after the break, after a free kick wasn’t cleared by the Saddlers, the ball found Josh Wright who played to Shane Lowry. Lowry flicked a lovely through ball to Hedges and the on loan Swansea midfielder fired low under O’Donnell for his first professional goal to give Orient the lead. The away side grew with confidence after the goal, doubling their lead 3 minutes later. Hedges dispossessed Andy Taylor, Dagnall ran off the back of James Chambers and was found with a pass from Hedges. The Scot fired in at the near post for his 1st goal in 7 games to give Orient a two goal lead just before the hour.

Walsall looked shell shocked after the goal with Smith responding with Reece Flanagan replacing Michael Cain but the O’s continued in the same manner with McAnuff forcing O’Donnell into a save at his near post after Mooney and Dagnall linked up well. Orient were winning the majority of the second ball with Wright and captain Romain Vincelot dictating play in the midfield pushing for a third goal. Liverani’s men were working very hard out of possession with Dagnall leading as usual at the front with all players following. Walsall could have conceded a third but for a great interception from James Chambers as Vincelot bared down on goal after a forward run from midfield. Substitute Jay Simpson could have sealed a perfect away day for Orient but couldn’t curl his shot home 3 minuets from the end but Orient full deserved the win at the Banks Stadium.

Dean Smith’s men maintain their poor form at home with 1 home win in 7 and only 1 win in 8 against the bottom 6 in League 1. Orient have improved since their victory at Chesterfield with 9 points from a possible 12 closing up on the rest of the teams above them. In an every tightening division Walsall sit 16th, 5 points above the relegation zone but 7 points from the play offs so Dean Smith is aware that they are looking over their shoulder as much as they are looking up. Liverani seems to find some stability with a settled team who look like they are growing in confidence and with 2 clean sheets in a row since mid October. Performances are improving for the O’s with Hedges, McAnuff and Wright impressing once again for the O’s who face league leader Bristol City on Tuesday while Walsall face a trip to bottom side Yeovil.

Saddlers’s skipper Adam Chambers is hoping his side pick up their home form ahead of his former side visiting the Banks stadium tomorrow. Chambers who made 174 appearances in a 5 year stint for the O’s is in his 4th season with the Saddlers and understands that his side need to pick up their form at the Banks. Walsall have only won 1 of their last 6 at the Banks with the victory coming over Rochdale 3-2 but worryingly 4 of those games have been defeats. Dean Smith’s men sit 13th in the form table with 8 points from 18 but haven’t won in 3 with 2 defeats (Port Vale and Preston) and 1 draw (Bradford).

The Saddlers sit 14th on 41 points but in one of the closest divisions in Europe with 7 points covering 14 teams with Bradford 6th on 45 and Crewe in 19th on 38 points. Preston beat the Saddlers 1-0 on Tuesday night and Chambers understands that “we know we were not good enough in the 1st half, we felt hard done by with their goal but we showed what we are about in the second”. The Saddlers record illustrates Chambers point picking up 2 points from 21 when losing at half time. Statistically Walsall score more goals in the second half than the first and have scored 12 of their 43 goals between 60 and 80 minutes. Chambers spoke after their defeat “we want to get our home form right whilst we know it will be tough against an Orient side who are starting to find form”. Smith’s men top the table when a team is leading at half time winning all 7 that they have been leading, with 3 of their 5 wins home wins included.

Smith and Chambers understand the tough test that Orient possess who are showing a glimmer of light under Fabio Liverani. Orient have won 2 of their last 3, picking up only third home win of the season last time out with a 3-0 defeat to Oldham. The O’s have underachieved with the quality of the squad in E10 but recent performances have improved after 2 wins in 11 before a victory at Chesterfield. Both Orient and Walsall have good records when leading at half time with the O’s winning 3 and drawing 2 of the 5 games that they were ahead at the break. Orient’s problem has been conceding the first goal in matches – 6 times in the last 8 games but Liverani understands the problem. Saturday’s victory over Oldham his side scored an early goal setting his side on their way to victory in fact 2 out of the last three games the O’s have netted the first goal they have earned maximum points.

Orient have only lost 1 in 8 against the Saddlers with a 1-0 defeat at the Banks in 2011 with Adam Chambers scoring the winner on his league debut. The last 3 meetings in the league has seen three draws with a 1-1 draw at the Banks last March with a deflected Nathan Clarke strike earning a point for the O’s. Dean Smith’s squad have had troubles against the bottom 6 winning 1 in 8 (6 points from 24), with the solitary win coming away at Colchester in January. The O’s are 12/5 at most bookmakers which could be worth an outside bet with players coming back from injury and Liverani beginning to make an impression on the squad.

Tom Bradshaw is the Saddlers top scorer with 12 goals but January loan signing Jordy Hiwula has netted twice since joining and Smith can see his potential. “He is a terrific talent and we are pleased City have allowed us to help us with his development”. Hiwula failed to make an impresion at Yeovil earlier in the season but Smith commented on his attitude “the fact that he was willing to come out straight away after having a spell at Yeovil, it shows hunger and right sort of person”. Hiwula looks set to continue with Tom Bradshaw and Paul Downing expected back after sitting out the trip to Preston with thigh strains. Rico Henry is out after dislocating his shoulder on Tuesday but James Chambers is available despite having 4 stitches on Tuesday but Anthony Forde is rated 50/50.

Fabio Liverani injury list has shortened in recent weeks with Andrea Dossena and Jobi McAnuff starting last week with Jay Simpson netting after coming off the bench. Gianvito Plasmati netted in a development match in midweek and looks set to be included in the squad with Gary Woods closing in on a return. Recent loan signing Luke O’Neil could start tomorrow after joining on loan till the end of the season from Burnley but with Gary Sawyer impressing last week, competition for places is fierce.

Orient will be looking to continue their improved performance and form against a side who is struggling in front of their own fans. With former O’s in manager Dean Smith and Adam Chambers, they will be looking to get one over on their former employers but Liverani’s men will be looking to climb the table.

Prediction: Walsall 1-2 Leyton Orient – Simpson with the winner for the O’s

Leyton Orient sealed only their third home win of the season with a 3-0 victory over Oldham Athletic. Andrea Dossena set the home side on their way notching his first goal in English football for 6 years before David Mooney slotted home from the spot after Jobi McAnuff was brought down. Jonathon Forte had a second half penalty saved by on loan keeper Alex Ciask after Mathieu Baudry was adjudged to have brought down Rhys Murphy. Jay Simpson netted in added time to put the O’s just 2 points from safety at the bottom of League 1.

Orient boss Liverani shuffled his pack making 5 changes from his sides 2-0 defeat to Bradford on Wednesday: Nathan Clarke, Dean Cox and Marvin Bartley dropped to the bench whist Bradley Pritchard and Elliott Omosuzi missed out through injury. Ryan Hedges and Jobi McAnuff started on the wings with Josh Wright partnering Romain Vincelot in central midfield. Andrea Dossena came in at left back as Gary Sawyer reverted to right back with Shane Lowry partnering Mathieu Baudry at the heart of the defense. Oldham made three changes from their surprise 1-0 home defeat to Colchester last week with Rhys Turner, Carl Winchester and Dominic Poleon coming in for Dave Jones, Jacob Mellis and Rhys Murphy.

The O’s started brightly looking to get an early goal to put Oldham on the back foot. Fabio Liverani spoke after the Bradford defeat and explained that he preferred wingers who play so they can get in and get a shot away. Liverani’s ploy provided Orient with an early goal to settle the nerves with Dossena slotting home. McAnuff received Wright’s pass in the center, he looked up and played to Hedges who had come off the right flank. With his head up, Hedges played a first time pass through to the forward Dossena. The Italian defender took one touch before settling himself to slot home beyond Jake Kean in the Oldham goal. The early goal galvanized the home crowd who had only seen two home wins in the 15 league games at Brisbane Road this season.

David Mooney could on another day have had a penalty after appearing to pushed over in the Lactic’s penalty area but referee, Darren Sheldrake thought otherwise. Orient were keeping possession well in the middle of midfield looking to play forward through Hedges and McAnuff. Oldham looked lost for ideas in attack with Jonathon Forte unable to find space beyond the O’s defense. The O’s dominance in the early stages was doubled with another great move down their left. Dagnall flicked on to McAnuff who broke beyond the Lactics back line, the Jamaican midfielder’s run was halted when he entered the penalty area by Liam Kelly with Sheldrake pointing straight to the spot. David Mooney stepped up and coolly slotted home his 8th goal of the season and 50th Orient goal to give the O’s some breathing space.

The Latics reverted from a 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1 with Dominic Poleon looking to pull on to Gary Sawyer who was playing out of position in the Orient back line. But the conventional left back looked at home as the opposite full back, Shane Lowry and Matheiu Baudry looked comfortable as a partnership but the duo were not troubled in the first half with the away side only having two half chances. Joseph Mills saw his free kick tipped over for a corner by Ciask on the half hour and the left back created the best chance of the half for the Lactics. Mills broke beyond both Hedges and Sawyer down the left, pulling back to Rhys Turner who had dropped out to the edge of the box but the 19 year old forward blazed high and wide.

Lee Johnson brought on Connor Brown for Joseph Mills at half time with the Lactics boss changing systems to a 4-3-3 with Jonathon Forte and Dominic Poleon playing either side of the central striker Rhys Turner. The home side began to sit back with Oldham having the majority of possession but struggling to get behind the O’s. Romain Vincelot prevented Forte from heading in at the back post following a well worked corner from the away side. Andrea Dossena was lucky to escape injury after what appeared to be a two footed challenge from a Oldham midfielder but Sheldrake waved play on with Dossena rightfully incensed with the decision.

Rhys Murphy was introduced to the fray for Rhys Turner with McAnuff making way for Dean Cox with former Reading man probably having his best 60 minutes in an Orient shirt. McAnuff’s last play saw a shot go wide after Josh Wright had robbed Liam Kelly in midfield. The contentious decision of the game came on 65 minutes when it appeared that Rhys Murphy had fallen over Mathieu Baudry but Sheldrake saw otherwise and pointed to the spot. Forte stepped up but his spot kick was brilliantly saved by Ciask with Liam Kelly’s follow up clipping the bar; the piece of luck that has been evading the O’s in recent weeks.

Oldham were beginning to find spaces in midfield with the home side looking to absorb the pressure. Forte was dropping deeper to pick the ball and drive at the Orient defense but his shooting radar appearing to be out of range. Liverani replaced Mooney with Bartley reverting to a 4-5-1 with Wright sitting in front of the back four with Vincelot and Bartley in front of him. With the O’s sitting deeper, Johnson’s was encouraging his men forward to get back in the game. Poleon was causing Dossena problems down the left but he shot over. Jay Simpson came on for Ryan Hedges to make his first appearance for the O’s since December.

Carl Winchester had a shot blocked by Gary Sawyer at the near post before Poleon wayward shot in the final minutes summed up Oldham’s day. Orient rounded up their performance with Simpson netting his first goal in the league since start of November. Cox nicked the ball away from Kunsunga, playing Simpson in. The former Arsenal and Hull forward, swiveled onto his left foot and his left foot shot crept beyond Kean and into the net.

A much needed home win for Orient who have suffered troubles at home all season. Every player showed their desire and passion in the game with stand out performers of Gary Sawyer, Josh Wright, Shane Lowry and Jobi McAnuff but it would be fair to say that all of the team played together earning the result. With Colchester and Crawley both winning with Coventry picking up a point at Sheffield United, the win helped Orient stay in contention with the clubs above them. Liverani has seemed to learn a few parts of English football recently bringing on Bartley when Orient were getting over run in midfield which he hasn’t done before. Playing two wingers helped Orient going forward with both Hedges and McAnuff looking to go forward rather than just the safer option.

To give Liverani slight credit with Hedges appearing to be learning his trade, with better wingers against them, Hedges may leave his full back rather exposed. A blow for the O’s is Vincelot missing the next two through suspension after getting his 10th booking of the season. Orient travel to Walsall next week, with another 3 games in 7 days; playing Bristol City at home on Tuesday before a trip to Peterborough. With confidence now gained, Orient need to keep focused on the job at hand.

Leyton Orient midfielder Marvin Bartley has urged his team mates “to stand up and be men” in order to avoid relegation to League 2. Bartley who has recently returned from injury spoke after Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat to Bradford about Orient’s predicament as they sit three points from safety. Pressure must be increasing on Fabio Liverani who has only seen his side win 3 times since taking over the reigns from now departed Mauro Milanese. Bartley stated that Liverani ” is trying to implement his style and we are having to take on, we have to remain confident and believe in what he is doing as manager”.

Bartley played 60 minutes after his first start since November and was one of Orient’s best performers against Bradford but understands that “we can’t feel sorry for ourselves, we haven’t won enough games at home and we were chasing the game after we conceded”. After James Hanson opening the scoring for Bradford, it was the 18th game out of 30 in which Orient conceded first which has remained an underlying problem since the start of the season. With game running out fast, Bartley urged that all the players are in this together a midst continued reports over divisions within the squad.

Oldham come to E10 having won 2 of their last three games but lost last time out at home to Colchester. Lee Johnson’s men sit 2 points outside the play offs in 8th place on 43 points and have gone rather unnoticed in League 1 this season. Oldham have picked up more points at home than away but have 2 wins in last 4 on the road after their worst defeat of the season, 7-0 away at MK Dons. Orient will have to be wary of Jonathon Forte who has hit 14 league goals already this term but has only hit 1 in his last 9 appearances for the Latics.

Bartley alluded that Orient had to chase the game once again after conceding first which could give Oldham optimism having netted first in 3 of their last 5 matches. Oldham have only lost 1 match after scoring first which came in August against tomorrow’s hosts in a 3-1 defeat at Boundary Park. Since then the Lactics have scored first in 15 matches winning 9 and drawing 6, picking up 33 of their 43 points. In addition in the 8 away games that Oldham have scored first they have won 4 and drew 4 staying unbeaten. With Orient leaking goals at home especially in the first the statistics do not look good for the East London side who have only picked up 2 points from 30 when losing at half time whereas Oldham have 24 points from the 10 games when they were leading at half time. Liverani was pleased with Wednesday performance but once again the early goal didn’t come for his side and were punished minutes later.

Dean Cox remains a doubt for tomorrow’s clash having coming off with a hamstring injury on Wednesday for Ryan Hedges who once again impressed after entering the fray. Liverani was asked why he didn’t start “we started with Pritchard to cover Bradford’s dangerous players on the wing and wanted a player to give a balance to the side”. Defensively Orient still have major problems with neither Lowry or Clarke able to deal with the aerial prowess of James Hanson. Orient’s hopes could be boosted with Oldham’s poor record against the bottom 6 teams with 5 points from 21 with their solitary win coming in a 4-1 with Coventry back in October.

Oldham score most of their goals in the first half with 24 of their 41 goals coming in this period with 8 of them between 20 and 30 minutes. The O’s will need to start the game well which they have in recent weeks but the inability to take the first chance has proved costly losing their last 3 home with the opening goal coming before 25 minutes. 2 wins in 15 with the worst home record in the football league lies with Orient who need to pick up quickly before it is too late.

Orient are unbeaten in 4 league matches against Oldham who’s last league win against the O’s game in a 2-0 victory in 2012. Oldham however won the last encounter between the two sides with a 1-0 win in the first round of the F.A. cup in November. Oldham have four wins in their last 8, losing 3 and drawing 1 whilst Orient have 1 win in 7 but haven’t won at home since a Boxing day triumph over Crawley. A win for Lee Johnson’s men could see them jump into the play off places and midfielder Jacob Mellis understands that his side “need to put a run together to put a gap between themselves and the chasing pack”. Mellis who was a January signing from Blackpool knows his side need to put it right after the defeat to Colchester last week but understands that “we can’t take them lightly, they have good players but are struggling, we have our focus on that”.

Nathan Clarke and Shane Lowry could be replaced with Matheiu Baudry after both performing poorly on Wednesday whilst if Cox isn’t fit, Hedges could make only his second start for the O’s. Adam Ledgizins and Lloyd  James remain sidelined while the game could come to early for Darius Henderson, Gianvito Plasmati and Jay Simpson. Lee Johnson has concerns over Carl Winchester, Conor Wilkinson and Amari Morgan Smith who are all struggling with hamstring problems.

Oldham will start fast looking to get an early goal against an Orient side lacking confidence. It will be difficult for the O’s who will struggle to break down the Lactics but with three 1-1 draws in the last four league encounters, a draw is likely.

Prediction: Orient 1-1 Oldham

James Hanson’s first half double at sorry Leyton Orient moved Bradford City up to seventh just 1 point off the play offs. Hot from their 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Sunday, the Bantams did not have to be at their best to register their seventh away win of the season. Defeat for Orient came after what should have been a morale boosting at Chesterfield but that was not the case as the O’s stay in 23rd, 3 points from safety.

O’s boss Fabio Liverani made only 1 change with Josh Wright dropping out for Marvin Bartley, who set up Dean Cox’s winner on Saturday. Jordan Pickford, Andy Halliday and Mark Yeates returned for Bradford with Ben Williams, Billy Knott and Jon Stead dropping out. Omen’s were not good for Orient having not beaten the Yorkshire outfit since 2008.

Orient started brightly looking for an early goal to boost their confidence with Dean Cox having an early volley at Pickford. The O’s, who had lost 9 home games already this season were pressing City, rousing the home crowd who have been short of things to cheer about this season. Although Orient were slightly the better side, James Hanson was causing both Shane Lowry and Nathan Clarke problems at the back with both unsure of how to deal with front man. Chris Dagnall was a width of a crossbar from putting the O’s in front on 15 minutes; Bradley Pritchard beautifully played in the breaking Romain Vincelot. The Frenchman’s touch fell to Dagnall who volleyed beyond Pickford but onto the bar; David Mooney followed up but his goal bound effort was blocked on the line.

That seemed to be the wake up call the Bantams needed as Billy Clarke, Hanson, Morais and Yeates began to feature. As nearly every home fan could sense the inevitable opening goal for City came after 21 minutes. Yeates’s through ball from the right found the unmarked Hanson who controlled nicely to fire in off the crossbar to give City the lead. Hanson evaded both Lowry and Clarke who gave the front man the freedom of Leyton to hit the opener; the 18th game league match that Orient have conceded the first goal. A game of fine margins for the home side as 6 minutes before Dagnall effort came back off the bar and into play instead of nestling in the back of the net.

Orient needed to hit back with a quick response but Vincelot could only head weakly at Pickford. The Bantams who had gained 33 of their 41 when scoring first gained confidence after the goal and began to dominate proceeding with Yeates and Hanson playing pivotal roles. Referee Trevor Kettle wasn’t having his best game and awarded City a free kick on the left side after a cheap foul from Nathan Clarke. Morais curled the ball in to Hanson who left his marker Lowry, to head City into a 2 goal lead. An uphill task for the O’s who hadn’t won a game  after conceding the first two goals this season.

Flipe Morais blazed a shot wide as the visitors became even more comfortable in the game. Parkinson replaced Hanson who had caused the O’s back line problem all first half for Francois Zoko and center half Andrew Davies came off for Gary Mackenzie. Zoko continued where Hanson left off pressurizing Orient’s defense with success. City should have wrapped the game up on 53 minutes when Bartley was dispossessed by Yeates; the winger fed Zoko but his initial effort was blocked. Billy Clarke followed up but Ciask made the save to give Orient a glimmer of hope. Cox was replaced by Ryan Hedges much to the home crowd dissatisfaction just after he had a shot blocked on the line after a O’s corner was not cleared.

Orient pressed for a goal to give them hope with Mooney having a shot blocked before Dagnall headed wide after substitute Wright and Sawyer linked up well from a free kick. Bradford still possessed a threat on the break which nearly came off after Lowry was robbed by Andy Halliday. The midfielder broke from his own half but his left foot shot was tipped round his near post by Ciask with Yeates screaming for a pull back in the center. Dagnall had two efforts in the final 10 minutes: one cleared off the line, the other easily saved by Pickford before Kettle ended proceedings to succumb Orient to their 10th home defeat of the season.

Orient had the chance to take the lead early in the game, although Dagnall was unlucky when at the wrong end of the table those chances have to be taken. Individual errors cost the O’s the game with Nathan Clarke and Shane Lowry both highlighting the reasons why they shouldn’t play alongside each other. Bradford continue to strive on their march to the play offs with a game in hand over Doncaster who sit 6th, a win will see them jump above their local rivals.

“Parkinson is the special one” rang out from the travelling Bantams at the end but in truth that will be the easiest three away points achieved all season. Score the first goal and pressure the O’s backline will give any away team joy at Brisbane Road with Orient look a breath of quality in the final third. Liverani appears to be way out of his depth with strange team selection in particular the inability to start Ryan Hedges and weird substitutions, replacing Marvin Bartley who was the only player driving his side forward. With Oldham in E10 on Saturday, Orient will need to restart once again, but how many times have we heard that in recent weeks.

Liverani must be walking on a tight rope with only 3 wins in 11 as manager losing 7 of those. During his reign Orient only average a goal a game but more worrying is that in 11 of the 30 league matches, the O’s have failed to net. Leaking goals at the wrong end and not scoring leads to problems but the same flaws have remained throughout especially the failure to defend set pieces.

Leyton Orient skipper Nathan Clarke is determined to beat the drop but insist that they are taking every game as it comes. The O’s climbed off the bottom of League 1 with a 3-2 win away at Chesterfield on Saturday. David Mooney twice pulled Orient level before Dean Cox volleyed home a 101st minute winner to seal Orient’s first win in 6. Prior to the win Orient had lost 4 of their previous 5 but with two home games this week; everyone at the club knows how important these games are.

Reports arose last week concerning a crisis within the club with many employees wanted out after Francesco Becchetti takeover in the summer. Clarke spoke after the Chesterfield match and was shocked by the stories that broke, “we are desperate to put it right”. Rumors have circulated the media about the wage structure within the club,  Clarke added “there is always a difference in wages, we have not done well this season; it is not down to one person”. Cox announced that the players had spoke about how their season needs to start now, the result was massive with “some character of last season coming back”.

Bradford come to E10 on the back of another Premier League triumph after beating Sunderland 2-0 in fifth round of F.A. Cup setting up a quarter final with Reading. Tomorrow night’s clash was rearranged from 3rd January after the Bantams progression in the cup competition and a win will seem them jump into the top six depending on tonight’s results. Phil Parkinson’s men have travelled well this season, picking up 22/41 on the road including 6 wins. Their only defeat in 8 on the road was a 1-0 defeat away at Yeovil while knocking Chelsea out of the cup with a 4-2 win at the Bridge.

Similarly as Orient, they have collected more points away than at home but they have only lost 2 in 9 in all competitions to Rochdale and Yeovil. Orient have struggled all season with only 9 points recorded at home while 20 away from home. But a glimmer of hope for the O’s is after the Bantams last three cup matches they have only 1 point from a possible 9.

Although Bradford sit ninth on 41 points, only 10 points separate Sheffield in fifth (45) and Barnsley in nineteenth. The Bantams have only scored 37 goals in 28 matches which is 1 less than tomorrow’s opponents. One problem could be that their top scorer, James Hansen only has 7 goals in the league; if they want to challenge for the play offs, Jon Stead may need to replicate his F.A. cup form where he has scored in every round.

Orient’s win at Chesterfield is their first win in 14 after conceding the opening goal in matches. Bradford have a similar record winning 1 in 10 after conceding first, with the win coming in their last home match 2-1 against MK Dons. Bradford pick up 80% of their points when they score first (33/41) with their record: Winning 10, Drawing 3 and Losing 3. All 6 of their away wins have occurred when they have notched the first goal with them scoring first in 8 of their 13 away games. 19 of their 22 away points have been achieved with them scoring first.

Bradford have played 8 games against the bottom 6 clubs winning 3, drawing 2 and losing 3 but they have only 1 point from 6 in last two games. Jordan Pickford could return after missing their win against Sunderland while Andy Halliday is pushing for a start. Bill Clarke looks set to continue with Phil Parkinson looking to name a strong team to get a result from their game in hand. Fabio Liverani will be without Lloyd James, Adam Legizins, Darius Henderson and Gianvito Plasmati who all still remain sidelined. John Lundstram coudl feature with his loan deal set to expire after tomorrow’s clash but Liverani looks set to name an unchanged line up. David Mooney looks set to continue with 3 league goals in his last 5 starts as he joined Chris Dagnall on 7 league goals.

The O’s have failed to win in their last 3 encounters with Bradford with 1 draw and 2 defeats with a 1-1 draw at Coral Windows stadium while losing 1-0 at home last season. Bradford won 3-1 earlier in the season with Mooney striking for the O’s before Billy Clarke and Jon Stead sealed the win after Chris Dagnall had been sent off. Orient seemed to have found their formation with Cox hinting after the match on how comfortable they looked and the opportunities they created.

Orient will need to start the game well with Bradford being buoyant after their win on Sunday. Orient to edge the game 2-1 with Mooney notching the winner in the second half. Prediction: Leyton Orient 2-1 Bradford City.