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Predictions for 2004/5 : Mansfield - Rushden
By Nathan Jackson
July 29 2004
We now reach the 3rd part of our predictions, included in this is a bunch of midtablers and both the playoff finalists but knowing our luck, as usual, we've got it all wrong yet again.

MANSFIELD TOWN - PREDICTION 5TH - PLAYOFF WINNER

Mansfield Town were one of the "one man teams" last season but now, that 1 man has disappeared to Sunderland. However, they have brought in some good signings including Derek Asamoah from the team they defeated in the playoff semi finals last season, Northampton.

Keith Curle remains as manager and uses some tried tactics that seem to beat everyone except for the Imps and with my prediction of City's automatic promotion, another season of promotion challenging looms with the "right" outcome in the final.

NORTHAMPTON TOWN - PREDICTION 1ST

Northampton Town were one of my least favourite teams last season, mainly because over the course of the whole season, they didn't deserve to be in the playoffs but pipped Yeovil, who had challenged for them all season on the last day. Northampton looked like possible relegation candidates but as soon as they lost to Cambridge at home on boxing day. Colin Calderwood proved an influential figure from the bench as they went on to win 13 of their last 20 games and that form alone, is the reason I'm predicting them to finish as champions despite the very unenthusiastic and unoriginal gameplans

 


NOTTS COUNTY - PREDICTION 4TH - PLAYOFFS BUT LOSE IN THE FINAL

Notts County were challenging for the Premiership 10 years ago but in that time, they've been relegated a rather embarrasing 3 times and 1 promotion (a record setting season including only 5 defeats with the Imps recording one of those).

Notts County were a very good side when I saw them once or twice last season and if they keep playing like that, I can't see a reason why they won't be in the playoffs and reach the final in front of a potentially very large crowd although all County fans will leave disappointed.

OXFORD UNITED - PREDICTION 19TH

Oxford United were a team of two halves last season. The first half of the season was great, having only lost 1 out of their first 23 games, but then, it all went sour as they didn't register another 5 wins all season and after being top for most of the season, ended up finishing bottom of the group chasing the playoffs.

Under Graham Rix, they were even worse and very rarely found the net. A very hard season could very well, end in relegation if they are not very careful although the overall quality/brutality of players like Alsopp and Basham should see them safe.

ROCHDALE - PREDICTION 14TH

Rochdale's last season can be described in two words "Alan Buckley". Nothing furthur needs to be said and they are everyone's favourites to go down. The thing they have lacked recently is a proven goal scorer but they have gained that in the form of Paul Tait who rejected the Imps to join Rochdale. His goals could prove vital in another close season down at the bottom and a respectable 14th will only tell half the story as they will only be a few points above the relegation zone.

RUSHDEN AND DIAMONDS - PREDICTION 15TH

Rushden and Diamonds were looking towards a League 1 playoff place until the final few months of the season, their manager went and took several (most/all) of their best players with him leaving the diamonds with a reserve like squad and relegation quickly followed. Their money has dried up and a a lot of non-quality players have come in.

A similar run towards the end of the last season should see them beat a few of the lower teams but when it comes to the "bigger teams", that will prove costly as an uninspiring midtable finish looms.

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