Jack Wright's Weekend 11/1 Fivefold

Norwich recorded a rare away win prior to the international break to consolidate their position in the final play-off spot. Back on home soil they will be confident of securing a win that will not only keep the gap to the chasing pack to at least three points but gain revenge for the 6-2 thrashing they were handed in the reverse.

That would also make it seven successive home league wins something despite their success at this level they haven’t achieved since 2003. The visitors have lost six of their last nine games, form which leaves them precariously placed just two points above the relegation zone.

What an impact Michael Skubala has had at Lincoln. Thirteen games unbeaten with the Imps winning eight of the last 10 to catapult themselves right into the play-off race just two points off 6th place. Not only have they kept six clean sheets in their last seven fixtures the last three victories have come by scorelines of 5-1, 6-0 and 5-0. Leyton Orient aren’t in bad form themselves, but Lincoln had to be included this week at all costs.

Peterborough couldn’t hand pick better opponents to get back on track after their five-game winning sequence was halted by leaders Portsmouth before the international break. They host the rock-bottom Cumbrians who have lost 14 of their 19 league road trips this season. Paul Simpson’s side are 15 points from safety and have conceded a league high 69 goals. He must fear the worst against the third tier’s top scorers.

Forest Green’s mini revival of back-to-back wins which lifted them out of the drop zone seems a distant memory. Defeats to Sutton, who prior to the game were bottom and Doncaster last week has seen Steve Cotterill’s men replace United at the foot of the table. I wonder what damage that loss in particular has done.

Next up are a Stockport side fresh off thumping promotion chasing MK Dons 5-0 in front of the TV cameras. The Hatters are just two points off leaders Mansfield who play third placed Wrexham this weekend. With a game in hand on both sides, Dave Challinor’s men know this is a massive opportunity to strengthen their position on at least one of their title rivals.

Albeit in the FA Cup and prior to the international break Manchester United’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool would have been a massive confidence boost. Focus now returns to the league where the Red Devils will need all three points here to keep their hopes alive of catching Tottenham and Aston Villa to claim a place in next season’s Champions League. Their form has been decent enough with five wins from the last seven league games including three of their last four road trips.

Freefalling Brentford look there for the taking. The Bees have slipped down to 15th in the table just five points clear of the drop having lost 12 of their last 15 league games. Their record this season against the current top six is terrible – played 10, lost nine drawn one including a 2-1 defeat in the reverse.