Half a dozen Americans begin their seasons this weekend as the English lower divisions kick off the run towards promotion. Jay DeMerit leads the way as Watford begins at home with Doncaster.
Watford - Doncaster
After a stellar Confederation's Cup run with the United States, Jay DeMerit's proved that he is back at 100% and ready to take on the world. With such a strong showing, the club captain is sure to be integral in Watfords push for promotion out of the Championship.
Watford are 6-0 in their last six friendly matches, including a 3-2 win over Parma. The Hornets have picked up three newcomers, Danny Graham, Scott Severin, and Jure Travner.
The Rovers have had a similar preseason run, only falling prey to Premier League new-boys Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0. Quinton Fortune has been brought in as the South African looks to bolster the Rovers midfield.
Sheffield Wednesday - Barnsley
Frank Simek will be looking to regain his place in the Sheffield Wednesday line up after being sidelined with long term injuries.
Simek was an unused substitute against Blackburn Rovers after going all 90 in a 2-0 win over Northampton.
Both Wednesday and Barnsley have had impressive pre-season results against Premier League opposition, with Wednesday keeping Hull City to a 0-0 draw while Bransley drew against the cash rich Manchester City.
Leeds - Exeter
Mike Grella will be full of hope and aspiration heading into the 2009/2010 League One campaign having just scored his first senior goal for the club.
Leeds found four consecutive draws sandwiched by wins. Grella scored in Leeds' last outing, a 2-1 victory away at Burnley, his first in England.
United have brought in four new players, three on free transfers. Michael Doyle is the only player in who was not on a free transfer, being on loan from Coventry City.
Exeter suffered back to back defeats in their last two outings, letting a combined six goals past against Derby and Tottenham.
Tottenham, however, will be lending Exeter a helping hand as Troy Archibald-Henville arrives on loan from the London club to fill the void left by Dean Moxey.
Milton Keynes Dons - Hartlepool
Jemal Johnson decided to reup with former club Milton Keynes Dons after originally deciding to try to try pastures new.
With the return of influential coach Paul Ince, the Dons may be tipped to make another promotion surge in the 2009/2010 League One campaign.
Hartlepool will still have their 4-1 thumping by Bristol Rovers fresh in their mind having only won twice in their last six preseason matches.
Southend United - Huddersfield
Ian Joyce will be looking to improve on his last season tally and to get more games under his belt in the new campaign.
United have had a rollercoaster ride of their last six friendly matching, from winning 4-0 over Canvey Island to losing 2-0 to Dag & Red.
Huddersfield seem to be in free-scoring mode, hitting 13 times, only conceding twice in those games, one being a 1-0 loss to Newcastle.
Notes
Zak Whitbread is listed as doubtful for Millwall's League One opener versus Southampton this weekend after sustaining an injury during training this week. |
|
|
| Register for Email Alert to receive news, interviews, and more directly to your inbox without spam. Ever. |
|
|
|
Currently visting YA: 189 
See these related articles
