League One Opta Facts – September 14-15

Bradford v Colchester
The Bantams have gone four league games without beating Colchester, drawing three (L1).
The two sides last met in the FA Cup back in November 2010, with Colchester progressing into the next round courtesy of a 4-3 win.
Nahki Wells has netted 15 goals in his last 15 games (all comps) for Bradford.
The Bantams are yet to concede a league goal on home soil this season; a joint-league-low alongside Leyton Orient.

Bristol City v Peterborough
The Robins won both matches last season in the Championship, scoring six and conceding three.
After netting just one goal in 21 appearances for Peterborough last season, Tyrone Barnett has netted three times in six league games this term.
Bristol City striker Sam Baldock scored a brace in both matches against the Posh last season.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has netted five goals in eight games (all comps) for the Robins this term.

Carlisle v Sheff Utd
The Cumbrians have won two of their last three home league games against the Blades (L1).
Last season, Sheffield United were undefeated against Carlisle in League One, winning 3-1 away and drawing 0-0 at home.
The Blades haven't won since the opening day of the season, losing five and drawing two in all competitions.
The Cumbrians have failed to score in four of their six league games so far this season.

Crawley v Shrewsbury
Crawley are unbeaten at home in the Football League against Shrewsbury, winning once and drawing the other.
The Shrews have scored in each of their four previous league meetings with Crawley, scoring eight in the process.
Crawley's Billy Clarke has scored four times in five league games this season.
Crawley's Nicky Adams has attempted 11 shots without scoring; more than any other player.

Crewe v Walsall
Crewe are unbeaten in their last eight league matches against Walsall, winning three (D5).
Walsall have gone five games without a win at Crewe, losing four (D1).
The Saddlers are without a win in three league games, losing two (D1).
The Railwaymen have failed to score in three of their six league games this season.

Leyton Orient v Port Vale
Leyton Orient have lost seven of their last nine league meetings with Port Vale, winning the other two.
Port Vale have won six of their last eight trips to Leyton Orient in the league (L2), scoring in each of the last four games.
David Mooney has netted five times in five league appearances for Leyton Orient this campaign.
Tom Pope has scored four goals in his last three games (all comps) for Port Vale.

MK Dons v Notts County
The MK Dons have never lost at home in the league to Notts County, winning four (D1).
Notts County's only previous victory over the Dons came back in 2010, as they claimed a 2-0 victory at Meadow Lane.
In the previous 10 league meetings between the two clubs there has never been a nil-nil draw.
Patrick Bamford has netted five goals in nine appearances (all comps) for MK Dons this season.

Preston v Stevenage
Preston have never lost to Stevenage in the league, winning two (D2).
Stevenage are yet to score a league goal at Deepdale but have conceded just two.
Stevenage have notched up more yellow cards than any other side in the Football League this season (19).
Stevenage have failed to score in four of their last five away matches in the league.

Rotherham v Oldham
Kieran Agard has netted three times in his last four league games for the Millers this season.
In 2006/07, the sides met on three occasions (all comps), with Oldham winning both league games.
After winning four consecutive league ties and keeping three clean sheets, Rotherham have lost their last two in the league against the Latics.
Kieran Agard has managed to score six goals in his last 10 league games, including the back end of last season.

Tranmere v Brentford
Tranmere are unbeaten in their last four league matches against Brentford, winning twice (D2).
The Bees are unbeaten in their last three league trips to Tranmere, winning once (D2).
No player has picked up more yellow cards in League One than Max Power this season (4).
The Bees have picked up two red cards in their last two league fixtures.

Wolves v Swindon
Wolves are unbeaten in their last seven home league games against Swindon, winning four (D3).
Swindon's most recent victory over Wolves came in the League Cup in August 2001, as the Robins won 2-1, courtesy of goals from Bobby Howe and a Keith O'Halloran penalty.
Leigh Griffiths has struck four times in his last four league games for Wolves.
Alex Pritchard has netted twice in his last three games (all comps) from midfield for the Robins.

Coventry v Gillingham
Callum Wilson has netted eight and assisted three goals in 2013/14, no other player in the Football League has been involved in more goals.
Danny Kedwell has scored all 13 penalties he has taken for the Gills in league competition.
Gillingham are unbeaten in their last six meetings at Coventry, drawing five (W1).
The Sky Blues have picked up just one league win in their last five meetings with the Gills (D3 L1).

Barclays Premier League Opta Facts – Sept 14-16

Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Manchester United have failed to score in two successive Barclays Premier League games for the first time since August 2007.
Crystal Palace have collected just 25 points from their last 24 league games away from home (excl. playoffs).
In picking up those 25 points away from home in the Championship, Palace had the 15th best away record in the second tier.
The Eagles won on their last competitive trip to Old Trafford to face the Red Devils; 2-1 in a League Cup tie in November 2011.
Marouane Fellaini (151) won more aerial challenges in the Premier League last season than the 11 midfielders that played for Manchester United combined (94).
David Moyes' side are yet to score in the opening 30 minutes of their matches this season (or in the first-half at all). In 2012/13, Man Utd scored a league-high 33 goals during the first half hour.
Ryan Giggs has never scored against Crystal Palace in the Premier League (seven appearances). Leicester City (12) are the only team he has appeared against more and not scored against.
When manager of Blackpool, Ian Holloway saw his side score twice in both Premier League matches against Manchester United yet still lose both games.
At Old Trafford, Manchester United last failed to score in consecutive home games back in August 2007.
Middlesbrough (3-2 in 1998/99) were the last newly-promoted side to win at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Aston Villa have gone 25 Barclays Premier League games without a clean sheet; a longer run than any other side currently in the division.
Newcastle have failed to score in five of their last seven Barclays Premier League games, netting just three goals overall in this run.
Aston Villa have picked up more yellow cards (12) than any other team in the Premier League so far this season.
Papiss Demba Cisse has failed to score in his last nine Premier League appearances.
Newcastle have won just two of their last 21 Premier League games on the road (D7 L12).
The Magpies are unbeaten in the last four league meetings with Aston Villa (W2 D2). That said, Villa have scored in each of those games.
The Villains have won one and lost three of their last five home league matches.
Alan Pardew has only lost once in four Premier League visits to Villa Park (W2 D1).
Since the beginning of last season, Christian Benteke (53) has been caught offside on more occasions than any other Premier League player.
Aston Villa's new signing Libor Kozak was the top scorer in the Europa League last season; scoring eight times for Lazio.

Fulham v West Bromwich Albion
Fulham have lost eight of their last 11 Barclays Premier League games, winning just seven points overall (W2 D1) in this period.
West Bromwich Albion are the only side yet to score a goal in the Barclays Premier League this season.
Swansea City (in 2011/12) were the last team to fail to score in their opening four games of a Premier League season.
This will be WBA's 40th Premier League away game in London - they have only won four of the previous 39 (W4 D9 L26)
The Baggies have avoided defeat just once in six Premier League visits to Craven Cottage (D1 L5).
Martin Jol's side are the most accurate shooters in the Premier League so far this season; hitting the target with 59% of their shots.
West Brom have been the most wayward team in front of goal; getting just 20% of their efforts on target.
No goalkeeper has made more saves than David Stockdale (14) so far this season.
The Whites have lost each of their last five home league matches; their longest such run in the Premier League.
Having got off to their best-ever start to a Premier League season last term (seven points from first four games), failure to win against Fulham will mean West Brom's worst return from their opening four games (currently three points from first four games in 02/03, 04/05 and 11/12).

Hull City v Cardiff City
Hull City have attempted fewer shots than any other side in the Barclays Premier League so far this season (16; excl. blocked).
No side have played a higher proportion of their passes long in the Barclays Premier League in 2013-14 than Cardiff City (16.3%).
Only Fulham (17) and Hull (16) have attempted fewer shots than Cardiff City so far this season in the Premier League (20).
Hull City have lost just one of their last four league clashes with Cardiff City (W2 D1).
Three of the seven goals scored between the two teams last season were scored inside the final 10 minutes.
The Tigers' last four Premier League fixtures have produced just five goals.
Only Watford (39) picked more up points on the road than Cardiff City (36) last season in the Championship.
Both of Hull's goals in all competitions this season have been scored by Robbie Brady.
Last season, Maynor Figueroa was the only player to concede as many as three penalties in the Premier League.
Both teams were promoted last season from the Championship despite not boasting a single player to reach double figures for goals scored.

Stoke City v Manchester City
Stoke City have not won back to back Barclays Premier League games at home since the end of November 2012.
Since the start of 2012-13, no side have kept more clean sheets in the Barclays Premier League than Manchester City (20).
Stephen Ireland's best Premier League season (nine goals and nine assists for Man City in 2008-09) came in Mark Hughes' full season in charge of the club.
Mark Hughes has lost three of four Premier League clashes with Manchester City since he was fired by the club (D1).
When Hughes was Blackburn manager, he won four and lost none of eight meetings with City.
Sergio Agüero has had 29 touches inside the opposition's area so far this season; more than any other Premier League player.
Manchester City have already scored three headed goals in the Premier League this season. Last season, they only managed six headers in total.
In fact, the 2011/12 Premier League Champions have had more headed shots (18) than any other team.
Stoke's passing accuracy so far this season is 78.7%. Last season it was 70.2%, the worst in the Premier League.
Pablo Zabaleta has had one successful cross so far this season (from nine crosses or corners) and it results in Man City's opener against Hull City.

Sunderland v Arsenal
Sunderland have won just eight points from their last 17 Barclays Premier League games against the Gunners.
Olivier Giroud has scored in three successive league appearances, but has not scored any of his 14 Barclays Premier League goals outside of London.
Jose Reyes (in 2004/05) scored in each of Arsenal's opening five Premier League matches.
Arsenal have scored in eight successive games in the competition; the longest-such current run in the Barclays Premier League.
Mesut Özil has registered 72 goal assists in the last five seasons - more than any other player across Europe's top five leagues.
The last six Premier League matches at the Stadium of Light have produced just nine goals.
Sunderland have won just one of their last nine home games against Arsenal in the Premier League (D3 L5).
No-one has created more chances than Santi Cazorla (10) in the Premier League this season.
Only Fulham (21) have allowed their opponents more shots on target this season than Arsenal (17).
Arsenal have already conceded two goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season; as many as they conceded in this period in the whole of 2012-13.
Nine of Steven Fletcher's 12 Premier League goals for Sunderland have come away from home.

Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City
Tottenham have won 10 of their last 14 home games in the Barclays Premier League, losing just one (D3).
Norwich City have won only one of their last 11 away games in the Barclays Premier League (D2 L8).
Tottenham have won none of their last three Premier League clashes with Norwich (D2 L1).
Spurs have fired in more shots than any other side this season (42) but are yet to score anything other than penalties.
Andre Villas-Boas' side have fired more shots off target than any other team so far this season (27).
Tottenham have kept three consecutive clean sheets at home in the Premier League. They last kept more in Dec 2009-Feb 2010 when they managed a run of five shut-outs.
Ricky van Wolfswinkel has committed more fouls (10) than any other player this season in the Premier League.
Just 16% of Norwich's efforts this season have been fashion from set-pieces; a joint low in the Premier League.
Only against Manchester United (9) and Liverpool (8) have Norwich lost more games in Premier League history than against Tottenham Hotspur (6).
Departed star Gareth Bale had a hand in 38% of Tottenham's goal last season (25 of 66; scoring 21 and assisting four).

Everton v Chelsea
The Toffees have averaged the highest possession figure in the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season so far (64.1%).
Chelsea have won just two of their last 10 Barclays Premier League trips to Merseyside (W2 D2 L6).
Should Everton fail to win this match, it'll be only the fourth time in the last 43 seasons that the Toffees have not won any of their first four league games of a season.
Everton have drawn their first three league games of 2013-14 - only three sides in Barclays Premier League history have drawn their opening four.
Romelu Lukaku was the only player in the Premier League last season to score 4+ goals with his left foot, right foot & head. However, he will be ineligible for this game against his parent club.
During his time at City, only Michael Carrick (8125) attempted more passes than Gareth Barry (7561) in the Premier League.
The Toffees have averaged 519 passes per game so far under Roberto Martinez in the Premier League - up from 416 per game last season under David Moyes.
Only West Ham (6) and Everton (5) have allowed fewer opposition shots on target than Chelsea (8) so far this season.
Roberto Martinez has won just one of his last 11 games as a manager in the Barclays Premier League (W1 D6 L4).
All 10 of the scoring opportunities Eden Hazard has created for his team-mates this season have come from open play.

Southampton v West Ham United
Southampton have scored just four goals in their last eight Barclays Premier League matches.
The Hammers have won only one of their last 15 Barclays Premier League away games (D4 L10).
Saints have committed the most fouls in the Premier League so far this season; but only been shown two yellow cards.
West Ham failed to register a shot on target in their last Premier League match; against Stoke on August 31st.
Sam Allardyce is unbeaten in nine Premier League meetings with Southampton (W3 D6).
Not since Mauricio Pochettino's first home game in charge (0-0 v Everton) have Southampton managed a clean sheet at St Mary's in the Premier League (eight games).
West Ham have attempted fewer passes (938) than any other side in the Premier League this season and have the worst passing accuracy (72.3%).
Mark Noble has score three goals in the last three league meetings between West Ham and Southampton; more than any against other league opposition.
Southampton are unbeaten in their last four home matches against West Ham (W2 D2).
No English player has scored more goals in the Premier League since the beginning of last season than Rickie Lambert (16).

Swansea City v Liverpool
Swansea City have won none and lost four of their last six Barclays Premier League home games.
Liverpool have won their first three games of a top-flight season whilst keeping a clean sheet in each game, for the first time in their history.
Liverpool are one victory away from sealing their 400th win in the Premier League.
The Anfield club have never started a Premier League season with four consecutive wins.
Brendan Rodgers avoided defeat in both matches against his previous club last season (W1 D1); including a thumping 5-0 win at Anfield.
Daniel Sturridge has scored 11 goals in his last nine appearances in all competitions for Liverpool.
Sturridge is only the second Liverpool player to score in each of the opening three games of a Premier League season (after Robbie Fowler in 1994/95).
Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in six of their last seven league fixtures and are currently on a five-match winning run.
Only Yaya Toure (267) has attempted more passes so far this season than Swansea's summer signing Jose Canas (235).
Chico has made a joint-division-high 33 clearances so far this season in the Barclays Premier League.

Championship Opta Facts – Sept 14-15

Burnley v Blackburn Rovers
Burnley have lost just one of their last eight league games, winning five and drawing two.
Since the start of last season, Jordan Rhodes has scored more goals in English's top four divisions than any other player (33).
90% of Rovers’ Championship goals so far have come from open play (9 out of 10).
Blackburn’s Alan Judge has fired in eight shots without directing a single one on target, more than any other player.
Blackburn’s David Dunn has scored in three of the last four league meetings between the two rivals.
Burnley haven’t won any of the last 10 meetings in all competitions between these sides (D3 L7), a run dating back to 1979.
The last two meetings between the Lancashire sides have ended in 1-1 draws.

Bolton Wanderers v Leeds United
Five of Bolton's seven goals this season, in all competitions, have come in the first-half while all three of the Trotters' league goals have also come before the break.
Leeds United have already recovered seven points from losing positions this season; a high in the Championship.
All but one of the goals that Wanderers have conceded this season have come from open play, with the tother coming from the penalty spot.
The Whites are the only team yet to score the opening goal in a Championship match this season.
Only Yeovil Town (1) have scored fewer goals than Dougie Freedman's side this season (3).
All of United's five goals this season have come from open play.

Bournemouth v Blackpool
Bournemouth are the only Championship side to have conceded from two penalties in this campaign so far.
Blackpool have gone on to win four of the five Championship matches this season in which they scored first.
Only Barnsley (13) have conceded more goals than the Cherries so far this season (12).
A league-high five of Blackpool's seven goals have come in the final 15 minutes of their games this season.
The Cherries last beat Blackpool 1-3 in 2005 when both sides were in League One, with that victory their only win against the Tangerines in the last seven meetings.
Blackpool are the only Championship side yet to concede in the first half in 2013-14 so far.
Despite topping the Championship, Blackpool have registered the fewest shots (excl. blocked) this season (30).

Huddersfield Town v Doncaster Rovers
Huddersfield Town are unbeaten at home this season in all competitions (W3 D1 L0)
Doncaster Rovers have scored more headers than any other team in the Championship so far this season (5).
The Terriers have netted a joint-league-high three goals in the 15 minutes before half-time.
Paul Dickov's side have scored from three free-kick situations this season, more than any other side in the Championship.
Huddersfield have failed to beat Doncaster in their six meetings in all competitions (D3 L3), last beating their Yorkshire rivals in 2005.
James Vaughan has netted eight goals in his last six games (in all competitions) for Huddersfield Town.

Ipswich Town v Middlesbrough
Ipswich Town have lost two of the three Championship games in which they've led this season.
Middlesbrough have drawn all three of their Championship fixtures this season in which they've conceded first.
Dean Whitehead has made a division-high 358 passes so far, completing an impressive 90% of them.
Boro last tasted victory at Portman Road in the inaugural Premier League season in 1992/93. Since then, they've drawn and lost four times in all competitions.
The Tractor Boys have lost just four times at home this calendar year (W8 D1 L4).
Middlesbrough have conceded the fewest amount of fouls this season in the Championship, just 43.

Leicester City v Wigan Athletic
Leicester City were involved in the only 0-0 draw in the Championship this season, against Leeds United on August 11th.
Wigan Athletic have both attempted and won the fewest number of tackles in the Championship so far, 60 and 46 respectively.
City have lost just once in their last six home games in all competitions (W3 D2 L1)
A division-high 70% of the Latics' Championship goals this season have come from set-pieces.
There have been just two competitive meetings between the sides, in 2004/05, with the Foxes yet to beat the Latics or score against them (D1 L1).
Owen Coyle's side have been caught offside 27 time this season, a division-high.

Millwall v Derby County
Millwall have posted the worst shooting accuracy in this season's Championship, finding the target just 33% of the time.
Derby County have been at their most potent in the 15 minutes before half-time, scoring a joint-league-high three goals in this period.
There have been just two goals scored at the Den this season, a Championship low, with both of these coming in the second-half.
The Lions have the worst pass completion rate in the Championship, finding their intended target with a pass just 67% of the time.
The Rams have registered just two wins in their last eight games against Millwall (in all comps), losing two and drawing four.
County last recorded a win at the Den in December 1995, drawing three and losing five since (in all comps).

Nottingham Forest v Barnsley
Nottingham Forest have scored three times in the opening 15 minutes of Championship fixtures this season, a division-high total.
Barnsley have shipped 13 goals in the Championship this season, more than any other side.
Forest are one of two teams, the other being Blackpool, who have yet to concede the opening goal in a Championship game this season.
The last three meetings at the City Ground between the two have ended in draws.
Forest are unbeaten against the Tykes in the last five meetings (W1 D4).
Only Almen Abdi (18) has created more chances from open play than Forest's Andy Reid this season (13).

Queens Park Rangers v Birmingham City
Queens Park Rangers are the only Championship side yet to concede in the second half this season.
Birmingham City's Paul Robinson is the Championship's most booked player, being shown yellow four times so far this season.
Harry Redknapp's men have won all four of the games in which they've taken the lead this season.
Prior to losing to QPR the last time the two sides met in the league (0-1 October 2008), Birmingham had remained unbeaten against the Hoops for 14 games.
Charlie Austin has mustered the most shots this season without scoring (15).
QPR have scored just twice in the last six fixtures between the sides, winning one, drawing two and losing three.

Sheffield Wednesday v Yeovil Town
Sheffield Wednesday have dropped a league-high nine points from leading positions in the Championship this season.
Yeovil Town are the division's lowest scorers so far, with only one goal scored in total from their five games so far.
Only Blackburn Rovers have had more different goalscorers (7) than Wednesday this season (6).
The Somerset club have never won against the Owls, losing four of their six meetings (in all comps).
Wednesday have never failed to score against the Glovers in league competition, scoring nine times in four games.

Watford v Charlton Athletic
Watford have scored nine goals in the second half this season: a league-high haul.
Charlton Athletic have conceded five headed goals so far this season; more than any other Championship side.
Troy Deeney has scored five times in as many appearances for Watford this season.
Chris Powell's men have shipped five goals in the opening 30 minutes of Championship games this season, a divisional-high.
The Addicks have won just once in their last eight clashes with the Hornets (W1 D4 L3), although that victory did come last time out - 4-3 in January.
Almen Abdi has created the most goal-scoring chances so far season (21).

Reading v Brighton & Hove Albion
Reading have won just one of their last eight home league matches.
Only Watford boast a better pass completion rate (84.9%) than Brighton & Hove Albion (82.7%) this season.
The Royals have won their last six games against Brighton, keeping four clean sheets in the process.
Brighton have scored the opening goal in four of their five Championship games this season, but won only two of those four matches, losing the other two.
Reading had the best defence during their Championship promotion season in 2011/12, shipping just 41 goals.
Albion have mustered just one goal in their last five meetings with Reading.

League Two Opta Facts – 13-14 September

Southend v Scunthorpe
Southend have won three of their last four league matches at home against Scunthorpe (D1).
The Iron have failed to score in three of their last five league matches against the Shrimpers.
No player has scored more goals this term than Freddy Eastwood (4).
Scunthorpe have scored four headed goals this season, the joint most in the league.
The Iron have conceded all six of their goals in the second half of matches this season.

Burton v Portsmouth
Burton have won five of their last nine league matches (inc. play offs), losing two and drawing two.
Patrick Agyemang has scored three goals in six League Two fixtures for Pompey this season, equalling his goal tally for the 2012/13 campaign.
No side have scored more goals in the first half of matches this season than Portsmouth (8).
This will be the first ever competitive meeting between the two sides.
Portsmouth have lost nine points from winning positions this term; a joint-league-high alongside Scunthorpe.

Cheltenham v Oxford Utd
Cheltenham have lost only once in their last seven league games against Oxford (W2 D4).
No side have scored more goals inside the box than Oxford United this season (12).
14 goals have been scored in the last five competitive meetings (all comps) between the teams, average at 2.8 goals per game.
The Robins have conceded a league-high 13 goals this season.

Chesterfield v Wimbledon
The Spireites have won all three of their home matches this season; a joint-league-high alongside Exeter and Wimbledon.
AFC Wimbledon have attempted more shots (including blocked) than any other team so far this season in League Two (87).
The two sides met for the first time last season in League Two, with each team recording a victory apiece, with the Spireites winning their home fixture against the Dons 2-0.
Chesterfield have scored four goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this season; a joint-league-high alongside Oxford United.

Dag & Red v Bristol Rovers
Only one of Dagenham and Redbridge's three league victories over Bristol Rovers has come at home, with the Daggers losing twice on home soil.
Bristol Rovers are yet to lose a point from winning positions or gain any from losing positions.
There has never been a draw between these two sides in a competitive league fixture.
The Daggers have conceded five headed goals so far this season; a league-high.

Fleetwood v Bury
Fleetwood have netted five times in the opening fifteen minutes of matches; a league-high.
No player has assisted more goals this season than Bury's Craig Jones (4).
This will be the first ever competitive match between the two sides.
Only Michael Smith (18) has attempted more shots this season than Fleetwood's David Ball (17).

Hartlepool v Accrington
Since the turn of the century, Hartlepool have won both league matches, with both matches taking place in the 2006/07 season.
Accrington and Hartlepool are both yet to score in the first half this season, a joint-league-low alongside Torquay.
Accrington's last victory over Hartlepool was back in February 1961 (3-0), in the old Division Four.
Hartlepool scored their first league goal of the season last weekend in a 2-1 defeat at home to Wycombe.
Neither side have a won a league match this season.

Newport v Morecambe
Chris Zebroski has netted four goals in six league games for Newport this season.
Morecambe have salvaged six points from losing positions this season, more than any other side.
This will be the first ever competitive match between the two sides.
Morecambe have scored three goals from outside the area this season; a league-high.

Northampton v Exeter
The Cobblers have won six of their last seven league matches against the Grecians (L1).
Sam Parkin has netted twice this season for Exeter with both strikes arriving in the 80th minute.
Northampton are yet to keep a clean sheet this season; a joint-league-low alongside Accrington Stanley.
No side have received more red cards this campaign than the Cobblers (3).
The last five league matches have produced a total of 17 goals, averaging at 3.4 a game.

Plymouth v Wycombe
The Pilgrims have won three of the last four league matches at home against Wycombe (L1).
Matt McClure netted twice in two matches for the Chairboys against Plymouth last season.
Plymouth have netted 83% of their goals in the first half of matches this season; a league-high proportion.
Wycombe's Dean Morgan has been booked more times than any other player this season (4).

Rochdale v Torquay
Rochdale have won seven of the last 10 league games against Torquay (L3), with five of those victories coming at home.
Torquay have salvaged four points from losing positions on the road this term; a league-high.
None of Torquay's last three league victories over Rochdale have come away from home.
Torquay are yet to score in the first half this season, a joint-league-low alongside Accrington and Hartlepool.

York v Mansfield
York haven't keep a clean sheet in the league against Mansfield in 14 matches.
Mansfield have won the last two football league matches against the Minstermen (1-2 & 2-0).
Mansfield are the only side in League Two yet to concede a goal in the second half this season.
York's Ryan Jarvis has netted four goals in six league appearances.

11.09. (Wed) 02:00 USA - Mexico

Mexico begin life without Jose Manuel De La Torre when they take on the USA on Tuesday.

The coach was sacked following his side's shock 2-1 home defeat to Honduras on Friday, a result that left the Central American outfit in fourth place in the CONCACAF qualifying section for Brazil 2014.

Luis Fernando Tena will take charge for the clash with Jurgen Klinsmann's side, who will be out to bounce back after being knocked off top spot following a 3-1 loss to Costa Rica.

Clint Dempsey scored a first-half penalty for the US in San Jose on Friday, but the hosts seized the initiative in the group thanks to goals from Jhonny Acosta, Celso Borges and Joel Campbell.

And Klinsmann will have to try and inspire his players to respond to this disappointment without a number of his key men.

Jozy Altidore, Matt Besler and Geoff Cameron are all suspended, while Roma midfielder Michael Bradley also misses out after picking up an ankle injury while warming-up for the game against Costa Rica.

Still, the US - who reached the last 16 of the World Cup in 2010 - will be confident of taking maximum points in Columbus, with Mexico winless in the last three meetings between the teams.

11.09. (Wed) 02:00 Venezuela - Peru

Venezuela and Peru will both be aiming to keep their hopes of World Cup 2014 qualification alive when they meet on Tuesday.

Cesar Farias' men sit sixth in the South American qualification section, just three points behind Uruguay, who currently occupy the all-important fifth spot that will earn a play-off against either Jordan or Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, Peru travel to Puerto La Cruz just two points behind Venezuela, although their chances of finishing fifth took a severe blow when a Luis Suarez double condemned them to a 2-1 home defeat to Uruguay on Friday.

Sergio Markarian's side have now lost their last two qualifiers, but will be buoyed by the fact they came from behind to beat Venezuela 2-1 in the reverse qualifying fixture in Lima last September.

Jefferson Farfan netted twice on that occasion after Juan Arango's opener for Farias' team and the Schalke forward - along with Bayern Munich striker Claudio Pizarro - is again likely to be their main threat.

Venezuela go into the match in desperate need of a positive result to snap their sequence of four Conmebol qualification fixtures without a win.

They were beaten 3-0 by an in-form Chile in Santiago on Friday and slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in their previous home qualifier in June.

11.09. (Wed) 02:00 Jamaica - Costa Rica

Costa Rica can take another step towards the World Cup finals when they face a Jamaica side on the brink of elimination on Tuesday.

Jorge Luis Pinto's team moved into first place in the final stage of Concacaf qualifying group for Brazil 2014 thanks to a 3-1 win over the United States on Friday.

Goals from Jhonny Acosta, Celso Borges and Joel Campbell in San Jose put Costa Rica one point clear of Jurgen Klinsmann's side at the top.

Costa Rica have now scored 10 goals in the final round of qualifying, and they should be confident of adding to that tally against Jamaica, who have yet to taste victory in any of their seven games so far.

Winfried Schafer's men did manage to hold on for a goalless draw with Panama at the weekend, despite the dismissal of Rodolph Austin, but history in this clash is very much against them.

They have not beaten Costa Rica since 1997, and slipped to a 2-0 defeat in San Jose back in March, Michael Umana and Diego Calvo getting the goals on that occasion.

The Caribbean outfit's poor form has left them at the foot of group with just two goals to their name, leaving their hopes of reaching the finals for the first time since 1998 in tatters.

Jamaica will be eliminated if they lose and Mexico beat the United States, and they will look to the likes of Marlon King, Jobi McAnuff and Garath McCleary to delay their likely exit a little longer.

However, Costa Rica have been beaten just once in this round of qualification, and are well placed to qualify for their fourth World Cup. 

11.09. (Wed) 00:00 Uruguay - Colombia

Colombia could book their place at next year's World Cup if they avoid defeat to Uruguay at Estadio Centenario on Tuesday.

A 1-0 win over 10-man Ecuador on Friday guaranteed Jose Pekerman's side a place in the AFC-Conmebol play-offs at the very worst.

Despite having a one-man advantage for a majority of the game, Colombia were made to work hard for their seventh-consecutive home win and had James Rodriguez to thank for what proved to be a decisive first-half strike.

The result leaves Colombia on the verge of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998.

Speaking after the game, Peckerman said:  "I feel that Colombia won fairly, did important things, took on the role, overcame the difficulties and won well against a very good team.

"Colombia needs to go to the World Cup. We are not there yet, but we've taken a giant step."

Many onlookers will undoubtedly be looking forward to watching two of the biggest names in world football going head-to-head, as Radamel Falcao and Luis Suarez both take to the field.

Despite a ban ruling him out of the start of the new Premier League season, Suarez put in a talismanic performance for Uruguay as they picked up a vital 2-1 win over Peru in Lima on Friday - although he once again courted controversy.

The Liverpool striker scored from the spot after going over in the penalty area under minimal contact, before his theatrical tumble led to Victor Yotun's red card prior to his emphatic winning strike.

That result left Oscar Tabarez's side with a tightened grip on fifth place, with only two points separating them from Ecuador in fourth - the final automatic qualifying spot.

Despite suffering a 4-0 defeat in the reverse fixture, history appears to favour Uruguay, who have not lost a competitive home match to Tuesday's opponents since 1973.

Colombia will also be aware that no team has managed to come away from Uruguay with three points since October 2009.

10.09. (Tue) 20:45 Austria - Ireland

Republic of Ireland and Austria go head-to-head on Tuesday night with both sides desperate for the three points that will give their World Cup 2014 qualification hopes a massive boost.

Both sides are currently level on 11 points in Group C, three points behind second-placed Sweden, who came away with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Giovanni Trapattoni's side in Dublin on Friday.

Austria, meanwhile, go into the game in Vienna on the back of a 3-0 defeat to runaway leaders Germany.

A place in the play-off round for Brazil 2014 is still possible for both sides, but both need three points from the clash at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion to keep their hopes of catching Sweden alive.

Ireland's task will be made all the more difficult by the fact that  they have not won a competitive fixture in Austria since 1958, but Marcel Koller's men had to rely on a late David Alaba equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture in Dublin in March. 

10.09. (Tue) 20:45 Wales - Serbia

Wales and Serbia meet in Cardiff on Tuesday after both sides saw their World Cup qualification chances end on Friday.
Wales' slim hopes of reaching Brazil 2014 finished with a 2-1 loss to Macedonia in Skopje, while Serbia were held 1-1 by second-placed Croatia in Belgrade.

Those results leave Wales second-bottom of Group A while Serbia sit in third place, some nine points adrift of Croatia with just two games remaining.

The last meeting between the sides in Novi Sad last September ended in the hosts running out emphatic 6-1 winners.
Wales' goalscorer on that occasion, Gareth Bale, completed his £86 million transfer from Tottenham to Real Madrid last week but was not fit to play for his country in Macedonia due to a foot injury.

And while the 24-year-old will not start the match against Serbia at the Cardiff City Stadium, Wales manager Chris Coleman has revealed his star man may be able to make a substitute appearance.

"He's never going to be ready to start, it's as simple as that," he told BBC Sport.

"The fact he's turned up and is trying to be fit for us is such a huge positive and if he's ready then he may play a part.

"We'll see how he reacts between now and Tuesday."

Sinisa Mihajlovic's side, meanwhile, will be hoping for a win to secure third place in the group and a favourable seeding for the 2016 European Championships qualifying campaign.

However, they will not be able to call on midfielder Nemanja Matic as he is suspended after being sent off against Croatia. 

10.09. (Tue) 20:45 Ukraine - England

Group H leaders England can take a huge step towards World Cup qualification if they can see off the threat of Ukraine on Tuesday.

Roy Hodgson's side, who are level with Montenegro on 15 points but ahead on goal difference, ran out 4-0 winners against Moldova on Friday and they remain the only unbeaten side in the Group H.

But Ukraine, who hammered San Marino 9-0, are only a point behind and they will sense an opportunity to overhaul their visitors in Kiev.

England have problems up front, too, with Wayne Rooney (head), Daniel Sturridge (thigh) and Danny Welbeck (suspended) all consigned to a watching brief.

That leaves Southampton's Rickie Lambert as their main threat and his international career has got off to a flying start, with two goals in as many games.

Hodgson has experience to call on in other areas of the pitch, though, and he has cited Manchester City midfielder James Milner as a key player for the tricky trip to eastern Europe.

"We know what James will do," Hodgson said. "He isn't, and doesn't pretend to be, as exciting as some of the wingers we sometimes use these days.

"After a long period of time where I've not seen many wingers in the country, I'm now seeing lots of them. But we are going to need experience in Kiev. Milner is not a winger, but the qualities he brings could be very useful."

England will need to break a pattern that has emerged during their qualifying campaign if they are to earn some breathing space at the top of the group. On each of the previous three occasions that they have won, they have followed it up with a draw.

They are, however, the group's top scorers, with a commanding 25-goal tally from their seven games, with Ukraine's 19-goal haul the next-best total.

Ukraine are enjoying an excellent run of form, with 15 goals and four clean sheets from their last four matches.

Mykhaylo Fomenko's men were impressive against England at Wembley last September, when it took Frank Lampard's late penalty to deny them all three points following Yevhen Konoplyanka's first-half opener.

They will be eager to lay to rest bitter memories of their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, which ended in disappointment after they finished runners-up to England.

Despite qualifying for the play-offs, they were beaten 1-0 on aggregate by Greece, denying them the chance to try to better their performance at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where they reached the quarter-finals.

10.09. (Tue) 20:30 FYR Macedonia - Scotland

Macedonia will have their sights set on third spot in Group A as they seek to end their home qualifying campaign with a win over Scotland.
Cedomir Janevski's men have three games left but Tuesday's visit of the group's bottom side signals their final match on home soil.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil is already beyond their reach but third-placed Serbia are just one point ahead, having played a game more.

Macedonia are fresh from Friday's 2-1 victory over Wales, their fifth win in six games at their national stadium.
Ivan Trickovski and Aleksandar Trajkovski were on target as Gareth Bale, the world's most expensive player, remained on the bench for the visitors.

The result saw Scotland slip to the foot of Group A, as they were overcome 2-0 by a superior Belgium side at Hampden Park, with Macedonia moving up two places.

And Scotland manager Gordon Strachan admitted that the Belgians were simply too good a proposition for his side.

"That's the best team we've played since I took over," he said. "Belgium were magnificent.

"It was like a heavyweight boxer up against a flyweight. They've got speed, height, strength - and we don't."

Scotland come into this game having only won once during their campaign, and Strachan will be keen to rectify that in order to avoid finishing at the bottom of the group.

Macedonia are sure to pose a challenge, though, as they look for their third straight international victory.

The two sides played out a well-contested 1-1 draw when they met at Hampden Park last September, after Kenny Miller cancelled out Nikolce Noveski's early opener.

10.09. (Tue) 13:00 South Korea - Croatia

South Korea will go in search of revenge when they take on Croatia in a friendly on Tuesday.

Igor Stimac's side thumped the Taegeuk Warriors the last time the two sides clashed back in Februrary, powering to a 4-0 win at Craven Cottage thanks to goals from Mario Mandzukic, Darijo Srna, Nikica Jelavic and Mladen Petric.

However, South Korea have since qualified for World Cup 2014, with the 2002 semi-finalists progressing to the tournament in Brazil despite a 1-0 defeat to Iran in their final game in June.

Hong's side will also have home advantage on their side for the game at the Jeonju World Cup stadium and face a Croatia team that has struggled for consistency in recent times.

Stimac's charges are five points adrift of Belgium in their qualification group and appear set to face a play-off for a place in the finals after their 1-1 draw with Serbia on Friday.

That result made it just three wins from six for Croatia, with a defeat against Scotland - who have already been eliminated from the World Cup - in June underlining their current problems.

10.09. (Tue) 12:20 Japan - Ghana

Ghana travel to Japan for an international friendly on Tuesday following their crucial World Cup qualifying victory over Zambia.

Kwesi Appiah's side went into the crucial match in Kumasi one point ahead of their visitors knowing that anything other than a defeat would take them through to the third stage of the CAF qualifying section for Brazil 2014.

Ghana, whose only defeat in Group D came in the reverse fixture against the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations champions, secured a narrow 2-1 win as Abdul Waris and Kwadwo Asamoah gave them a two-goal lead before Emmanuel Mbola pulled one back for the visitors.

But while Ghana have another stage of qualifying to go through to seal their place in next year's showpiece, Japan were the first side to reach Brazil 2014 after their 1-1 draw with Australia on June 4.

Japan's latest fixture came in a friendly against Guatemala at Nagai Stadium on Friday and goals from Keisuke Honda, Masato Kudo and Yasuhito Endo swept aside Sergio Pardo's side.
And following his side's 3-0 win, coach Alberto Zaccheroni called on the team to keep up their level of intensity in their next matches.

"We put good pressure on our opponents, particularly in midfield, while keeping our backline high. Our forwards pressed their opponents well, too, which kept Guatemala from moving up-field," he said.

"I hope we can continue doing that against other, high-ranked opponents in our upcoming games."

His Ghanaian counterpart Appiah was also in a content mood after his team's vital victory over Zambia.

"We needed to either get a win or get a draw and the most important thing our aim was to try and get a win which I think the players did very well," he explained.

"Zambia have got a very good team and it was not going to be easy game and we saw that."

Since earning qualification for the World Cup, Japan have been inconsistent as they have beaten nations such as Korea Republic, Australia and Iraq, but succumbed to three losses at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Ghana, on the other hand, have lost only twice in their last nine matches.

International Opta Facts (UK teams) – September 10

Macedonia v Scotland
Macedonia and Scotland have a perfectly even record in previous clashes, winning one apiece with one draw.
Macedonia collected a 1-0 victory in their one previous home clash against Scotland, back in qualification for the 2010 World Cup.
The Red Lynx have won five and lost just one of their last six home internationals.
Aleksandar Trajkovski has scored a goal inside the final 10 minutes of each of Macedonia's last two internationals.
No team has been shown more yellow cards in European World Cup qualification than Macedonia (23).
Scotland have lost four of their last five internationals.

Wales v Serbia
Serbia's 6-1 hammering of Wales in Novi Sad back in September 2012 came in their first meeting against Chris Coleman's side as an independent nation, although they did do the double over them as Serbia and Montenegro back in qualification for Euro 2004.
Wales have conceded more goals from outside the box than any other European side qualifying for the 2014 World Cup (six).
Gareth Bale has scored four of Wales' seven goals in World Cup 2014 qualifications.
Serbia have lost three consecutive away internationals; they have never lost four in a row as an independent nation.
Indeed, the White Eagles have won none and lost four of their last five competitive away games.
Just one of Wales' last 48 international games has ended in a draw.

Austria v Republic of Ireland
Austria have won four and lost just one of seven competitive meetings with Ireland (D2).
In six previous away games against Austria, Ireland have won none, lost five and conceded 19 goals, scoring just twice themselves.
In each of the last three games that Austria have scored in, Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has been one of the scorers.
After defeat to Germany in their opening home game, Das Team have won three consecutive qualifiers in Vienna, scoring 12 in the process.
Ireland have scored just one goal in their last four away games combined (D3 L1).

Luxembourg v Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland have won one and drawn one of two previous internationals against Luxembourg.
Luxembourg have won just one of their last 13 internationals (D3 L8).
Aurélien Joachim has scored in two consecutive internationals for the Red Lions.
The Red Lions have only won five home games in all competitions since 1995, and all four have ended 2-1.
Michael O'Neill's side have won just one of their last 15 internationals, drawing five and losing nine.
On the road, Norn Iron have not won a game since September 2010, when they won 1-0 in Slovenia (D3 L7).
Northern Ireland have been caught offside more often than any other team in European World Cup qualification this time around (33).

Ukraine v England
This will be England's seventh meeting with Ukraine, and their third already under Roy Hodgson. The Three Lions have won four and lost just one of their previous six (D1).
England's only away game in Ukraine ended in defeat (excluding neutral venues), however, though Fabio Capello's side had already qualified for the 2010 World Cup when they lost there in October 2009.
England have only lost one of their last 13 competitive away games (excluding neutral venues), but that defeat came in Ukraine (W9 D3).
The Three Lions have found the net in 15 of their last 16 competitive away games, but once again the blank in this run came in Ukraine (0-1).
Injured striker Wayne Rooney has netted in each of England's last three World Cup qualifiers on the road and also netted in England's last away friendly in Brazil.
Roy Hodgson's side have found the net in 29 of their last 30 internationals in all competitions, with the exception being a 0-0 draw with Italy in Euro 2012 that ended in a penalty shootout defeat.
Excluding that shootout defeat, England have not lost a competitive game since the 2010 World Cup hammering by Germany (W11 D8).
Roy Hodgson has, however, seen his side alternate between a win and a draw in their last nine competitive fixtures. For this run to continue, this game must end level.
Frank Lampard could make his 100th international appearance in this game, becoming the eighth player to reach the milestone.
Since Lampard's debut in 1999, 99 different players have debuted for the Three Lions.
Ukraine have won seven and lost none of their last eight internationals, keeping four consecutive clean sheets and conceding just two in total in this run.