06.09. (Fri) 21:00 England - Moldova

England will be hopeful of a big victory against Moldova to build momentum ahead of next week's crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier away to Ukraine.

Roy Hodgson's men welcome Moldova to Wembley on Friday and are expected to record a resounding victory against the minnows.

England are unbeaten in their last six matches but are still in danger of missing next year's World Cup in Brazil.

They sit second in Group H, two points behind Montenegro with a game in hand, while Ukraine are snapping at their heels in third, just one point further back.
With the side who finishes first automatically qualifying, and the second being sent into the play-offs, Tuesday's qualifier in Kiev is particularly important.

And because of that England will look to win well against Moldova to boost their confidence.

Hodgson has selected a typically strong squad, with captain Steven Gerrard set to lead the team alongside the likes of goalkeeper Joe Hart and attacker Theo Walcott.

England do have a series of injury problems though, with Wayne Rooney (cut head) withdrawing from the squad, along with Liverpool's Glen Johnson and Manchester United's Phil Jones.

In-form striker Daniel Sturridge is also in the squad but is in doubt due to groin pain. Sturridge has scored five goals in his four matches for Liverpool this season.

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere is expected to be fit despite following stomach cramps last week, while Cardiff defender Steven Caulker could win his second cap after being called up as cover.

Moldova - ranked joint-123rd in the world, more than 100 places below England - will enter the match on the back of a three-match unbeaten run.

An excellent 1-1 home draw to Poland in Group H was followed by a 2-1 friendly win over Kyrgyzstan.

They also drew 1-1 at home to Andorra last month in another friendly thanks to Alexandru Dedov's equaliser.

They are expected to line up with a 4-5-1 formation and play for a point, but England should have too much quality for them.

The two sides last met in last September's reverse fixture, with England winning 5-0 in Chisinau.

Frank Lampard scored a double in that fixture, while Jermain Defoe, James Milner and Leighton Baines also netted.

England have won all three meetings between the two sides, with their last clash at Wembley ending in a 4-0 win to England in September 1997.

06.09. (Fri) 21:00 Scotland - Belgium

Scotland will be hoping to continue the progress made under new manager Gordon Strachan when they face Belgium on Friday.

The Scots' chances of making it to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil have long since disappeared after a disastrous start to their qualifying campaign that cost former manager Craig Levein his job.

The former Dundee United boss was relieved of his duties in November after overseeing a run that sent Scotland slumping to the bottom of Uefa qualifying Group A.

Strachan subsequently took over as national team boss in January, following a spell out of the game.

And having already sown the first seeds of recovery with a shock 1-0 victory in Croatia and a creditable performance in a narrow 3-2 defeat to England last month, Strachan's arrival appears to be having the desired effect.

"I see it in him at every training session," said Norwich forward Robert Snodgrass ahead of Friday's qualifier against Belgium.

"He tells us, 'Listen, you are good enough to do this – or you wouldn't have been picked. I'm picking you because I believe in you.'

"Mentally and physically, we prepare for a game. You have to believe you can get a result. That’s the only way.

"There is [the conviction] that, when Scotland are going in against these big sides, we can genuinely get a result against them."

Strachan has added four players to his squad for the clash, following the withdrawals of James Morrison, Graham Dorrans, Allan McGregor and George Boyd.

The quartet have been replaced by midfield trio Craig Bryson, Chris Burke and Kevin Thomson, as well as defender Lee Wallace.

For the visitors, Chelsea's Eden Hazard missed training on Tuesday with an Achilles problem and faces a battle to be fit.

The 22-year-old midfielder sat out the session as a precaution, although he is still expected to feature in Friday's game.

Belgium arrive as a team in form, having strung together a run of six games unbeaten - stretching back to November last year.

Goals from Christian Benteke and Vincent Kompany led the table-toppers to a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture back in October, and Marc Wilmots' men will expect to maintain their march towards qualification for the finals, with Croatia also chasing top spot in the group.

06.09. (Fri) 20:45 Ireland - Sweden

With both teams locked level on points in Group C, the clash between the Republic of Ireland and Sweden represents a must-win encounter for both sides.

While Germany lead the group, Austria, Sweden and Ireland are vying for the coveted play-off spot, each team level on 11 points, with Austria occupying second place due to their superior goal difference.

Ireland have history on their side, having not lost at home to Sweden since 1949, when they were beaten 3-1 in a 1950 World Cup qualifier at Dalymount Park. The last meeting between the sides in Dublin resulted in a 3-0 victory for the Irish, with goals from Damien Duff, Robbie Keane and Liam Miller securing the win.
Sweden's form away from home during this campaign has been inconsistent. Despite showing tremendous resilience to stage a comeback in the dramatic 4-4 draw against Germany in Berlin, the Swedes were beaten 2-1 by Austria in Vienna in June.

However, Erik Hamren's side will be comforted by the fact that Ireland's home form of late has also been questionable, with the Boys in Green suffering their worst ever home defeat in October 2012 - a 6-1 loss against group leaders Germany.

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has been handed an injury boost as Marc Wilson and first-choice goalkeeper David Forde have both regained fitness ahead of the clash with Sweden, while captain and talisman Robbie Keane also returns to the squad.

Queens Park Rangers centre back Richard Dunne is expected to make his first competitive international appearance since featuring against Italy at Euro 2012 14 months ago. John O'Shea is expected to partner the defender in the heart of defence as Trapattoni seeks to shackle Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

In the absence of Aiden McGeady, Norwich City winger Anthony Pilkington could be in line to make his first senior appearance for the Boys in Green after shaking off a knee injury, while James McCarthy is likely to partner Glenn Whelan in midfield.

Rasmus Elm is the most notable absentee for Erik Hamren's side ahead of this crucial Group C clash, while Anders Granqvist will miss the game through suspension.

Johan Elmander is expected to partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack, while Spartak Moscow midfielder Kim Kallstrom returns to the squad after missing August's 4-2 friendly victory over Norway.

06.09. (Fri) 20:45 Italy - Bulgaria

Italy can move a step closer to the World Cup in Brazil with victory over Bulgaria in Palermo on Friday.

Cesare Prandelli's are four points clear of this week's second-placed opponents in Group B, with the pair unbeaten so far in their campaign.

Wins against Bulgaria on Friday and the Czech Republic on Tuesday would put the Azzurri on the brink of a place in Brazil where they can make amends for their poor showing in South Africa three years ago where they failed to win a match and were eliminated at the group stage.

Prandelli, who will be without key trio Mario Balotelli, Pablo Daniel Osvaldo and Riccardo Montolivo due to suspension, is concerned Bulgaria could be in better shape than his side since the domestic season in the eastern European nation began several weeks ago.

"I am worried, above all, about the physical conditions," he said on Monday.

"Bulgaria is in good shape, they can give us some problems. We have to contrast Bulgaria with lots of quality in the middle of the field and with lots of running along the touchlines.

"Bulgaria are in good physical condition, it will be a difficult match and historically we have always had problems in September.  The message is thinking about winning these two matches before talking about the World Cup."

Italy stalwart Gianluigi Buffon could equal the all-time appearance record of 136 caps for his country against Bulgaria at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

The Juventus keeper was part of the side that won the World Cup on penalties in 2006 and he believes representing his country means as much now as it did when he made his debut back in 1997.

"There is a sense of honour when you represent your country," he explained.

"You understand that with time, with maturity. Every appearance with the national side is not just a game, but something more.

"I personally would not turn down a call-up. It would be like spitting in the face of good fortune, something that so many people want but only a few have the chance to experience."

In contrast, Bulgaria boss Lyuboslav Penev has called up uncapped goalkeeper Georgi Kitanov into his 21-man squad.

Penev has seen his side's campaign falter somewhat in recent matches, drawing four of their six qualifiers, though he will take heart from the 6-0 win over Malta in March as well as the 2-2 draw with Italy in the reverse fixture.

His side also remain in pole position to secure a play-off place, sitting a point ahead of the Czech Republic in third in Group B.

06.09. (Fri) 20:45 Northern Ireland - Portugal

Portugal are hoping to be able to call on Cristiano Ronaldo as they look to take a step closer to World Cup qualification against Northern Ireland.

The Real Madrid winger sat out training earlier this week with a muscle problem, but he is still expected to feature at Windsor Park on Friday as Portugal go in search of a win that would maintain their position at the top of Group F.

Goalkeeper Beto and attacking midfielder Danny also missed training but they are expected to be fit for the clash, which forms the first part of a double-header that will also see Paulo Bento's side meet in a friendly with Brazil in Boston on September 10.

Bento has opted to recall Hugo Almeida after the striker missed the friendly with the Netherlands in August, while he has also called up Malaga left-back Vitorino Antunes and midfielders Josue and Andre Martins for a game that will go a long way towards deciding the qualifiers for the showpiece in Brazil next year.

Bento’s side currently hold a two-point lead over Russia but they have played a game more than Fabio Capello’s men, with both countries having enjoyed a 1-0 home win in the corresponding fixtures between the pair.

For Northern Ireland, meanwhile, their hopes of making the finals are all but over, although they will be keen to build on their shock 1-0 win over Russia in August.

Midfielder Chris Brunt returns after missing that clash through suspension, while Kyle Lafferty has recovered from an Achilles injury.

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, who missed the last qualifier through illness, is vying for a place while boss Michael O’Neill has retained Michael O'Connor and Lee Hodson after they were called in as cover for the Russia clash.

Burnley left-back Daniel Lafferty is suspended for the visit of Portugal but will be available for the trip to Luxembourg on Tuesday.

O'Neill’s side have had a mixed qualifying campaign so far, with the win against Russia and an impressive 1-1 draw in Portugal being tempered by home draws with both Luxembourg and Azerbaijan.

06.09. (Fri) 20:45 Germany - Austria

Germany begin a week that could see them qualify for the 2014 World Cup with a home fixture against Austria on Friday.

The Allianz Arena in Munich will play host to the Group C encounter, as Germany hope to continue their unbeaten record in qualifying.

Joachim Low's side have won five of their six fixtures in the group and top the standings with 16 points, with Austria, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland all on 11 points as they battle for second.

A win on Friday for Germany, coupled with victory over the Faroe Islands next week, will see them safely on the plane for next summer's finals in Brazil - and they have an excellent record against their neighbours.

Germany have won their last eight matches against Austria and midfielder Sami Khedira is confident they can make it nine in a row.

"I think they will be two really important games," the Real Madrid man said.

"They can help us get our ticket for the World Cup. We have a week ahead of us, where we can practise more intensely and find ourselves. We are fitter and mentally fresh."

Much focus will be on attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil, who joined Arsenal on transfer deadline day from Real Madrid for a reported fee of €50 million.

Ozil's arrival at the Emirates Stadium has been the subject of much discussion, with several Real team-mates, including Khedira, voicing their displeasure at his departure, but the 24-year-old scored in the reverse fixture against Austria last year.

Meanwhile, Germany will be without midfield trio Bastian Schweinsteiger (knee), Mario Gotze (ankle) and Ilkay Gundogan (back) due to injury, with the likes of Sidney Sam and Max Kruse given an opportunity in their absence.

Low will also have concerns about his side's defence, having conceded nine goals in three friendlies throughout May, June and August, including a 4-3 defeat to United States.

Austria - who have a crucial qualifier against Republic of Ireland to follow on Tuesday - lost their last game, suffering a 2-0 friendly defeat against Greece last month.

A three-match unbeaten run preceded that loss, which included a 2-1 win over Sweden and a 6-0 thrashing of the Faroe Islands.

David Alaba has been an unlikely source for goals for Austria, with the versatile 21-year-old scoring three times in their five matches in 2013.

The Bayer Munich defender is one of nine German-based players in the Austria squad and they will be quietly hopeful of pulling off an upset after running Low's men close in the reverse fixture.

Germany won 2-1 in Vienna last September thanks to goals from Marco Reus and Ozil. 

06.09. (Fri) 20:45 Serbia - Croatia

Although Serbia are all but out of the race for a ticket for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Friday's qualifier at home against Croatia remains one of the most important games in their history due to the fierce rivalry between both countries.

Over two decades ago, the two countries were going head-to-head as well, but in a far scarier arena than the football pitch, when the nation which bound them together for over 60 years - Yugoslavia - broke up and ended in a bloody war which started in 1991.

Those who had been football rivals became enemies in battle, leaving deep scars which will undoubtedly rear their ugly heads on Friday, when the two clash in Belgrade.

Both sides met for the first time in 1999, when they were paired together in the qualification for Euro 2000 in Netherlands and Belgium. After a scoreless draw in Belgrade in August, the return ended in a 2-2 draw in Zagreb and current Serbia boss Sinisa Mihajlovic has not forgotten about the impact the game had.

"The stadium in Zagreb was like a volcano. There were police everywhere. The war between the 2 countries was still fresh in everyone’s minds. There were lots of former team-mates who had played alongside each other for Yugoslavia now facing each other," Mihajlovic told La Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this year when Croatia hosted Serbia.

Despite his emotional memories, the 44-year-old feels the time has come to forget about the past, though, and he warned his player that he would not accept any non-sporting behaviour ahead of the away game back in March.

"If one of my players is sent off for non-sporting behaviour, and it sets off the crowd, then he’ll never play for the national side again. The whole world will be watching. The time has come to forget about the past, to offer a hand of friendship and look towards the future."

Regardless of Mihajlovic's commendable attitude, though, there's little doubt that Friday's encounter will be yet another tense encounter.

"These are the kind of matches you will remember your whole life," Croatia and Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic. said

"Everybody is talking about it, asking and begging us to win, and we can't wait to go out there and play it."

Whereas Serbia have already all but given up hopes of making it to Brazil with just seven points from as many games, Croatia still have every chance of making it to next year's tournament as they are trailing section leaders Belgium by just three points.

That's not to say that the Serbians will be handing out any presents, however, as for the divisions between the two countries, they will be fighting for the same things: pride and victory.

06.09. (Fri) 20:30 Finland - Spain

Spain moved one point ahead of second-placed France in Group I with a 1-0 away victory over Laurent Blanc's men in March, but must now take on a team against whom they dropped points earlier that month.

The Finns earned a respectable draw in Madrid as Teemu Pukki's goal cancelled out a Sergio Ramos effort, and they will hope to go one better when the teams meet again in Helsinki.

But Ramos is keen to avoid a similarly disappointing result this time around.

"Its clear that Finland are a team that surprised us because they closed up shop against us from the first minute, and although they didn't create too many chances managed to score against us," the Real Madrid defender said.

"That is a lesson we learned about keeping our concentration for the full 90 minutes because they were able to level the score with us on the break which made things difficult for us. But I think the positive thing is that we always learn from our mistakes.

"When you spend years winning matches and important titles it becomes clear that teams respect you. There's nothing we can do about that. Every team has its own philosophy or style of play, so we will try to open them up as much as possible to cause them problems and hopefully win the match."

Spain won all 10 of their qualification matches for the last World Cup, and did the same over eight fixtures to reach Euro 2012 - with both tournaments ending in victories.

And, although the possibility of pulling off a similar feat ahead of the 2014 event in Brazil is already gone, they will at least hope to preserve their undefeated status against Finland.

Vicente del Bosque's team go into the game having lost just once to Finland in seven previous meetings, with that defeat coming in the first-ever clash between the sides in a World Cup qualifier in 1969.

The last two games have ended in draws, while Spain and Finland have seen two and three of their respective Group I games finish all square.

06.09. (Fri) 20:30 Estonia - Netherlands

Netherlands star Arjen Robben is delighted to see Wesley Sneijder back in the squad to face Estonia in  World Cup qualifying on Friday.

The Galatasaray playmaker was dropped by coach Louis van Gaal and stripped of the captaincy after failing to convince the national team boss of his fitness earlier this year.

Sneijder was also overlooked for Netherlands' friendly against Portugal last month, but is now back in the squad - replacing the injured Georginio Wijnaldum.

And Bayern Munich attacker Robben is delighted to see the former Inter man return to the international fold, backing Sneijder to make an impact in the clash with Estonia.

Victory in Tallinn would put Netherlands on the path to sealing a place at Brazil 2014, which they could confirm three days later in Andorra.

"I think it's always good to have him back," said Robben.

"I like him very much as a player but also as a person. I think when he is fit and in his normal form, he has great qualities to play in our team and I'm happy that he is back."

Robben also warned his team-mates of the threat Estonia pose ahead of the game, despite the Dutch having won all six of their qualifying games so far.

Van Gaal has selected a relatively inexperienced defence for the clash - Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar is the most capped defender or goalkeeper in the squad, with 16 international appearances to his name.

The Dutch were handed a blow as Rafael van der Vaart was forced to pull out, with Adam Maher filling in, and Robben has urged focus from his colleagues.

"I think it's going to be a difficult game," he continued.

"I think they have a very good team, very well organised. They work hard. They have some good players and we have to be mentally ready for the game."

Estonian goalkeeper Sergei Pareiko can approach Friday's game with peace of mind after ending his search to find a new club.

Pareiko was released by Wisla Krakow at the end of last season, but has this week signed a one-year deal at Russian Premier League side Volga Nizhny Novgorod.

"The deal is absolutely everything I wanted," said Pareiko, who has 46 caps for his country.

"The salary is even a bit better than I expected. It would have been nicer, of course, to have a two-year contract but at 36 I realise I'm not young."

Pareiko will be hoping for a better result on Friday than in the reverse fixture in March, when goals from Van der Vaart, Robin van Persie and Ruben Schaken gave Netherlands a 3-0 win.

06.09. (Fri) 20:15 Georgia - France

France must bounce back from a damaging defeat to Spain when they face Georgia in World Cup qualifying on Friday.

Didier Deschamps' men occupied top spot going into their home fixture against the reigning world champions in March, and only needed to match the draw they earned in Spain to ensure matters stayed that way.

However, a Pedro goal gave the visitors victory at the Stade de France and ensured that they, rather than France, are now in pole position to automatically qualify for Brazil 2014.

France can still, of course, wrestle that position away from the Spaniards, but will need to capitalise on any slip-ups by putting away the likes of Georgia in their remaining fixtures.

Temuri Ketsbaia's men have picked up just four points from their five outings thus far, having beaten Belarus and earned an impressive away draw against Finland, and are likely to struggle against Deschamps' side.

The last meeting between the sides ended in a 3-1 win for France, with Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Valbuena and Franck Ribery grabbing the goals for the hosts in Paris.

Arsenal forward Giroud is in fine form coming into this game, and has notched three goals in as many Premier League outings this term - including in a 1-0 north London derby win over Tottenham at the weekend.

Deschamps will hope the former Montpellier forward can propel his team to victory again, with the possibility of securing the Group I play-off spot should Spain win their remaining fixtures.

Georgia, meanwhile, will look to avoid finishing bottom, with Belarus currently holding that unwanted distinction by virtue of goal difference.

06.09. (Fri) 20:00 Turkey - Andorra

Turkey's interim coach Fatih Terim has named four debutants in his squad to face Andorra in Friday's World Cup qualifier.

Galatasaray boss Terim, who took over the national side two weeks ago, has called up Ersan Gulum, Salih Dursun, Aykut Demir and Hakan Calhanoglu for the first time as his side prepare to take on Andorra in Kayseri.

The 60-year-old was placed in charge following the resignation of Abdullah Avci and will guide his team through to the end of their qualifying campaign.

Turkey currently sit fourth in Group D of the European qualification section with seven points from six matches, but still have a chance of reaching the play-offs for a place at Brazil 2014 as they are just four points behind second-placed Hungary.

However, Terim, who signed a two year extension to his contract at Galatasaray on Tuesday, admitted his side have a lot to do if they are to progress to next year's showpiece in South America.

"The road is still long, and we will strive to the end," he said.

For Andorra - who are yet to score in qualifying having lost all six of their games so far - Marco Vieira de Vasconcelos comes into the squad in place of Ludovic Clement, while four other players have left the original 24-man party named by head coach Koldo Alvarez.

Goalkeeper Jose Rivas, defenders Alex Villano and Oriol Castillo as well as striker Julio Sanchez are the men to miss out as Alvarez's men look to build on the 1-1 draw they earned in their friendly against Moldova in August.

The reverse qualification meeting between the sides in March ended in a 2-0 win for Turkey, with Selcuk Inan and Buruk Yilmaz grabbing the goals. 

06.09. (Fri) 19:00 FYR Macedonia - Wales

Wales boss Chris Coleman insists Real Madrid's world-recording signing Gareth Bale is not fit enough to play 90 minutes in Friday's 2014 World Cup qualifier at Macedonia.

Bale joined the squad in Cardiff on Monday following his world-record £86 million transfer to the Bernabeu, but having not played for Tottenham since July, Coleman says he is unwilling to throw his star performer in at the deep end.

Wales' chances may be hampered somewhat as a result, with Bale having scored five of his country's last eight goals, but Coleman will not be taking any chances with the former Spurs man.

"If he is not ready we will not risk him, regardless of whether it is a world record fee," he said.

"We are aware a lot of people will want to see him play in the home game against Serbia [on Tuesday].

"But he has no chance of playing 90 minutes on Friday or on Tuesday."

Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett could be in line for a senior debut after featuring for his club side against Manchester City this season, while Cardiff City teenager Declan john is also in the squad for the first time.

Dummett's chances of appearing were boosted as Swansea City left-back Neil Taylor was forced to pull out of the squad due to a thigh injury. Joe Allen (hamstring) and Neil Eardley (knee) were also forced to withdraw.

For Macedonia, Aleksandar Todorovski misses out on a place in the squad due to injury, while Stefan Sprivoski has been left out due to a lack of playing time, having failed to feature for his club side, Borac Cacak of Serbia, so far this season.

Central defender Boban Grncarov returns, as do left-back Aleksandar Lazevski and attacking midfielder Darko Tasevski.

Macedonia currently sit bottom of Group A, with four points from six matches, two behind fourth-placed Wales, but coach Cedomir Janevski is looking at Friday's game – and Tuesday's visit of Scotland to Skopje – as a chance for his side to earn some points and climb the table.

"Before us are two very important but also difficult games," he said.

"It resumes our battle for a better final position in the standings. We do have a chance for the third place and that's a good motive for us.

"Our goal is to move up the table. Wales are a serious team, with exceptional quality and fighting spirit. They have a lot of players from the Premier League so we have to show them respect."

League 2 Opta Facts: 7 September

Burton v Oxford Utd
Burton Albion have never lost at home in the league to Oxford United (D2 L1).
Oxford United have now gone eight games unbeaten in league competition; winning six of them.
Three of the last four meetings between these teams have ended in a draw.
Burton scored five goals over the two games featuring these teams last season; Oxford scored just one.
Only Torquay (5) have accumulated more points from losing positions than Oxford (4).

Cheltenham v Portsmouth
Cheltenham Town have lost three of their last four league matches (W1 L3).
Portsmouth's David Connolly is the joint league top scorer with four goals.
Pompey have kept just one clean sheet in their last six league games.
These teams have never met in league competition.
Cheltenham Town (along with Accrington Stanley) have conceded the most goals so far this season in League Two (11).

Chesterfield v Accrington
Chesterfield are unbeaten in seven league games; winning six of them.
Accrington Stanley are on a run of six league games without a win (D1 L5).
The Spirerites have kept four clean sheets in their last six league matches.
The Lancashire club average a goal every 150 minutes; the worst rate in League Two this season.
Gary Roberts has three assists so far this campaign; only Craig Jones (4) has more in League Two.

Dag & Red v Exeter
Dagenham & Redbridge have only managed one clean sheet in their last eight league games.
Exeter City have either scored two goals in a match or failed to score at all in their last eight league games.
Dagenham & Redbridge have won just one game in their last eight league fixtures (D2 L5).
Exeter have been awarded more corners (42) than any other team so far this season in League Two.
Alan Gow has the best minutes/goal ratio of any player in League Two, averaging a goal every 57.5 minutes (minimum 45 minutes played).

Fleetwood v Torquay
These teams have met twice before in league competition; Fleetwood Town are yet to lose (W1 D1).
Torquay United failed to score against Fleetwood Town in their two previous showdowns.
There were just three yellow cards shown over the two games featuring these sides last season.
Only Michael Smith (9) has had more shots on target in League Two this season than Fleetwood's David Ball (8).
Torquay have lost just once in their last eight games in league competition (W3 D4).

Hartlepool v Wycombe
Hartlepool United have failed to beat Wycombe in their last four league meetings (D1 L3).
Wycombe Wanderers have never managed a clean sheet away at Hartlepool United.
Wycombe scored eight goals against Hartlepool in the 2011/12 season; conceding just one.
No team in League Two has received as many yellow cards as Wycombe this season (13).
Dean Morgan has been booked more than any other player this season (4).

Newport v Mansfield
Newport County have failed to score in three of their last four league meetings with Mansfield Town.
Mansfield Town have won four of the last five league games against Newport (W4 L1).
Just one of the last nine league games between these teams have ended in a draw.
These two teams are both on eight points heading into this fixture.
Lindon Meikle is second on the minutes to goals ratio list in League Two this season; averaging a goal every 72 minutes (minimum of 45 minutes played).

Northampton v Scunthorpe
Northampton Town have managed only one win in their last eight against Scunthorpe in the league (D3 L4).
Scunthorpe United have scored in each of their last eight league meetings against Northampton.
14 goals were scored in the two matches last season.
Northampton have scored in their last six home league meetings to Scunthorpe.
Roy O'Donovan has been offside more than any other play in League Two this season (12).

Plymouth v Bristol Rovers
Plymouth Argyle have lost only twice in their last 13 home leagues to Bristol Rovers (W4 D7).
Bristol Rovers have gone 10 league games without a clean sheet against Plymouth.
The Devon side have lost just one of their last eight against Bristol Rovers in the league (W5 D2).
The Pilgrims are yet to draw a game this season (W2 L3).
Conor Hourihane scored in both meetings last season for Plymouth Argyle.

Rochdale v Bury
Rochdale have scored 10 goals in their last four league meetings with Bury.
Bury have beaten Rochdale just twice in seven league games (D2 L3).
Rochdale have failed to score against Bury only once in the last 12 league meetings.
Bury's Craig Jones has the most assists in League Two this season (4).
No side has recorded more shots off target so far this season in League Two than Rochdale (35).

Southend v Morecambe
Southend have never beaten Morecambe in the league (D1 L5).
Morecambe have scored in every league game against the Essex side.
Southend's Freddy Eastwood is the joint top scorer with four goals in League Two.
Morecambe have kept three clean sheets against Southend United in their six league meetings.
Morecambe have salvaged three points from losing positions this season; the third highest total in the division.

York v Wimbledon
York City have lost both games they have played against AFC Wimbledon in league competition.
Wimbledon have scored six goals in two league games against York City.
AFC Wimbledon have attempted more shots (including blocked) than any other team so far this season in League Two (76).
Only one side (Bury 56.25%) have averaged a higher share of possession than York City (55.6%) so far this season in the league.
Wimbledon's Andrew Frampton has made the joint-highest number of blocks in the league this season (5).

League 1 Opta Facts: 7-9 September

MK Dons v Swindon
The MK Dons have won four of the last five matches against Swindon (L1), with that defeat coming on the road.
After failing to score in six matches (all comps), Swindon striker Nile Ranger has scored twice in his last two (all comps).
Indeed, the Dons have won their last three home fixtures against the Robins, scoring exactly twice in each of those games.
Swindon's Ryan Mason was the first player to score a hat-trick in League One this season, after netting a treble in the Robins' 5-0 win over Crewe.
Swindon have not won an away match (exc. Cup & Play Offs) in six attempts, losing all six.

Bradford v Brentford
Nahki Wells has netted 14 times in his last 14 games (inc. play offs and cup matches) for the Bantams.
Brentford have avoided defeat in their last five trips to Valley Parade in all competitions, winning one (D4).
The Bees are unbeaten in the league this season, winning twice (D3). At this stage last season, Brentford had accumulated one point less.
No player has attempted more shots than Bradford's leading scorer Nahki Wells (24).
The Bantams are yet to drop a point from winning positions this season, winning on both occasions in which they went ahead.

Carlisle v Port Vale
Carlisle are unbeaten in their last 10 league games against Port Vale, winning seven (D3).
After going seven games without a goal (all comps), Tom Pope netted a late goal against Wolves at the weekend, his first this season.
The Cumbrians are the only side yet to score in the second half of matches this season.
Indeed, Carlisle have conceded eight goals in the first half of fixtures this season; more than any other side.
Only Crewe and Swindon (0%) have a lower proportion of goals scored away from than Port Vale this season (20%).

Crawley v Gillingham
Crawley have lost five points from winning positions; a joint-league-high alongside Stevenage.
Gillingham have conceded 76 fouls this season; the most in the division.
In contrast, Crawley have conceded just 43; a league-low.
No player has attempted more shots without scoring in League One than Gillingham's Charlie Lee (9) this season.
The two clubs have met four times in all competitions, with both teams winning twice.
Crawley have netted three times in the opening fifteen minutes of matches this season; a joint-league-high alongside Coventry.

Crewe v Peterborough
The Railwaymen have not beaten the Posh in six league games, losing twice (D4).
The Posh are yet to lose a game this season after going ahead in a match (W4).
Peterborough have scored three goals from the penalty spot this season; more than any other club.
Britt Assombalonga has netted five goals in his first seven games for the Posh.
Crewe have failed to score in three of their five league matches this season.

Rotherham v Sheff Utd 
The Millers have salvaged five points from losing positions this season; a league-high.
Sheffield United have averaged 69.24% possession so far this season; more than any other League One side.
Rotherham have failed to win any of their last 10 league games against Sheffield United, losing six (D4).
The Millers have conceded 50% of their goals in the opening fifteen minutes of matches this season; a joint-league-high proportion alongside Colchester.
Since their opening day victory over Notts County, the Blades have failed to win in their last five (all comps), losing four (D1).  Indeed, their longest winless run last season was just four league games.

Tranmere v Stevenage
Tranmere have conceded three goals in the opening fifteen minutes of matches this season; a league-high alongside Rotherham.
Stevenage's only win and clean sheet this season came away from home (v Notts County 1-0).
Tranmere have picked up 13 yellow cards already this season, a figure only beaten by opponents Stevenage (15).
Tranmere have attempted just 33 shots (including blocks) this season; the fewest of any League One side.
The two clubs have four times in their history, with Tranmere winning twice (D1 L1).

Coventry v Colchester
The Sky Blues have won five of the last seven league meetings with Colchester, drawing the other two.
Colchester have failed to win in eight league trips to Coventry, losing six (D2).
Callum Wilson has netted six and assisted three goals in five league appearances for Coventry this season.
Coventry have scored four goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this season; a league-high.
Colchester have conceded more headed goals this season than any other club (3).

Preston v Oldham
Preston have kept three clean sheets in five league matches this season; a joint-league-high alongside MK Dons and Leyton Orient.
88% of Oldham's goals this season have come in the second half of matches; a league-high proportion.
14 goals have been scored in the last four league meetings between the sides, averaging at 3.5 goals per game.
The Lilywhites have drawn two games nil-nil this season, more than any other side.
Only 22.22% of Preston's league goals this season have been scored at home; a league-low proportion.