League Two Game Week 7 Predictions

League Two Game Week 7 Team to Watch: Carlisle United

In what is sure to be one of the most shocking twists of the season, Carlisle United appointed Mike Williamson this week, prizing him away from divisional rivals, and fellow pre season title contenders MK Dons. In truth, it feels like Williamson has left MK Dons before he was pushed out the door, with results this season already seeing the fanbase turn on him. But nobody can deny the transformative effect he had upon MK Dons last season, lifting them from the doldrums of the lower reaches of the table to within a whisker of automatic promotion, before ultimately crashing out in the Playoff Semi Final to eventual winners Crawley Town.

Mike Williamson did a good job at MK Dons imo

Took over a struggling side who were ill equipped for L2

Had some of the best form in the league since taking over. A transformative effect

Fell (very) short in the playoffs and had a bad start

But those 8 games don’t define him https://t.co/iJiaL1nPOG

— tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) September 19, 2024

But the biggest impact was seen in terms of style; Williamson is a manager who massively favours possession based football, with his sides averaging possession in the high 60 percents on a regular basis. It will be interesting to see how quickly he can implement these ideas at Carlisle, who themselves have had an underwhelming start. His impact at both Gateshead and MK Dons would suggest that he will get off to a fast start, and with the move to Carlisle representing a return closer to home, Williamson may thrive in more comfortable surroundings.

League Two Game Week 7 Player to Watch - Ben Jackson

Barrow have made a somewhat surprising start to the season; scarce few expected them to be in the top three at this stage under new manager Stephen Clemence. But one member of the side who you might have expected to make a strong start to the season was new signing Ben Jackson, who had made the somewhat surprising drop from the Championship into League 2, despite being just 23; but even he has surpassed his own expectations with the start he has made.

We lead by a goal at the break thanks to two excellent corners from Ben Jackson. 👏

WeAreBarrow pic.twitter.com/Y8XolQ3Idk

— Barrow AFC (@BarrowAFC) September 14, 2024

Jackson, a full back noted for his work ethic and dedication during his time with Huddersfield, has added an attacking string to his bow this season, racking up 3 assists in just 6 appearances. With Barrow in great form, there’s no reason to think that Jackson’s attacking output will slow down, and with them facing Newport next time out, a side that have conceded 8 goals in 2 games, Jackson may be a player to watch this weekend. He will also have his hands full defensively, if Newport look to deploy Bobby Kamwa on that side, so Jackson will have to put in a complete performance to impress again this weekend.

League Two Game Week 7 Hot Prospect - Samson Tovide

Colchester forward Samson Tovide may be just 20 years old, but you wouldn’t be able to tell it when watching him. In terms of raw physicality and power, there are few more impressive than Tovide at this level. A quick, powerful runner, it’s not uncommon to see opposition defenders, several years his senior, bounce off of him when he gets into full stride. But despite having these physical tools which set him apart, Tovide has been very raw up til now, and one criticism levelled at him is the lack of end product to match his impressive physical prowess.

Underrated performance today from Samson Tovide 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 vs Bromley

75% pass accuracy🧠

3 chances created🎩

100% dribble accuracy🕺

100% tackle accuracy🧱

5 recoveries💪

Won 7/15 duels🪨 pic.twitter.com/3UqtpJkanu

— Stafutstixs (@Stafutstixs) September 7, 2024

This season the Cowley’s seem to be helping put that behind him, with the 20 year old already seeing improved output. Last time out, away at Morecambe, Tovide fired in a goal, and provided a further assist too; those physical attributes aren’t just useful for getting himself chances, but setting teammates up too. Now he’s off the mark for the season, you’d expect his confidence to soar; and Colchester may need him to step up once again this weekend, as they host Tranmere, in what is sure to be a very tight game.

League Two Game of the Week - Notts County v Gillingham

Notts County have made a flying start to the season, sitting top of the table, and unbeaten in that time too. But in truth, they’re yet to face a real tough test this season, with Fleetwood, 12th, the highest of their opposition thus far. That will change this weekend however, as they welcome 2nd placed Gills to Meadow Lane, for a true top of the table clash. It’s not only a game between 1st and 2nd, but also a clash between the best attack in the league so far, Notts with 14 goals scored, and the best defence in the league, Gills, who have conceded just 2. It therefore represents a game between the unstoppable force and the immovable object, which is sure to be a high quality affair.

Gills have been somewhat lacklustre on the road so far this season, despite their strong start; they’ve scored just 1 goal in 3 away outings, and that came against bottom side Morecambe. They’ll have to step up their game away in Nottinghamshire, as you’d fancy the hosts to get on the scoresheet at least once, especially now that attacking trio Alassana Jatta, Jodi Jones and Dan Crowley are all back in the team; they were all on the scoresheet last weekend against Bromley. This is sure to be a close affair.