Strike ace Beckford could help Shakers to bury Oxford

Bury v Oxford
Bury haven't triumphed since the opening day of the Sky Bet League One season but they look value to topple mid-table Oxford at Gigg Lane.

The Shakers have suffered from a lengthy injury list in the early part of the season but they produced a good performance to secure a 1-1 draw at promotion hopefuls Charlton on Saturday.

Jermaine Beckford was on target at the Valley – scoring his fifth goal of the season – and looks the main threat to Oxford, who are on the slide after back-to-back defeats at Blackpool (3-1) and at home to Walsall (2-1).

Oxford had hoped to push for the playoffs but their performances and results have dipped since the sale of star man Marvin Johnson to Middlesbrough.

They could have no complaints about Saturday's loss to Walsall and a third successive reverse is on the cards.

Recommendation
Bury
2pts 21-10 bet365, Betway

Southend v AFC Wimbledon
Injuries have disrupted Southend's start to the season but the Shrimpers were 4-1 victors at Fleetwood on Saturday – ending a nine-match winless run – and can follow up by beating Wimbledon at Roots Hall.

Southend are the leading scorers among the teams in the bottom ten and have improved since Nile Ranger's return following a prison sentence.

Ranger was on target from the penalty spot in the win at Fleetwood which was made when the home side's Aiden O'Neill was dismissed in the 31st minute.

Southend's performances have also been enhanced by the return of key midfielder Anthony Wordsworth from injury.

They are growing in confidence and it looks a good time for them to face AFC Wimbledon, who may still be smarting from Friday's 2-0 loss at home to MK Dons.

Any loss to the Buckinghamshire side is keenly felt by the Wombles and the occasion was made even worse when striker Kwesi Appiah sustained a serious hamstring pull.

Recommendation
Southend
2pts 11-10 general

Cambridge v Forest Green
Sky Bet League Two basement boys Forest Green have the worst defensive record in the top four divisions and are likely to be put to the sword by Cambridge at the Abbey Stadium.

Rovers have struggled against physical opponents and will find it difficult to cope with Cambridge's powerful front two of Jabo Ibehre and Uche Ikpeazu.

They bagged a goal each as Cambridge won 2-1 at home to a strong Coventry side last Tuesday and they are likely matchwinners against Forest Green.

Recommendation
Cambridge
3pts 17-20 Betfair

Lincoln v Barnet
Mid-table Lincoln have had a mixed start to life in Sky Bet League Two but they are capable of a big improvement on their current 12th place and can make a start by beating Barnet at Sincil Bank.

The Imps have lost three league games this season, all against top-five teams.

They are a powerful side and should appreciate coming up against a defensively suspect Barnet, who haven't kept a clean sheet in nine matches.

Recommendation
Lincoln
3pts 39-40 188Bet

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