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Ollie's predictions: Bristol City and MK Dons to spring surprises

Ian Holloway
Image: Ian Holloway previews the Football League action

Ian Holloway previews a busy Football League fixture list, tips MK Dons and Bristol City for surprise away wins and looks ahead to Sunday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final.

QPR v Middlesbrough, Friday, Sky Sports 1 HD, 7.45pm

I am on the fence here. I don't think it will be that high scoring a game, as Jimmy [Floyd-Hasselbaink] loves to get his defence sorted out. Obviously, Middlesbrough are going for it, but QPR away from home is a big scalp, and I don't think they'll get it. Jimmy is getting his feet under the table, and they'll be too tough a nut to crack.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (9/2 with Sky Bet)

Brighton v Burnley, Saturday, Sky Sports 1 HD, 12:30pm

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Highlights from Brighton's 2-1 win away to MK Dons in the SkyBet Championship

One of these will be crying, and I think it will be Brighton. If Burnley were a boxer, they'd have the toughest chin. They can win ugly, take a punch. Brighton have to go for it, and that will leave them open for a smash and grab.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-2 (11/1 with Sky Bet)

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Hull v Bristol City, Saturday, 3pm

I think Hull will slip up here. Bristol City hit six last time, and have made an excellent signing in the form of Peter Odemwingie, and I think he can be the difference here. This could be deemed a shock, but Hull are in a bit of a blip, despite playing well enough, and Bristol City are on a bit of a roll now. It is very difficult to get the win at this time of year when you are expected to.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-2 (16/1 with Sky Bet)

Wolves v Ipswich, Saturday, 3pm

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Highlights from Burnley's 1-1 draw with Wolves in the SkyBet Championship

Huge game with Mick McCarthy returning to his old club. This will be a war of attrition, with one team cancelling out the other, such a tough old battle. Matt Smith from a set play will be a handful, and I think he can pop up. Kenny Jackett will have something up his sleeve for this one, though.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

Fulham v MK Dons, Saturday, 3pm

Dean Lewington of Milton Keynes Dons celebrates scoring their first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between
Image: Milton Keynes Dons have improved of late

I keep changing my mind with this one. MK Dons have been steadily improving and I want them to win. They have come up and to stay up is very difficult. They have been encouraging lately. With Fulham you don't know what you're going to get, they have plenty of talent, but are not consistent enough. Something isn't right there.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 0-2 (20/1 with Sky Bet)

Rotherham v Leeds, Saturday, 3pm

What a game that is. Both managers will be returning to their former clubs and will be very keen to get the win. I fancy Rotherham to take the lead, but Leeds will fight back. Neil Warnock is doing a great job there, but Steve Evans will have more than enough in the other dugout. 

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

Huddersfield v Sheffield Wednesday, Saturday, 3pm

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Highlights from Sheffield Wednesday's 3-0 win at home to Charlton in the SkyBet Championship

Game of the day. Goals from both of these. You need a bit of excitement on a weekend, and this will be it! Huddersfield are playing some really good stuff under their new manager, and I think it will be a real treat. I fancy Huddersfield to get in front, but then be pegged back by Wednesday.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-3 (40/1 with Sky Bet)

Shrewsbury v Wigan, League One, Saturday, 3pm

Wigan's point has been amazing, and now they have closed the gap at the top to one point I think they will do it again. Momentum counts at this time of year, and they have a real big, strong team and it is starting to click.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 0-2 (7/1 with Sky Bet)

Exeter v Plymouth, League Two, Saturday

PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12:  Reuben Reid of Plymouth Argyle in action during the Sky Bet League Two match between Plymouth Argyle and Northampton Town
Image: Reuben Reid has helped fire Plymouth up the table

I wouldn't mind being at this one. Plymouth are over their blip. The sun will be out down there, and it really means the world to everyone down there. The Green Army will trudge down there, but be singing on the way back.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 0-1 (13/2 with Sky Bet)

Barnsley v Oxford United, Johnstone's Paint Trophy final, Sunday, Sky Sports 3 HD, 2.30pm.

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Barnsley reached the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final after beating Fleetwood on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw

It will be a belting game. I hope it will be a big spectacle, and I hope the players make the most of their trip to Wembley. I think the wide open space will be hugely beneficial to someone like Kemar Roofe, who will relish the occasion. Sam Winnall will get on the scoresheet too, but end up on the losing side.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-3 (20/1 with Sky Bet)

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