Soccer Forecasts Forecasls and comments for matches to be played on 3rd April, 1954. Readers are advised to ap- proach with caution those matches im which a club, or clubs, have playerg on International duty. SCOTLAND v. ENGLAND (at Hampden Park), There’s no use disguising the facet! Hailing from Scotland ag the writer does, he obvdousiy hopes and expects the Scots to win, but it is appreciated that Scotland’s home record against England in recent years makes dismal reading so far as the Scots are concerned, Except for an wofticial victory match in. 2916 the last time the Scots beat England at Hampden wag in 1937, the subsequent four internationals being won outright by the English. On the other hand, England's Wembley record is sus- pect insofar as the last time Scot- Yand were beaten in London was: as far back ag 1934! At the _time this article goeg to press the Wales versus Ireland international has yet to be played, but. in the event of the Welsh defeating Ireland by 23 substantial margin, Scotland will have an added incentive to_ beat England, with the summer World Cup on the horizon, British soccer hag received some set-backs in re- cent years, and it is considered that the different style of the) Scot- tish players may find the vjtner~ able points of the oppositipn in the World Cup. The writer may be slightly biass-: ed, but he has the feeling that the famous Hampden roar may be re- served for the Scolg this yea, but “tradition” followers should ithink twice about this! ‘ DIVISION I. You don’t need to look far for the Jjeazue mateh of the week! The Hawthorns encounter between W. Bromwich and Wolves stands out a mile! 1 was last November — the 14th to be exact — that the Wolves beat the Throstles by what was considered to be a lucky goal by Mullen. As a result of. this match, the Wolves found them- selves within one point from the top of the table — West Brom- wich was at the top! As both clubs have players on International duty al Hampden it is advisable to avoid this match from the fore- casting aspect, although 1~—X_co- verage may be the answer. Bol- ton may be too strong at home for Arsenal, while Charlton, Man- chester United and Tottenham may also score home successes. In the away sphere, Sunderland, Port- smouth, and Huddersfield could be worth ‘following, while draws may result from the Burnley-Chel- sea, Middlesbrough-Villa and mat- Newcastle-Manchester City ches, ‘ WIVISION II. Everton and Leirester look ae if they may be in the. First Division mext season, but I'd be wary of the latler’s' home match against Bristol! Rovers and suggest .1—X coverage, Everton could be sup- ported at Leeds. A home banker nay be Birmingham who oppose bottom-of-the-table Oldham, while Fulham, Luton, Rotherham, and Stoke may also register home wins, In the away sphere, Blackburn's journey to Plymouth may meet with success, while Derby (2—X), and Hull may also gain two away points. The Notts Forest-Bury fix-. tire may result in the points be- ing shared, WIVISION YT (South) Brighton and Ipswich are practi- eally neck and neck in the promo tion race, but, this week both have to travel — Brighton to Colchester, and Ipswich to Exeter. Brighton could be given away support, but be care- ful inthe latter encounter, as Exe- ter are prone to excel themselves when opposing a strong team. I forecast Bristol City to win at home agajnst Torquay, but point out, for the benefit of “horses for courses” enthusiasts, that Ashton Gate is a happy hunting ground for the United. ,.Newport may be given.a chance “at home against Millwall, - : Coventry’s trip to Fellows Park, where they meet Walsall, has the appearance of a good away win, while Northampton, Watford (good). Gillingham and Leyton could also be away victors. Three fixtures which could_ end even, are those between QPR—. Reading Shrewsbury ~ Bourne-: mouth and Southampton-South- end. DIVISION YE (North) , Port Vale are a near-certainty for Division TI next season, and should collect a couple of points from thelr away match against Grimsby. Other away successes may be recorded by York and Crewe, Home victories maybe chalked wp by Bradford City, Car- lisle (caution), Chesterfield (risky) Mansfield, Stockport and Wrex- ham. Draw specialists may
