The EFL has already produced some thrilling games and results this season, and this weekend is sure to be no different. There are some mouth-watering fixtures to be played in the Championship, League One, and League Two, and we’ve picked out the ones to keep an eye on over the coming days.
Championship Betting Odds
Blackburn vs Burnley
Is there a better way to start this preview than by looking at the Lancashire derby set to take place at Ewood Park between Blackburn and Burnley? With both teams doing well in the second tier so far this season, they will both, quite rightfully, fancy their chances. It will be a fiercely contested game, with Rovers looking to break back into the top six and the Clarets aiming to cement their place in the automatic promotion places.
Stoke vs Plymouth
Both Stoke and Plymouth haven’t got off to the best of starts in the Championship this season, with the latter rooted to the foot of the table. What adds to the intrigue here is that Stoke have just hired Mark Robins as their new manager, while Plymouth have recently fired Wayne Rooney and are on the hunt for his replacement. Both sets of players will have something to prove in this one, and it could see both teams raise their game accordingly.
Watford vs Sheffield United
Watford hosting Sheffield United is a good fixture anyway, with the Hornets battling for a playoff place and the Blades aiming slightly higher with automatic promotion in their sights. But what adds extra spice to this contest is that Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder will be returning to Vicarage Road, where he had a largely unsuccessful short stint as manager in 2023. United edged Watford out 1-0 earlier in the season, and they will be out to complete the double this weekend.
League One Betting
Huddersfield vs Rotherham
At the start of the season, Huddersfield and Rotherham were both expected to be competing for promotion back to the Championship. The signs are good for the former but the latter are yet to get into their stride under the returning Steve Evans. While the Terriers are well placed in League One’s top six, they have flattered to deceive at times, and the Millers are more than capable of defeating anyone on their day, as Huddersfield found out earlier in the season.
Stockport vs Mansfield
Stockport and Mansfield were both promoted from League Two last season and unsurprisingly, they’ve both taken to League One like a duck to water. While both were expected to be capable of more than holding their own, a top-six finish could be on the cards for both if their form picks up slightly. That’s why this will be a fixture to keep an eye on because a win here will have a significant impact in the race for the playoffs, and it will be advantage to the victor.
Wrexham vs Peterborough
Similarly to Huddersfield vs Rotherham, Wrexham vs Peterborough will have been expected to be a battle between two teams looking to be in the reckoning for promotion. Wrexham are right up there and currently occupy third, but Posh find themselves at the wrong end of the table. But like the Millers, Peterborough have an experienced manager and a group of players capable of finding a way to win against anyone when they’re in the mood.
League Two Betting
Bradford City vs Grimsby Town
Bradford City vs Grimsby Town is one of League Two’s best fixtures of the weekend. The former have languished in the fourth tier for a number of years, and while they’ve flirted with the playoffs, they’ve failed to make the cut. Grimsby, on the other hand, survived last term and were well off the pace. Fast forward to the present day, and the top six is possible for both outfits. Whoever comes out on top this weekend could finish the day in the playoff places.
Doncaster Rovers vs Port Vale
The expectation for Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale this season is clear: promotion. If you go back a few weeks, Vale were flying at the top of League Two and manager Darren Moore, who has previously been in the Doncaster dugout, had picked up two manager of the month awards. Now roles are reversed, with Doncaster in the automatics and Vale sliding down the league. A Rovers win will keep them moving in the right direction and see them get one over their former boss, while a Vale victory could see a change in fortunes.
Tranmere Rovers vs Carlisle United
No team wants to fall out of the EFL, and right now, Tranmere Rovers and Carlisle United are at risk. The former are a couple of points above the drop zone, but the latter are the basement club in the EFL. Carlisle hired Mike Williamson, and so far, they’re yet to find their feet under the former MK Dons manager. Interestingly, Tranmere have only lost one of their last five at home, while Carlisle have the same record away from home. So, a close game could be on the cards.
