It’s Easter weekend, which means there’s action in the EFL on Good Friday and Easter Monday. With games in the Championship, League One, and League Two taking place in quick succession, this will be the weekend where a lot of situations become clear in all three divisions. Teams can’t afford any slip-ups at this stage; it really is must must-win if they’re to achieve their aims, especially with only several fixtures remaining. Here’s the pick of the Good Friday action, starting in The Championship.
The Championship
Derby County vs Luton Town
The Championship action on Good Friday begins with Derby County vs Luton Town, a clash between two teams battling to retain their second-tier status. Derby are 21st but only a point clear of Cardiff City in 22d, while Luton are 23rd, three points behind their hosts. This is as must-win as it gets. A Derby win here could see Luton stare back-to-back relegations in the face. Both teams are winless in three.
Bristol City vs Sunderland
It’s 5th vs 4th at Ashton Gate, with Bristol City vs Sunderland seeing two of the top six do battle in what could be a preview of their match in the playoffs. Bristol City, currently on 64 points, just need to keep picking up points steadily to ensure they remain in the top six, while Sunderland are confirmed as a playoff outfit as they’re on 76 points. They could catch an out-of-form Sheffield United in 3rd, but The Black Cats may opt to rotate and keep players fresh, which could work in Bristol City’s favour on Friday afternoon.
Coventry City vs West Brom
While Bristol City’s 5th place is up for grabs, 6th place is more so, with Coventry City sat on 63 points. In 7th are Tony Mowbray’s West Bromwich Albion, and the match this weekend for the pair happens to be Coventry City vs West Brom. Coventry know that even a point would be good enough for now to fend off West Brom, but with the likes of Middlesbrough and Millwall also on 60 points, a win is favourable. West Brom can’t afford to lose and be six points behind, or their playoff dreams would diminish rapidly.
Sheffield United vs Plymouth Argyle
Sheffield United losing three in a row at any stage of the season always felt unlikely, but it’s happened at the wrong stage of the campaign, serving as a major blow to their automatic promotion hopes. Sheffield United vs Cardiff City is, therefore, a must-win for The Blades. Lose, and it’s the playoffs if Burnley and Leeds United win. Visitors Cardiff also need to win if they’re to escape the relegation zone. They will take confidence from United’s defeat at the hands of bottom of the table Plymouth Argyle at the weekend.
League One
Exeter City vs Burton Albion
Burton Albion’s previous fixture was huge and the result even bigger, but Exeter City vs Burton Albion dwarfs what happened against Huddersfield Town. Burton winning and Bristol Rovers losing to Exeter, ironically, saw them swap places, with The Brewers now out of the bottom four on goal difference. Burton’s task is very simple from here on in, they must at least match what Rovers do each game between now and the end of the season. Of course, winning, and winning at St. James’ Park, would be massive if Rovers were to lose again.
Bolton Wanderers vs Wycombe Wanderers
It’s a clash of the wanderers on Good Friday, with Bolton Wanderers vs Wycombe Wanderers one of the picks of the League One action. The home team have been in the top six and then out of it. They’re currently 8th and three points adrift of Reading in 6th, with their run of back-to-back defeats not helping their cause. They need to win to stay in the playoff conversation. Meanwhile, Wycombe are battling with Wrexham to finish 2nd and gain automatic promotion. They start the day a point behind, so they must better Wrexham’s result.
Reading vs Lincoln City
Talking of Reading, when all is said and done, they’ve done remarkably well to be in the playoff places, considering their off-the-pitch struggles. However, with Leyton Orient and Bolton just three points behind, and with Orient having a much stronger goal difference, it makes Reading vs Lincoln City a must-win game. If Reading win, they’re certain to end another matchday in the top six. If they fail to win, and Orient and/or Bolton do win, the pressure will really mount, and they could even end the day in 7th, which would be a disaster.
Wrexham vs Bristol Rovers
Wrexham vs Bristol Rovers is a fixture that will impact both ends of the League One table on Friday. The home team start the day in 2nd, a point ahead of Wycombe Wanderers in 3rd. They must match what Wycombe do in their game against Bolton to hold onto 2nd and the final automatic promotion spot. A win would be huge, especially if Wycombe drop points. For Rovers, it’s must-win. Unfortunately, they’re a team that can’t buy a win right now, having lost six in a row. They’ve slid into the relegation zone and if they fail to better Burton’s result this weekend, League Two will be calling.
League Two
Bradford City vs Notts County
Bradford City vs Notts County is a match where the result will impact the automatics and the playoffs. Bradford start the day in second, but they’re in reach of Doncaster, and The Bantams’ form has been patchy of late. There are six teams still vying for the autos, and Notts County are one of them, but they’re also having to battle to keep hold of their playoff place. They’re 6th on 68 points, and 8th placed Colchester United are only three points behind.
AFC Wimbledon vs Chesterfield
AFC Wimbledon are another team in the hunt for promotion from League Two this season, preferably automatically. They start the afternoon in 5th on 69 points, three points adrift of the top three. Their form hasn’t been great of late, and AFC Wimbledon vs Chesterfield is a chance for them to get back to winning ways and move into contention. Unfortunately for them, Chesterfield are still in with a shout of the playoffs and will be going all out to win.
Carlisle United vs Port Vale
Carlisle United vs Port Vale is a clash between two teams in the fourth tier that still have something to play for. Carlisle, who have struggled all season, have won back-to-back games and given themselves an outside chance of survival. They’re six points from safety, but a win could see them cut that down to three. Vale are top of League Two once again with a three point lead. They’re on a great winning run and will be looking to end Carlisle’s hopes of beating the drop.
Walsall vs Harrogate Town
Walsall looked to have automatic promotion in the bag at one stage, but a dismal run of form has seen them slip to 3rd, and they’re at risk of falling out of the autos. It’s Walsall vs Harrogate Town next up for them, and they have a chance to finally get back to winning ways against a team whose season is already finished. At this stage, a win by any means will be welcomed with open arms. At the very least, they must match what Doncaster Rovers and AFC Wimbledon do, which probably means they must win this one.
