Another fantastic weekend of EFL fixtures is upon us, and there are yet more pivotal games across the Championship, League One, and League Two, with results potentially implicating the top and bottom of each division. While there are still over ten games to be played in the current EFL campaign, this is the time when the runners and riders will be known. And if they haven’t already, they need to make their move if they want to achieve their targets before the season is out. Here’s the pick of the football action from the EFL this weekend, starting in the Championship.
EFL Championship
Plymouth Argyle vs Cardiff City
At this stage of the season, relegation six-pointers start to enter the mix, and Plymouth vs Cardiff at Home Park this weekend is certainly one of those. The home team are 23rd and three points behind the visitors, who occupy 20th, and crucially, safety. Victory for both teams here is a must. Plymouth have arguably been in better form of late, but they did play midweek against Luton Town in another relegation six-pointer and drew 1-1, so could Cardiff have the upper hand in terms of fitness and freshness here? Plymouth have won their last two home games.
Watford vs Luton Town
Watford vs Luton Town is one of several derby fixtures taking place in the EFL this weekend, and there’s a lot riding on the outcome for both teams. Watford went from looking like an outfit that could finish in the top six to one that is now battling to stay in the hunt for the top six. They need to follow up on their 1-0 win over Middlesbrough if they’re to remain in the frame for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Luton continue to endure a dismal campaign. Replacing Rob Edwards as manager with Matt Bloomfield is so far yet to yield results. They’re bottom of the league and need points fast. Will a derby be just what’s required to spring these teams into life?
Sheffield United vs Leeds United
The game between Sheffield United and Leeds United, two huge Yorkshire outfits going head to head, is probably the pick of the EFL action this weekend. Sheffield United vs Leeds United is always a big game because of the local rivalry and the dislike between the two clubs and fanbases. However, this is second vs first; both teams have won their last four in a row in the second tier, and there are only two points separating them. The current picture suggests that these two teams will be the two teams automatically promoted to the Premier League in May. However, in what order? And, a defeat here for either will give the chasing pack a glimmer of hope in catching the current top two up. Expect fireworks at Bramall Lane, as this will be a fiercely contested Yorkshire derby.
League One
Rotherham United vs Barnsley
In normal circumstances, you’d look at Rotherham United vs Barnsley as a fixture between two midtable League One teams who are going nowhere fast. They’re both in terrible form and have failed miserably to live up to expectations this season. But then you remember this is a South Yorkshire derby and all that goes out of the window when the two teams meet this Saturday lunchtime. Yes, this has, so far, been a disappointing season for both teams and their sets of supporters, but a late push for the top six is not strictly beyond either, especially the visitors. Derby games can often be the spark teams need to get going.
Bolton Wanderers vs Leyton Orient
Bolton Wanderers vs Leyton Orient is a clash between two teams who, unlike Rotherham and Barnsley, are already in the League One playoff conversation. The home side are moving in the right direction since replacing Ian Evatt with Steven Schumacher and are three points adrift of Richie Wellens’ Orient side, who are currently sixth with that all-important three-point buffer. Bolton and Orient have both won four of their last five, and if the away side find a way to win, they will open a six-point lead over the home team who are chasing them. However, if Bolton win, it’s game on.
Mansfield Town vs Wrexham
This current League One campaign could turn out to be a case of what could have been for both Mansfield Town and Wrexham. At one stage, Mansfield looked on for a top-six finish or to be in the conversation at the very least. And Wrexham were on for an automatic promotion finish. However, fast forward to the present day, and Mansfield Town vs Wrexham could see both teams miss out on what looked previously looked possible. Manfield’s terrible form has seen them career down the division, and now they’re just nine points above the drop zone. Meanwhile, Wrexham are in the playoff race but five points adrift of the top two.
League Two
Morecambe vs Walsall
You won’t often hear how a game between a team in the relegation zone and a team at the top of the table can be a big game, but Morecambe vs Walsall certainly is. Morecambe, who are two points from safety and occupy 23rd, know that a win takes them out of the bottom two, while Walsall are eager to add to their seven-point lead at the top of the division. However, while Morecambe are where they are, they’ve won two in their last five, and Walsall’s form has become patchy, with one victory from five. Could this come down to which team wants it more on the day?
Notts County vs Tranmere Rovers
Notts County are another team in the hunt for a top-three finish and promotion to League One this season. They’re facing a relegation-threatened Tranmere Rovers side who are only two points and one place above the drop zone. Notts County vs Tranmere Rovers, therefore, is a game where the result could have an impact at both ends of the division. County know that if they win on home soil, then they will keep the pressure on the top three at the very least, but could end the day in the automatics. Tranmere must keep at least matching the results of the two teams below them, but ideally pick up points to move away from danger. A defeat for them could also see manager Nigel Adkins under huge pressure.
Port Vale vs Salford City
Port Vale vs Salford City are two teams that aren’t too far away from each other in terms of distance or league position and points. Vale, under Darren Moore, have been one of the favourites to secure automatic promotion back to League One this season and have occupied a top-three place previously this season. Salford, on the other hand, have been dreaming of playoff success, and it’s within their reach. It shows how hotly contested the playoffs are in League Two when Vale, currently sixth on 52 points, could end the day in the top three or out of the top seven. A win for Salford could see them enter the playoff places, which is where they want to be.
