Matchday 39 in the EFL, specifically League One and League Two, only took place several days ago, and now these two divisions are back with a full fixture list midweek. League One and League Two happen to be two of the most competitive divisions in Europe right now, with automatic promotion and the playoffs still up for grabs in both. At the same time, the battle for survival continues for many teams at the wrong end of each respective division.
After Matchday 40, we’ll be one step closer to the picture becoming clear on all fronts. And it’s also a sign that the season’s end is edging closer, with only six games left to play after this one in League One and League Two. This is the time that teams have to get the results they need, or their chances of achieving their goals will fade into the distance. It’s must-win territory for many teams for many reasons.
League One
Blackpool vs Reading
Blackpool vs Reading is a contest with two teams who have aspirations to be playing Championship football next season, a division that both have played in previously and higher. Both Blackpool and Reading being in contention for the playoffs is remarkable in itself, with the home team making a late dash from midtable to 10th, only 5 points adrift of their 6th-placed opponents this evening. Reading, with their off-pitch struggles, are clinging onto 6th and will be looking to cement their place in the top six.
Form-wise, things don’t look too bad for either. Blackpool have four wins from five and have won their last two, while Reading have won two and drawn three. The Seasiders, managed by Steve Bruce, will be hoping that home advantage counts and that striker Ashley Fletcher continues his goalscoring form. For Reading, a point could be fine in normal circumstances, but with several teams in striking distance, they may need to go for the win.
Northampton Town vs Rotherham United
Northampton Town vs Rotherham United sees two struggling League One teams meet tonight in a match that both will be eager to take three points from. While Northampton and Rotherham are more than likely safe, they’re not quite there mathematically, which is why three points are vital for either. A win would pretty much secure League One football for next season for the victor and allow them to start working on their plans to have a better campaign next term.
Northampton and Rotherham have both won one in their last five, with both teams not in the best of form of late, which has been the story of the season. Adding to the intrigue surrounding this fixture is the news that Matthew Hamshaw will lead Rotherham from the dugout after the Millers parted ways with manager Steve Evans following the 4-0 home reverse at the hands of lowly Crawley Town at the weekend. The Evans return didn’t work, so now former coach Hamshaw is tasked with seeing things through until the summer.
Wigan Athletic vs Bolton Wanderers
You can always guarantee a derby match on an EFL matchday, and on Matchday 40, Wigan Athletic vs Bolton Wanderers is the pick of the action, as the two North West clubs that have had hard times over recent years go head-to-head. Heading into the game, one that will be fiercely contested, both teams are in different places, with Wigan looking to get more points on the table to stay clear of the drop zone and Bolton just two points and two places off the top six.
In normal circumstances, you’d likely fancy Bolton to claim victory based on their league position. However, while Wigan haven’t been in the best of form of late, Bolton have now lost three League One games in a row. Adding to the occasion will be the battle on the touchline, as Ryan Lowe now manages Wigan, and Bolton are led by Lowe’s former assistant manager at Plymouth Argyle, Steven Schumacher.
League Two
Crewe Alexandra vs Grimsby Town
The League Two playoff race is still on, with a handful of teams outside the top seven still capable of forcing their way into contention in the remaining fixtures. Crewe Alexandra vs Grimsby Town sees one of those teams in Crewe go head-to-head with the team currently occupying seventh. Grimsby are sat on 62 points, 4 points clear of Colchester and Crewe, who are 8th and 9th, respectively.
The results in these games are pivotal, as not only can they strengthen one team’s claims, they can put a huge dent in the aspirations of the other, and that’s what could play out in Crewe tonight. Unfortunately for the home team, their form of late has been disappointing, with three wins and two defeats from five. Grimsby, meanwhile, have won three from five and are on a run of back-to-back victories. They’ll fancy their chances, even as the away side.
Doncaster Rovers vs Walsall
Doncaster Rovers vs Walsall is the clash of Matchday 40 and the most pivotal in terms of how the result could affect proceedings. Doncaster are currently 4th in League Two, one point and one place behind Port Vale in 3rd, the final automatic promotion place. Walsall are still top, but their 12 point advantage has been swallowed up, and they’re at risk of losing first place.
Doncaster will come into the game knowing they have home advantage and the ability to defeat the league leaders, who are looking shaky. Rovers bounced back to winning ways against Carlisle and will see this as their chance to climb back into the top three. Walsall have drawn four from five, they’re not winning games, and they’ve lost their grip at the top. A win could be a huge statement for them at the Eco-Power Stadium, but they’re a team lacking confidence at the wrong time of the season.
Port Vale vs Bradford City
Maybe it’s not Doncaster vs Walsall that is the pick of the EFL action on Matchday 40, as Port Vale vs Bradford City is another huge clash taking place in the fourth tier, with Vale in third on 67 points, hosting second-placed City, who are on 70 points and applying pressure to Walsall at the top. Throughout the season, both of these teams have been in the automatic promotion race, and with a handful of games left, they’re looking to shore up their place.
Vale, managed by Darren Moore, a former Bradford player, have flattered to deceive at times, but their recent form has seen them arrive in the top three, with three wins from five games. Bradford have won two from five, but are a team that’s won more games, scored more goals and conceded fewer. The result here will be pivotal, as Bradford could go top if results go their way. Vale could lose their top three place if they fail to win, too. The top six teams in League Two will be keeping an eye on this one, as the autos are still up for grabs at this late stage.
