With the end of the season on the horizon, every result matters at this stage of the 2024/25 campaign. Our EFL preview for round 41 gives an idea of what to expect from the upcoming games.
EFL Championship
Blackburn Rovers vs Sheffield Wednesday
Blackburn vs Sheffield Wednesday is a clash between two sides that were in with a chance of the playoffs, but they’ve since slid out of contention. Fans of each team have also been vocal in their dissatisfaction with how their respective clubs are being run. Expect a close but spicy contest on the pitch and in the stands.
Bristol City vs West Brom
It’s sixth vs eighth at Ashton Gate in Bristol City vs West Brom, with only three points separating the two sides. The Baggies have a better goal difference, so a win could see them replace The Robins in the playoffs, but Tony Mowbray’s side are also on a run of two defeats and winless in four.
Derby County vs Burnley
Derby County vs Burnley, believe it or not, is a match between the two current form sides in the second tier. Yes, Derby may have lost last time out, but they recorded four in a row previously, and Burnley have ground out the results to see them go top of the table. If recent form is what you’re going off, expect a close one at Pride Park.
Norwich City vs Sunderland
Norwich’s season looks and feels like it’s over, and their run of three defeats in four games indicates it could well be the case. Therefore, Norwich City vs Sunderland is a match that’s more about the away team. They’re in the playoffs, and looking upwards, they may even feel they have a chance of catching an out-of-form Leeds.
Preston North End vs Cardiff City
Preston North End vs Cardiff City is very similar to Norwich City vs Sunderland as the home team don’t have anything to play for at this stage of the campaign, whereas the away team does. Cardiff are 22nd but level on points with Derby in 21st, so the battle for survival is on.
Sheffield United vs Millwall
Sheffield United will be kicking themselves as they had a chance to take control of matters at the top of the Championship at the weekend, but they fell to a surprise defeat away at Oxford. Fortunately for them, it’s Sheffield United vs Millwall at Bramall Lane next, and they’ll fancy their chances against them.
Stoke City vs Luton Town
Stoke City vs Luton Town is a bottom end of the second-tier clash. Stoke are 20th but only two points above the drop zone, while Luton are 23rd and two points from safety. It’s a relegation six pointer, and both teams haven’t been in too bad of a run of form of late, which will add to the intrigue.
Watford vs Hull City
Watford are a team that can’t decide whether they’re in the playoff race or not. Recent form suggests the latter. And Hull are still looking over their shoulder at the wrong end of the division, even after winning last time out. Watford vs Hull City could be decided by which team steps up.
Middlesbrough vs Leeds United
Middlesbrough vs Leeds United is the pick of the action from the Championship this week. Boro, after a bad run, are back in the playoff race and now fifth. Leeds’ automatic promotion hopes have taken a hit after three consecutive draws. Michael Carrick’s team will be confident if recent form is anything to go by.
Oxford United vs QPR
Oxford United and QPR are two teams that will feel safe for now. They’re on 45 and 46 points respectively, and Oxford pulled off a 1-0 win against Sheffield United to keep them four points clear of relegation. Up for grabs for the winner of Oxford United vs QPR is another step towards survival.
Swansea City vs Plymouth Argyle
Swansea City vs Plymouth Argyle is a game all about Argyle, with The Swans having done enough to retain their second-tier status for another season. Argyle remain bottom on four points from safety, even after defeating Norwich, but it’s given them hope of pulling the great escape off.
Coventry City vs Portsmouth
Coventry’s excellent run of form under Frank Lampard recently came to an end, with recent results seeing them slip out of the top six. Coventry City vs Portsmouth is an opportunity for them to climb back into the playoff places against an inconsistent 17th-placed Pompey.
League One
Bolton Wanderers vs Rotherham
Bolton Wanderers vs Rotherham should have been a top-six League One clash at the very least, but it’s not worked out that way for The Millers. However, they look rejuvenated under Matt Hamshaw with two wins from two and will be looking to make it three from three against an inform and sixth-placed Bolton.
Exeter City vs Wigan Athletic
At the time of writing, Exeter City vs Wigan Athletic will be a League One fixture next season, as both appear to have done enough to retain their third-tier status—however, a couple of bad results for Wigan and all that could change. Not losing will be the aim you’d imagine.
Huddersfield Town vs Wycombe Wanderers
Huddersfield Town vs Wycombe Wanderers is a match between two teams still chasing something. The Terriers are a couple of points short of the top six, while Wycombe need to get back to winning ways to put pressure on the top two in League One. Victory is really a must for both.
Mansfield Town vs Leyton Orient
It feels as though form finally got the better of the teams involved in Mansfield Town vs Leyton Orient – first Mansfield and then Orient. Earlier in the season, The Stags looked like playoff hopefuls but fell away dramatically. Orient have since followed, although a late push remains possible, if unlikely.
Peterborough United vs Birmingham City
Peterborough United vs Birmingham City is a test run of the upcoming EFL Trophy final, a final that The Blues are expected to win, as they are at London Road. However, The Posh remain strong opposition, regardless of their disappointing League One campaign this term.
Shrewsbury Town vs Reading
Shrewsbury Town vs Reading wraps up the third-tier midweek action, and it remains a question of when and not if The Shrews will be relegated to League Two. Their form continues to be dismal, and the writing is on the wall. A win for Reading can see them climb back into the top six.
League Two
Chesterfield vs Gillingham
Chesterfield vs Gillingham doesn’t jump off the table as a fixture with much riding on it, as both teams aren’t in danger of being relegated, and the top six looks out of reach for the home side. That being said, Chesterfield lost 4-0 at the hands of Tranmere Rovers last time out, and they will be eager to right that wrong in front of their home fans.
