There is a full compliment of the Football League this weekend with the Championship back after the international break. TIBS News previews the three leagues.
Championship
Barnsley host Reading in a game that could essentially end Barnsley’s chance of survival with seven games to go. With five points separating the two sides going into the game, Reading could stretch that to eight which would almost guarantee their safety. The Royals’ huge win over Blackburn in midweek means Barnsley will be up against a team high on confidence.
QPR will be hoping that they can turn around their dismal form with a statement win over table-topping Fulham. With four losses and one win in their last five games, QPR have fallen out of the play-offs but could return to the top six if they get all three points. Fulham could extend their gap at the top to 11 points, should Bournemouth lose to Bristol City, as the Cottagers look sure to return to the Premier League.
The South Wales derby will dominate headlines in Cymru on Saturday. Cardiff are currently two points behind Swansea and know a win would take them above their arch-rivals. Both teams are languishing in mid-table so the bragging rights as the best team in Wales will mean that much more as it will be the only glory either side will achieve this season.
League One
Bolton travel to Wigan in a north-west derby that will shape the title race. Wigan could take top spot for their own should they win, while Bolton’s patchy form means they have fallen out of the play-off race. Wigan are undefeated in five and will go into the game as huge favourites against Ian Evatt’s men.
Bottom side Crewe are running out of games to try and stage a miraculous escape from relegation. They welcome Fleetwood who are also in trouble of relegation but have a nine-point gap over their opponents. Crewe have lost their last five in a row while Fleetwood picked up just a single point during the same time frame.
Wycombe face off against Doncaster as they look to get their play-off campaign back on track. Winning three and drawing two of their last five, Wycombe’s mid-season stumble is on the recovery and a win could send them into the top six. Doncaster, meanwhile, are four points from safety and need a first league win since the February 15 if they want to stay in the division for another season.
League Two
Second travel to fifth in a huge game in the promotion race. Exeter make the trip up to Newport knowing that a win could take them into the last automatic promotion spot. Exeter could also close the gap to Forest Green at the top to just one point – with the title race that seemed to be over already is now a lot less clear.
Oldham make the trip to Stevenage in a six-point clash at the foot of the table. The teams are level on points but Oldham have played a game more. The Latics won their last game 2-0 over Leyton Orient in their only victory during their last five games, while Stevenage haven’t won since January 29. Whoever wins pus themselves in the driving seat for safety after a season of struggle and turmoil for both sides.
High flying Port Vale will be aiming to continue their good run of form when they visit Barrow on Saturday. Barrow have lost their last two games and know they need a strong run-in if they are to avoid falling into the bottom two, of which they are currently three points above. Port Vale are hoping for all three points and Northampton to lose so they can sneak into third as they reach the last few games of the season.
By Joshua Stewart
