The Football League season is nearing the end and all eyes will be on League One as that is the first of the three divisions to conclude this weekend. TIBS News previews it all.
Championship
The race for automatic promotion heats up as Bournemouth look to fend off the chasing teams with a win at Blackburn. The Cherries are three points ahead of third and fourth with just three games to go and any dropped points could be enough to see them fall into the play-offs. Blackburn could also enter the play-offs with a win but would need at least two other teams to lose in order to do so.
Peterborough will be looking to spoil Millwall’s promotion push as the London side sit just outside of the top six. With the Posh already relegated to League One, Millwall will be hoping for a big win to send a warning out to the sides around them. Anything but a statement win will almost certainly end the Lions’ play-off hopes.
Stoke travel to an out of form Middlesbrough as they try to secure a top-half finish. The Potters are still struggling to mount a push to return to the Premier League since their relegation in 2018. Middlesbrough are much closer to returning to the top flight and know a win could take them above Sheffield United and into the final play-off spot as they look to redeem their relegation from 2017.
League One
Rotherham could break Gillingham and MK Dons fans’ hearts should they emerge victorious over the Gills. The Millers need a win to secure promotion to the Championship on the final day which would also condemn the Dons to the play-offs. Gillingham need to better Fleetwood’s result – who travel to Bolton – if they want to survive which leaves them a tall order against a tough side.
Wycombe could set up a repeat of their play-off heroics from their last stint in the third tier if they win at Burton. The Chairboys will need one of Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday or Plymouth to drop points and to secure the win if they stand any chance of returning to the Championship. Burton play with the freedom of knowing they have no pressure on them other than to spoil Wycombe’s day.
Wimbledon welcome Accrington Stanley in their last attempt to avoid relegation to the fourth tier. Currently three points from safety, Wimbledon’s last win came 25 games ago, ironically against Accrington on the December 7, 2021. Accrington have only pride to play for which could give the home side a vital edge in a game that Wimbledon need to win to have any chance of staying up.
League Two
Tranmere host Oldham in what is shaping up to be a fiery affair. Tranmere need a win to keep the faint hope of a play-off spot alive whilst already-relegated Oldham will hope to give their fans something to cheer about in troubling times. Oldham lost their EFL status last week and their troubles with the club’s ownership look far from over as what happens off the field looks set to shadow what happens on it.
Northampton will look to solidify their place in the top three with a win over Exeter. The visitors secured their promotion in the week and are now fighting for the title along with Forest Green. Northampton have four teams capable of climbing above them should they lose so will be battling until the final whistle to claim a priceless three points against a difficult opponent.
Barrow make the trip to Swindon in a game that has all the pressure on the home side. The Robins’ recent upturn in form has seen them climb to just two points outside of the play-offs and a win could rise them to sixth. Barrow have already secured their football league status and will have little to play for other than pride.
By Joshua Stewart
