There is plenty to play for across the Football League as we approach the final few matches of the season. Here, TIBS News previews the action.
Championship
Third host second as Huddersfield welcome Bournemouth in the clash of the weekend. The Terriers are only three points behind their counterparts before kick-off but know that a win would put them level on points but still behind on goal difference. Bournemouth meanwhile know they will still have three games in hand should things not go their way but will be going for the win to create some breathing space in the race for promotion.
Stoke could end Millwall’s great run of form and put an end to their own slide down the table when they face off on Saturday. The Potters will be looking to avoid going 10 games without a win as their season collapsed before their eyes. Former Stoke boss Gary Rowett has his new side in fine form and will be looking to go nine games unbeaten as their unlikely play-off charge continues.
Russell Martin’s Swansea host Birmingham in a game that is more for pride than anything else. Both teams have struggled for form this season and don’t harbour any concerns for relegation nor aspirations of promotion. Setting up a good starting point for next season will be key for these sides who have had underwhelming seasons.
League One
Fleetwood welcome Doncaster in a key game at the bottom of the table. Should Gillingham or Morecambe win, Fleetwood would fall into the relegation zone amid troubling times in the North East. Doncaster in turn could go one point from safety should they secure a much-needed three points as the relegation scrap starts to reach its last eight games.
Second-placed Wigan go up against relegation zone occupants Morecambe in what will be a passionate affair. Both teams have a huge amount to play for and will be doing their all to make sure they have a happy ending to their season. Morecambe’s last win came in January and the odds will be against them in an already tough match-up.
Two teams who will be looking to be in the play-off spots come the end of the season go head-to-head when Wycombe travel to Portsmouth. Pompey are eight points outside of the top six but do have a game in hand but a win for Wycombe on Saturday will all but end their hopes of potential promotion. Wycombe, however, know a win could take them into the play-off places if other results go their way.
League Two
Tranmere’s run of tough opponents continues when they travel to Sutton United. Five points behind but with a game in hand, Sutton know that if they don’t want to be left out of the play-offs then they need to secure all three points against their opponents in fourth. Tranmere have won their last two games and will hope their good form gives them a slight edge in a close affair.
Stevenage sacked their manager Paul Tisdale and replaced him with new boss Steve Evans in the same club announcement on Wednesday. The former Gills boss is up against it to save his club from relegation as they hang precariously over the drop zone, three points ahead but having played two games more. They travel to Mansfield who will be looking to get back into the play-off race.
Another game with big implications for the relegation battle is the clash between Barrow and Carlisle. The Cumbrians know that they are almost at a point where they won’t be caught after winning four of their last five but also know they can’t relax just yet. Barrow are in a more dangerous position but a win would help hugely with their hopes of safety.
By Joshua Stewart
