The International break means that as far as domestic football goes this weekend, League One takes centre stage.
It’s still all to play for at the top and the bottom of the division, with nothing guaranteed.
Here we take a quick look at the fixtures for Friday:
Barnsley Vs Scunthorpe – Barnsley are one of the most inform sides in the Football League, with four wins in their last five. They currently find themselves in the final play off spot. Scunthorpe meanwhile are 13th, six points behind Friday’s opponents. With just one win in their last seven, it should be a routine hope victory for the home side.
Blackpool Vs Bury – Blackpool are a side still fighting for their lives at the foot of the League One table. They are currently one point, and one place outside the Relegation zone, following a crucial 2-1 victory at Crewe on Saturday. Their opponents, Bury, sit comfortably in mid table. Blackpool need the points, and I’d back the Seasiders to get them.
Colchester Vs Doncaster – A huge six pointer takes place on Friday as bottom of the table Colchester host 21st place Doncaster. Colchester are 10 points adrift of safety and with just 8 games to play, they need to start picking up points soon. Doncaster are the most out of form team in the Football League, without a win in 12 and now find themselves in the Relegation Zone. Something will have to give for one of these teams on friday, but I’m backing a draw.
Rochdale Vs Southend – With both sides still having a realistic chance of reaching the League One play-offs, it’s a big game at Spotland. Rochdale find themselves in 11th, just a point behind their opponents Southend, who sit in 9th place. A win for either side on Friday will put them in a good position to mount a late charge for the Play Offs. It’s a difficult one to call, my money is on a draw.
Sheffield United Vs Crewe – Two sides who have had very disappointing seasons in different respects meet at Bramall Lane on Friday. Sheffield United had hoped for promotion this season, but currently find themselves labouring in 12th place. Crewe are second from bottom, eight points from safety and if they don’t start winning soon, they’ll find themselves in League Two next season. I can’t see them picking up anything at Bramall Lane, and expect a win for the home side.
Shrewsbury Vs Port Vale – A recent good run of form from the home side has seen them open up a gap between themselves and the relegation places. That gap is now eight points, and although they’ll want to keep winning, Shrews fans must feel they’re safe for another season in League One. Port Vale have been consistent this season, and still harbour outside chances of reaching the play offs. I can’t see them taking much from this Midlands Derby, and I expect Shrewsbury to move further clear of danger.
Swindon Vs Wigan – A meeting between a side with nothing to play for and a side with everything to play for takes place at the County Ground on Friday. Swindon are mid table, eight points outside the play offs and 13 points clear of danger. Wigan on the other hand are six points behind leaders Burton Albion, and only ahead of 3rd place Walsall on Goal Difference. They’ve drawn their last two, but will need to find their winning formula again if they’re to ensure an immediate return to the Championship. I think they’ve got what it takes to win at Swindon.
Peterborough Vs Coventry – These two sides have seen their fortunes change dramatically over the last few months. Two months ago these teams were 5th and 4th respectively, and now, Peterborough find themselves 16th, while Coventry have dropped out of the play off places down to 8th. Peterborough’s late winner at Doncaster on Saturday earned them their first win in eight League One games, and they’ll be hoping to build on that against a Coventry side, weakened due to International call ups. I predict a tough game for both sides, culminating in a draw in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
