It does seem that we have seen the best two teams in the division as they played out a great game at Fratton Park last night. Portsmouth were very worthy of their 2-0 win, but Bolton Wanderers showed enough in their display that they will be up at the top when the season comes to a close.
With two automatic promotion places, if the season ended today then it would be hard to see past these two teams. After that, it becomes a bit of a lottery as most teams can put a decent run together in the second half of the season, and a team that may seem well out of contention now could end up in those precious playoff places to extend their season.
That is when the drama kicks in, as another season in League One, after coming so close to Championship football, would be so disappointing. With this in mind, if the League One playoffs were today, who would prevail and be playing in English football’s second tier next season?
Stevenage (3) v Oxford United (6)
Riding the crest of a successful League Two campaign, Stevenage could be the surprise outfit that goes back-to-back promotions. Love him, or loathe him, Steve Evans has an uncanny knack for churning out very competitive football teams. They don’t score loads but keep things tight at the back. This may be their downfall when it comes to crunch time. Oxford United are very similar in that they keep things close and are hard to break down. Home advantage and experience could be the factor, and with the second leg at home Stevenage can steal a draw away and win by the odd goal at the Lamex Stadium. Stevenage to win 3-2 on aggregate.
Peterborough United (4) v Derby County (5)
This tie should be the opposite, with plenty of chances being created, and goals scored. Peterborough can run up a score on most teams. Darren Ferguson is now in his third spell at the club and has the team on the front foot. They will want to put right the huge loss at the end of last season, when they let a four-goal advantage slip, in the semi-finals. Derby County will see themselves as too big for this division, and their lofty ambitions could work against them as that adds extra pressure. Should they build a sufficient lead in their home leg, their away form could be the difference maker. Derby to win 4-2 on aggregate.
The League One Playoff Final
Having got this far this will be a game full of tension. Paul Warne has guided his team stealthily through a hectic division, and amid the pressure that comes with being the Rams boss. The huge support outweighs that of their opponent, and a fast start sees Derby race into a two-goal lead. Shocked at this The Boro fought back and got a foothold in the game with a goal moments before halftime. They continue to take the game to Derby in the opening part of the second half, but Warne’s men take the heat out of the game with a third goal on the hour mark. The game is then managed well and County are back in the Championship after two seasons away.
Summary
It may seem too obvious to suggest that three of the best-supported clubs in League One will gain promotion, and such is the competitive nature of the division a lot can change in the coming months. Derby County though will not want to pass up an opportunity again and will be too strong in the final mix. It is worth mentioning that Blackpool, Barnsley, and Lincoln City are very capable of making a challenge. And if it wasn’t for the points reduction we could also throw Wigan Athletic a chance, but the playoffs do seem to be just out of touch for them.
