It’s fair to say that League One has really been hotting up in recent weeks, from league leaders Portsmouth struggling to protest pitch invasions at Reading, the English third tier seems to have more twists and turns every week…
As another action-packed round of fixtures approaches, we have picked out the key games to look out for over the weekend. Weather dependant of course, as at the time of writing this two of the scheduled 12 matches have been called off due to the cold weather, Cheltenham Town against Carlisle United and Wycombe Wanderers’ trip to Port Vale.
1. Consecutive Orient Upsets
Anyone who predicted mid-table Leyton Orient to go to league leaders Portsmouth and be three goals to the good at half time would have wished they put some money on it, as Pompey were favourites to comfortably brush aside their East London opposition.
After a truly impressive performance in which the well-drilled, clinical O’s were simply too much for the hosts, questions have been asked whether they can produce the same sort of upset tomorrow, when high-flying Bolton Wanderers are in E10. Bolton played in midweek so have had less of a rest in the lead-up to this match, and should not expect an easy game, with their hosts currently on a run of four clean sheets on the bounce.
2. Play-Off Six-Pointer
Not many people would have predicted Stevenage to have such a successful return to League One at the beginning of the season, but after having won half of their 26 matches this season, they really are emerging as a force to be reckoned with. Three points outside the play-offs, they host Barnsley at The Lamex Stadium this weekend. Whilst The Tykes have one of the best away records in the division, they will without a doubt know how hard it is to get three points at Stevenage.
A win for Steve Evans’ side could see them draw level on points with their fellow promotion hopefuls if they beat them on their own patch – a game in which Barnsley could really do without losing.
3. Pompey Bounceback
John Mousinho’s Portsmouth will have been eager to get back on the pitch after their demoralising defeat at home to Leyton Orient last weekend, and have the perfect chance to record only their second win in seven league games on Saturday afternoon when they travel to League One’s bottom club, Fleetwood Town.
Pompey will be looking for three points as the teams below them can go above them with their games in hand, and with their hosts winless in 12, you get the feeling that this is a must-win game for the visitors.
4. Burton Albion Revival
Martin Patterson’s first game as Burton Albion manager on Monday night saw plenty of positives, with the Brewers only losing to a last-minute goal away to high-flying Derby County.
With Albion five points above the drop but having played a game or two more than the teams below them, Patterson’s first home match is against an out-of-form Charlton Athletic side who will be nervously looking over their shoulders themselves, having not won in eight league matches. Burton will be hoping their new manager bounce can spur them away from the drop zone, starting tomorrow.
5. Big Chance For Exeter City
With the huge relegation six-pointer between Cheltenham and Carlisle postponed, 2oth place Exeter City have the chance to put pressure on their fellow relegation candidates by getting points on the board when they welcome Cambridge United to St James Park.
The Grecians are unbeaten in their last three home matches, and will be hoping to build on wins against Wycombe and Carlisle on Saturday afternoon. Cambridge go into this one with one win in their last four, so it will be a real chance for Exeter to pick up some important points in their bid to avoid relegation.
