As the transfer window takes its place in the history books, fans of the EFL will turn their focus to the weekend’s fixtures, the time for new players to step up and prove their worth. As we enter the final stretch of the season, with clubs on average having about 17 games left to play, every game will be crucial in determining end-of-season finishes, from the top to the bottom.
Here, we look at the key games to look out for across League One this weekend.
1. Bolton And Barnsley Blockbuster
Two sides with promotion aspirations take to the field at the Toughsheet Community stadium this weekend, as Bolton Wanderers host Barnsley. The home side are the most in-form side in the league, and know that victory will not only be a huge morale boost against a fellow promotion hopeful, but could also see them go top of the league if leaders Portsmouth suffer defeat against Northampton Town.
Barnsley, however, will be looking to bounce back after a surprise defeat at home to Exeter City last time out, and will be desperate to gain ground upon the promotion contenders above them.
2. Cheltenham’s Chance
Despite reaching the semi-finals of the Bristol Street Motors trophy in midweek with a convincing win against Brighton and Hove Albion’s under-21 team, Matt Bloomfield’s Wycombe Wanderers have had a seriously poor season so far by their standards. The Chairboys are 19th in the league, just four points above the relegation zone.
Cheltenham Town, already in the bottom four, will be hoping to capitalise with three points in this six-pointer on Saturday. Having lost their last two matches, the hosts will be looking to pick up an important win come 5pm on Saturday, as they are already seven points from safety.
3. Play-Off Six-Pointer
Stevenage and Blackpool meet at The Lamex Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with both sides having hopes of finishing in the play-off places by the end of the season. Blackpool are four points off the play-offs and three behind their hosts this weekend.
Steve Evans’ side are just the one point away from sixth place with two games in hand on Oxford United, who occupy the final play-off spot. Expect a highly physical and interesting tactical battle here, as neither side can afford to be losing to a promotion rival at this stage in the season
4. Added Importance On Early Kick-Off
Sticking with the play-off race, the team that teams outside the top six are hoping to slip up are Oxford United. Whilst they could be replaced by Stevenage on Saturday if results don’t go their way, victory could see them extend their one-point lead further due to the clash a the Lamex.
Des Buckingham’s men host relegation-fighting Reading, who are fresh off beating high-flying Derby County and gaining a point against in-form Leyton Orient last time out, so will be full of confidence going into this Saturday lunchtime encounter.
5. All Aboard The Orient Express!
Leyton Orient have been in brilliant form of late, with one defeat in eight and unbeaten in 2024. The O’s will be looking to extend that run when lowly Carlisle United come to town on Saturday. The visitors have suffered defeat in their last four matches, conceding eleven goals.
Orient have won the last four meetings between the two sides including two this season – in the FA Cup and in the reverse league fixture. The odds are firmly backed against the Blues, having won just one away match all season – the worst record on the road of any League One side this campaign.
