Another weekend of football in League Two is fast approaching, and this weekend the top two face sides struggling in the league, with a couple of exciting prospects involving clubs aiming for the playoffs. Here is your League Two Preview:
Tranmere Rovers vs Burton Albion
Tranmere won their first game following five successive defeats on Tuesday night, but face league leaders Burton this weekend at Prenton Park. The Brewers have a five point lead following their third successive victory, and look likely for promotion this season. Tranmere are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference, but will be aware of the difficult task that lay ahead.
Shrewsbury Town vs Oxford United
Shrewsbury regained 2nd spot in League Two following a comprehensive victory on the road at Morcambe on Tuesday night. This weekend, they host an Oxford side that have dropped to within six points of the relegation zone following defeat against bottom club Hartlepool. A must win for both sides at New Meadow.
Bury vs Northampton Town
Bury could move to within a point of 3rd placed Wycombe with victory over play-off hopefuls Northampton this Saturday as the Chairboys aren’t in action until Tuesday night. The Shakers have won their last three games at Gigg Lane and have lost just once in seven games as they look to achieve promotion. Their opponents Northampton too are looking to secure promotion, but sit four points behind the top seven following Tuesday nights shock defeat at home to Carlisle.
Southend United vs Cambridge United
Southend lost ground on Wednesday night following defeat to league leaders Burton, and are now six points off an automatic promotion place. The Shrimpers do however have a five point advantage above the sides chasing them in the playoffs, but will be looking to further their advantage when Cambridge visit Roots Hall this Saturday. The U’s are without a win in four following Tuesday nights defeat to Tranmere, and find themselves just six points from safety.
Stevenage vs Dagenham and Redbridge
Following a run of eight games unbeaten, Stevenage prop up the sides in the playoffs. Graham Westley will be looking for his side to progress from two successive away draws and record their fourth consecutive home win this weekend. Dagenham are their opponents and should be safe following Tuesday nights credible victory over promotion hopefuls Plymouth – a result that helped see Stevenage move into the playoffs.
Plymouth Argyle vs Newport County
Two sides eager to push back into the playoffs meet at Home Park where Plymouth host Newport. Plymouth fell away following defeat to Dagenham, whilst Newport moved closer with their first home victory in six against play-off rivals Luton. The Exiles are only outside the playoffs on goal difference, whilst the Pilgrims sit just one point behind their Welsh opponents before kick-off.
Cheltenham Town vs Exeter City
Exeter will look to continue their promotion push when they visit relegation threatened Cheltenham. The Grecians are six points off a play-off place, but are unbeaten in four following Tuesday nights draw with Stevenage. As for Cheltenham, they earned a point on the road to Portsmouth on Tuesday, but are without a win in four; a run that has seen them slip back into the drop zone.
A.F.C Wimbledon vs Portsmouth
Two sides that occupy mid-table positions meet this weekend at Kingsmeadow where Wimbledon host Portsmouth. Both sides are safe from relegation, and could even have an outside chance of pushing for a play-off place. The Dons are unbeaten in five games at home, whilst Pompey have lost just once in 11 games.
Carlisle United vs Morcambe
Morcambe have all but lost an outside chance of reaching the playoffs following back to back home defeats, but are on the road this weekend where they’re unbeaten in three. Carlisle are the hosts having won their first game in four attempts on Tuesday against a strong Northampton side. The Cumbrians are only three points from safety, but victory could give them further breathing space.
Hartlepool United vs Mansfield Town
Bottom club Hartlepool recorded back to back away wins last week to move them to within four points of safety. This weekend, they’ll be looking to record three wins in succession for the first time all season when they host Mansfied. The Stags will be aware relegation is still a threat, so will be looking to record points to propel them further afield.
Accrington Stanley vs York City
Following Accrington’s credible draw with Wycombe on Tuesday, Stanley are eight points clear from danger, but host a York side who are only safe on goal difference. Stanley are without a win five, whilst York will be looking for a similar result to when they visited Cambridge at the beginning of this month.
Tuesday 24th March
Luton Town vs Wycombe Wanderers
Two sides that aren’t in action this weekend meet at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night. Whatever the results over the weekend, Wycombe will remain in 3rd, but Luton could find themselves dropping out of the playoffs. Wycombe are unbeaten in six games following Tuesday nights draw, and are unbeaten in 11 on the road. As for Luton, their from has taken a significant setback, losing six of their last seven games, and the Hatters have lost their last four away games.
