This weekend, the two first legs of the League Two play-offs take place, with Plymouth hosting Wycombe and Southend travelling to Stevenage.
But who will progress to the final, and ultimately gain promotion to League One?
Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe have had a much better season this year compared to last, where they avoided relegation from League Two on the final day. The Chairboys have spent the majority of the season in the top three, but dropped out with just two weeks to go following a home defeat to Morecambe.
They face Plymouth in the play-offs, and travel to Home Park for the first leg. The Chairboys won at this venue earlier in the season when a first half Paul Hayes strike earned them a 1-0 victory. I think that Wycombe will draw the game this weekend, and will win the return leg at Adams Park, sending them to Wembley.
Southend United
Southend moved into the final automatic promotion place with just two weeks left of the season following Wycombe’s defeat at home to Morecambe, but a final day defeat for the Shrimpers against the same club saw them move back into the playoffs. Prior to the defeat, they had won seven games in succession, keeping eight consecutive clean sheets along the way.
Of the four sides in the play-offs, Southend are the in-form side and have the second best defence in the play-offs; that will be key in their two-legged tie with Stevenage.
Stevenage beat Southend 4-2 at Broadhall Way in the league, but I think Southend will earn themselves a draw this time around, winning the return leg at Roots Hall.
Stevenage Borough
Stevenage had confirmed their play-off finish a few weeks ago, and prepare for a tough encounter with Southend. Like Southend, the Boro lost their final game of the season, a 2-0 defeat at Luton, but had previously gone seven games unbeaten.
Stevenage have not only conceded the most goals between the play-off sides, but have conceded the most in the top eight in the league. I think this will play a part when Southend are the opposition over the two legs, with the addition of the lack of a ‘top goalscorer’ too.
Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth have been in and around the play-offs for the majority of the season, and all but confirmed their place with a 3-2 victory at Home Park against Tranmere, sending the Rovers down in the process.
Plymouth are capable of scoring goals, and boast the league’s third highest goalscorer in Reuben Reid, who has netted 18 league goals this campaign. They will cause Wycombe problems over the two legs, but if Wycombe earn themselves a draw , then the Pilgrims could face a tough test at Adams Park, despite winning there 2-0 earlier in the season.
Wycombe Wanderers vs Southend United
I’m predicting a Wembley final between Wycombe and Southend, and think that the Shrimpers will progress to League One.
In their last ten games, Southend have won seven and lost just twice, whilst Wycombe have won five, losing three.
A lot of people argue that you need form when heading into the play-offs, and Southend are the in form side. The Chairboys will give the Shrimpers a tough game, but I think that it will be Phil Brown’s side celebrating come the final whistle.
