Now in February, the regular EFL season is beginning to heat up. On both ends of the table, sides are scrapping for points. In League One, there is an interesting battle between one favourite and a huge underdog in their own right.
The Unlikely Battle For League One Automatic Promotion
Latics Running Away With Title
Relegated last season, Wigan Athletic returned to the third-tier once more. However, much like their previous campaign in League One, they are seemingly running away with the title.
Currently sat top on 63 points, the Latics look all but destined to return to the Championship at the first time of asking. Boasting the best defensive record in the EFL, conceding only 13 goals, Paul Cook’s side are marching towards a return to the second-tier.
Striker Will Grigg has also rediscovered his infamous League One form, as he has scored 15 goals for the Lancashire side this season.
At this point, it is hard to see Wigan lose their grip on top spot. But with that in mind, they shall be looking over their shoulder at the two below them.
The Unlikely Salop Story
With barely 15 games to play in League One, Shrewsbury Town currently sit second. This is something no one would have predicted.
Manager Paul Hurst who kept them in the division last season, has turned the ship around and they are now looking ahead, with the Championship potentially in their view.
Despite the Salop’s incredible story, they have seen their season influenced by a flurry of late goals. While vastly improving all over, at times they have not shown that decisive punch which other sides in the League One play-off places are capable of.
Nonetheless, Paul Hurst has done a wonderful job and is getting ever closer to creating another fairytale story in English football.
Rovers Enjoying Life Once More
The last few years have not been easy for Blackburn Rovers. Six years ago, they were a Premier League side, now they look to bounce back into the Championship at the first attempt.
Rovers have enjoyed a strong season, boasting some of the best form in the EFL. Manager Tony Mowbray has come in and managed to reassert some stability at Ewood Park, which is something that has been missing for some time now.
Local rivals Wigan Athletic lead the charge for the title, thus at this point it would appear as if Rovers shall have to battle for 2nd, with Shrewsbury Town currently occupying that spot.
The Battle For Second
With Blackburn Rovers currently third, five points ahead of fourth place Scunthorpe United, the battle for second has seemingly boiled down between them and Shrewsbury Town.
While Rovers would have been expected to be up there this season, it’s hard to believe anyone foresaw the remarkable season that Shrewsbury Town have had.
Shrewsbury Town’s lack of decisive punch could pay dividends for Rovers come the end of the season, as clinicism becomes ever more important to break sides down.
This two-horse race has the potential to go down to the wire. Both sides have slugged it out this season. Will Shrewsbury Town tell another fairytale story? Or will Blackburn return to the second-tier at the first ask?
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