The Easter bank holiday brings us a double dose of League One action on a weekend where both the playoff and relegation picture could become a lot more clear.
By Monday evening there will be just a handful of games left in the season as teams continue to jostle for position. We’ve got all the info you need ahead of gameweek 41.
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League One Gameweek 41 tips
We’ve been crunching the numbers ahead of the League One action this weekend and come up with two singles that could see profit this weekend as well as an accumulator that we think stands a good chance of coming in.
Picking up form at the end of the season can be pivotal when it comes to avoiding the drop and it’s safe to say that Blackpool have done that.
The Tangerines are unbeaten in three games and their win over Burton last weekend, lifted them out of the relegation zone at the expense of their opponents this weekend, Exeter City.
The Grecians are not having a good time at all at the moment. They’ve gone 14 games without a win, plummeting into the drop zone as a result. It’s hard to imagine they will change things around on Friday, as they come up against a resurgent Blackpool side.
The goals have been flowing in Barnsley games this season. Games featuring the Tykes have averaged 3.2 goals this season, the highest total in League One and one of other two clubs to see their games average 3 goals a game, or higher.
Burton games have averaged 2.5 goals this season, with the Brewers conceding 55 times, and this could be another game that continues that trend.
David McGoldrick has rolled back the years in recent weeks, scoring 12 goals in his last 15 games in League One and isn’t showing signs of slowing down.
Three potential winners in League One on Friday
Stevenage
This weekend represents a real chance for Stevenage to move back into the playoff places. The Boro currently sit one place outside of the top six, one point behind Reading, but hold two games in hand.
While those games in hand come later in the season, this weekend sees Stevenage take on a Rotherham side that are sinking deeper into the relegation zone. The two sides directly above them, Reading and Stockport, both have tough games against other sides vying for a playoff spot and, if results go their way, Stevenage could enter Easter Sunday with a playoff stronghold.
Blackpool
At the other end of the table, Blackpool have a key game against Exeter at Bloomfield Road. The Tangerines are currently two points and, crucially, one place above their opponents this weekend, separated by the thin line between relegation and staying up.
Blackpool have found some form in recent weeks, winning two of their last three, while Exeter have struggled, losing four of their last five. A win for the hosts could see them extend their lead to five points and move them well clear of the bottom four.
Lewis Wing
It’s been quite the season for Wing, who has scored nine times and assisted 11 for Reading. He’ll be keen to post double figures for both of those metrics and this weekend represents a great chance to do it.
The Royals take on a Huddersfield side that are also chasing a playoff spot and a big performance from Wing would not only see him reach 10 league goals and increase Reading’s playoff chances but also decrease the chances of a key promotion rival.
Three potential losers in League One on Friday
Port Vale
Port Vale are one of two sides that don’t have a game this Friday and it might not be a great thing for the side. They are currently bottom of the league and desperately need points to avoid the drop.
The deficit is currently 14 points and, with just eight games left for the Valiants, time is running out. If the sides above them, especially Blackpool, find a way to win this weekend then Port Vale could have their fate sealed sooner rather than later.
Cardiff City
The other side who don’t play on Friday is Cardiff City. They are currently second in the league, seven points behind leaders Lincoln City, who take on AFC Wimbledon on Friday.
If Lincoln pick up another win, a real possibility after four wins in their last five games, then the gap will widen to 10 points with just 21 available for Cardiff to try and chase the Imps down. Promotion will be a genuine blow softener for Cardiff but they will still have their eyes on the title.
Jayden Wareham
Wareham has had a fantastic season, scoring 16 goals for an Exeter side that have struggled to stay out of the bottom four. But the 22-year-old is in a barren spell at the moment that will be causing alarm for Grecian fans.
Wareham has now gone five games without a goal and another blank on Friday would see him equal the longest period he’s gone without finding the net this season. Exeter face a tough trip to Blackpool, in a real relegation six-pointer and it could be a very bad weekend for both Wareham and his club.
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