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Squawka / News / EFL League One – Gameweek 43 preview as automatic promotion race hots up

EFL League One – Gameweek 43 preview as automatic promotion race hots up

The League One season heads into it’s final month of regular season action before the playoffs take centre stage.

There is still all to play for in the automatic promotion race, as well as in the playoffs and the bid to avoid relegation. We’ve got all the info you need ahead of gameweek 43.

League One Fixtures

League One Table

League One Gameweek 43 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.

This looks like it holds some value, with both sides averaging above 2.5 goals per game this season. Leyton Orient matches lead the way in League One when it comes to matches that have beaten the 2.5 goal line, with 26 of their 41 games seeing three goals or more, while Lincoln have seen 22 of their 41 matches beat the line.

More recently, four of the last five matches featuring the Imps have seen the goal line beaten, with the average number of goals in that time equalling three. Leyton Orient matches over the same period have seen a little less action but have still averaged 2.2 goals per game.

With Lincoln chasing the title and Leyton Orient possessing the top scorer in League One in Dom Ballard, this match could see plenty of goalmouth action, will should hopefully translate into goals.

McGoldrick has been in fine form in recent weeks, scoring 13 goals in his last 17 games to help Barnsley pull clear of the relegation zone. The 38-year-old has rolled back the years to score 15 times this season and has been instrumental in the Tykes stabilising themselves in midtable.

Interestingly, he’s scored in each of Barnsley last four away games and his odds of 2/1 to find the net this weekend, against a relegation threatened Rotherham, look generous when considering United have conceded 11 times in their last five games.

Three potential winners in League One this weekend

Lincoln City

Lincoln City, currently sitting comfortably at the top of League One, face Leyton Orient this weekend. The Imps have been in scintillating form, boasting five wins in their last five matches, a testament to their dominance this season. Their impressive goal difference of +42 and a total of 90 points from 41 games highlight their offensive prowess and defensive solidity. Leyton Orient, on the other hand, are in 15th position and have a mixed recent form. With Lincoln City playing at home and in such formidable form, they are strong contenders to secure another three points and all but seal the League One title.

Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth Argyle, currently in 7th place, are pushing for a playoff spot and have a crucial home fixture against Exeter City. Plymouth’s recent form shows a team capable of grinding out results, and they will be looking to capitalise on Exeter’s struggles. Exeter City are in 21st position, battling relegation, and their recent form indicates a team in poor shape. This match presents a significant opportunity for Plymouth to gain ground on the teams above them and strengthen their playoff aspirations, especially with the home advantage.

Stevenage

Stevenage, positioned 6th in the league, are firmly in the playoff places and will be looking to extend their lead when they travel to Bradford City. Stevenage’s recent form demonstrates their ability to secure wins, and they will be eager to maintain their momentum. Bradford City, in 3rd place, are also in the playoff hunt, but their recent form has been inconsistent. This match will be a tough test for Stevenage, but their strong desire to consolidate a playoff position and their recent performances suggest they have the capability to come away with a vital victory on the road.

Three potential losers in League One this weekend

Rotherham United

The situation at the New York Stadium is becoming increasingly desperate for Rotherham United. Currently sitting 22nd in the league, the Millers are 11 points adrift of safety with only a handful of games remaining. This weekend, they face a daunting task as they host Barnsley, a side that has shown flashes of quality throughout the season. Rotherham’s recent form is particularly concerning, with a string of losses highlighting their struggle for consistency. A failure to secure maximum points in this South Yorkshire derby could all but confirm their return to League Two. With the gap to the teams above them widening, the pressure is on, and another defeat would be a devastating blow to their survival hopes.

Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster Rovers find themselves in a precarious position, just four points above the relegation zone in 17th place. This weekend, they welcome a Reading side that is still harbouring hopes of a late push towards the playoff places. Doncaster have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, and their home form has been far from convincing. Facing a Reading team with significant attacking threats could lead to a long afternoon for the Rovers’ faithful. If results elsewhere go against them, Doncaster could find themselves looking nervously over their shoulders at the bottom four as the season reaches its climax.

Dominic Ballard

It has been a standout campaign for Ballard, who leads the League One scoring charts with 21 goals for Leyton Orient. However, the young striker faces a formidable challenge this weekend as his side travels to face league leaders Lincoln City. The Imps boast the best defensive record in the division, having conceded only 35 goals in 41 games, and Ballard will likely find opportunities hard to come by at Sincil Bank. After a season of high-scoring exploits, a blank against the league’s top side would be a frustrating setback for the 21-year-old as he looks to secure the Golden Boot. With Lincoln’s defence in imperious form, it could be a quiet and difficult weekend for one of the league’s most clinical finishers.

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