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Squawka / News / EFL League One – Gameweek 44 preview as Lincoln look to seal the title

EFL League One – Gameweek 44 preview as Lincoln look to seal the title

The title could be sealed in League One this weekend, with Lincoln needing a victory to claim the title.

Elsewhere, Cardiff could seal promotion back to the Championship if results go their way, while Port Vale could see their relegation all but sealed. We’ve got all the info you need ahead of gameweek 44.

League One Fixtures

League One Table

League One Gameweek 44 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.

Luton Town are a strong bet to overcome Mansfield Town. The Hatters boast an imposing recent record securing 16 points from their last possible 18, compared to Mansfield’s nine over the same period.

Luton are also unbeaten in their last four away matches, including consecutive victories over Wycombe and AFC Wimbledon. Mansfield’s home form is strong, winning 31 of their 54 points at home but this will be a real test of their mettle.

With Luton chasing promotion and possessing superior firepower—scoring 59 goals to Mansfield’s 50—backing a away victory offers superb value.

Blackpool represent a compelling value bet to upset Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park this weekend. While the Chairboys sit mid-table, their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, conceding 51 goals this season. Conversely, Blackpool arrive with renewed attacking momentum. Despite a challenging campaign, the Seasiders have demonstrated resilience, netting 51 times themselves.

Crucially, Wycombe’s home form has seen them drop points on nine occasions this term, including six defeats at Adams Park. Blackpool are fighting hard and recently secured a vital 3-1 victory over Peterborough United, showcasing their offensive capabilities. With Ashley Fletcher leading the line and creating numerous big chances, Blackpool possess the firepower to exploit Wycombe’s inconsistencies. At generous odds, backing the visitors to secure all three points offers an excellent opportunity for a shrewd away win.

Three potential winners in League One this weekend

Lincoln City

Lincoln City, currently sitting comfortably at the top of League One, face Stevenage this weekend. The Imps have been in scintillating form, boasting four wins in their last five matches, a testament to their dominance this season. Their impressive goal difference of +43 and a total of 93 points from 42 games highlight their offensive prowess and defensive solidity. Stevenage, on the other hand, are in 6th position and have a mixed recent away 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.

Cardiff City

Cardiff City, currently in 2nd place, are pushing for automatic promotion and have a crucial away fixture against Reading. Cardiff’s recent form shows a team capable of grinding out results, and they will be looking to capitalise on Reading’s inconsistencies. Reading are in 10th position, battling for a playoff spot, and their recent form indicates a team struggling to string wins together. This match presents a significant opportunity for Cardiff to gain ground on the leaders and strengthen their promotion aspirations, especially with their solid away record.

Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers, positioned 3rd in the league, are firmly in the automatic promotion hunt and will be looking to extend their winning streak when they host Huddersfield Town. Bolton’s recent form demonstrates their ability to secure emphatic wins, and they will be eager to maintain their momentum. Huddersfield Town, in 8th place, are also in the playoff hunt, but their recent away form has been inconsistent. This match will be a tough test for Bolton, but their strong desire to consolidate a promotion position and their recent performances suggest they have the capability to come away with a vital victory at home.

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 23rd in the league, the Millers are battling to avoid the drop with only a handful of games remaining. This weekend, they face a daunting task as they travel to Leyton Orient, 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 and a goal difference of -29. A failure to secure maximum points in this fixture 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.

Northampton Town

Northampton Town find themselves in a precarious position, sitting bottom of the table in 24th place. This weekend, they welcome a Doncaster Rovers side that is also fighting hard in the lower half of the table. Northampton have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, and their home form has been far from convincing, having lost their last three matches at Sixfields. Facing a Doncaster team desperate for points could lead to a long afternoon for the Cobblers’ faithful. If results elsewhere go against them, Northampton could find themselves cut adrift at the bottom as the season reaches its climax.

Dominic Ballard

It has been a standout campaign for Ballard, who leads the Leyton Orient scoring charts with an impressive 22 goals. However, the young striker faces a formidable challenge this weekend as his side hosts a desperate Rotherham United team fighting for their lives. While Rotherham have struggled defensively, they will likely set up to frustrate the hosts, and Ballard may find opportunities hard to come by. After a season of high-scoring exploits, a blank against a relegation-threatened side would be a frustrating setback for the 21-year-old as he looks to add to his tally. With the pressure mounting on both sides, it could be a quiet and difficult weekend for one of the league’s most clinical finishers.

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