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Squawka / News / EFL League One – Gameweek 45 preview as playoff race takes centre stage

EFL League One – Gameweek 45 preview as playoff race takes centre stage

Automatic promotion might be finalised in League One but there is still everything to play for as teams jostle for a playoff place.

Lincoln and Cardiff have already sealed their places in the Championship next season but there are still six teams that will be hoping to make the playoffs. We’ve got all the info you need ahead of gameweek 45.

League One Fixtures

League One Table

League One Gameweek 45 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.

Wigan Athletic are a strong bet to overcome AFC Wimbledon. The Latics boast an imposing recent record, securing 11 points from their last possible 15, compared to AFC Wimbledon’s zero over the same period.

Wigan have shown significant attacking prowess, netting 8 goals in their last four outings, while AFC Wimbledon have managed a solitary goal in their last four matches. This disparity in firepower is further compounded by Wigan’s dominant head-to-head record, having won all four of their recent encounters against the Dons.

With Wigan pulling clear of the relegation zone and AFC Wimbledon languishing in 20th place and suffering four consecutive losses, backing a home victory offers superb value.

Blackpool are a strong bet to overcome Leyton Orient this weekend. The Seasiders boast an imposing recent record, securing 9 points from their last possible 9, compared to Leyton Orient’s paltry 2 points over the last 15 available.

Blackpool also possess a formidable home advantage, having won 70% of their points at Bloomfield Road this season. Their superior firepower is evident, with 5 goals in their last three matches, while Leyton Orient have struggled to find the net, scoring only 2 goals in their last five outings and failing to score in their last two.

With Blackpool in strong form and Leyton Orient struggling for both points and goals, backing a home victory offers superb value.

Three potential winners in League One this weekend

Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers, positioned 3rd in the league, hold the advantage in the playoff hunt and will be looking to solidify that further when they visit Bradford City this weekend. Bolton’s recent form demonstrates their ability to secure emphatic wins, with two wins and two draws in their last five, and they will be eager to maintain their momentum. Bradford City, in 4th place, are also in the playoff race but their recent form has been inconsistent. This match will be a tough test for Bolton, but their strong desire to consolidate their position and their recent performances suggest they have the capability to come away with a vital victory, even away from home.

Luton Town

Luton Town, currently in 7th place, are pushing for a playoff spot and have a crucial home fixture against Barnsley. Luton’s recent form shows a team capable of grinding out results, with four wins and a draw in their last five matches, and they will be looking to capitalise on Barnsley’s struggles. Barnsley are in 13th position, with nothing to play for, and their recent form indicates a team who know their season is already over. This match presents a significant opportunity for Luton to gain ground in the playoff race and strengthen their promotion aspirations, especially with their solid home record.

Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth Argyle, positioned 8th in the league, are firmly in the playoff hunt and will be looking to secure a vital three points when they host Port Vale. Plymouth’s recent form demonstrates their ability to secure results, with two wins and two draws in their last five, and they will be eager to maintain their momentum. Port Vale, in the lower half of the table, have been inconsistent. This match will be a good test for Plymouth, but their strong desire to consolidate a playoff position and their recent performances suggest they have the capability to come away with a crucial victory at home.

Three potential losers in League One this weekend

Exeter City

The situation at St James Park is becoming increasingly tense for Exeter City. Currently sitting 21st in the league, the Grecians are battling to avoid the drop with only two games remaining. This weekend, they face a daunting task as they travel to face Burton Albion, a side also fighting for survival but currently holding a slight points advantage. Exeter’s recent form is particularly concerning, with a string of inconsistent results highlighting their struggle for stability and a goal difference of -8. A failure to secure maximum points in this fixture could see their relegation confirmed.

Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 19th in the table and still looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone. This weekend, they travel to a Blackpool side that is also looking to finish the season strongly in the middle of the pack. The O’s have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, and their recent form indicates a team finding it difficult to pull clear of the bottom four. Facing a Blackpool team capable of clinical performances could lead to a long afternoon for the Brisbane Road faithful. If results elsewhere go against them, Leyton Orient could find themselves dragged deeper into the mire as the season reaches its climax.

AFC Wimbledon

AFC Wimbledon, currently positioned 20th in the league, are firmly in the relegation dogfight and will be looking to avoid another setback when they travel to face Wigan Athletic. The Dons’ recent form demonstrates their struggle to secure vital wins, and they will be desperate to find some momentum. Wigan, sitting comfortably in mid-table, will be a tough test for a Wimbledon side that has found goals hard to come by and points even harder. This match will be a significant challenge, but their precarious position and recent performances suggest they have a difficult task ahead. A defeat away from home would further complicate their survival aspirations as they enter the final stretch of the campaign.

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