10 games where the League One play-off race will be won and lost

We take a look at where the battle for the top six will be won and lost in the remaining weeks

 With just ten matches remaining the battle for the top six is taking shape with plenty of sides still in the running.

The table is shifting with every result at the moment, and all the sides from Rotherham United in fourth to Portsmouth in 12th will believe they are in with a fair chance of making the top six.

With the race for the top six now heading into the final stages, we take a look at each sides run-in and assess where the battle will be won and lost.

Rotherham United

The Millers have suffered a small stumble recently, falling to back to back defeats after a run of 11 wins and three draws in 14 matches saw them storm into the top six.

However, sat fourth in the table, and with an eight point cushion to seventh place, they should be confident of featuring in the play-offs.
The Millers look set for the play-off

Remaining fixtures

V N’ton (A), Southend (A), P’Boro (H), Charlton (A), Fleetwood (H), Wigan (A), Gillingham (A), Bristol Rovers (H), Plymouth (A), B’Pool (H)

Paul Warne’s side face a number of their play-off rivals in their final 10 matches this season, but do start with more winnable away matches at Northampton and Southend.

The key clash is likely to be the match at home to Peterborough United on Good Friday, a win there will likely guarantee the Millers a spot in the top six, before the tough trips to Gillingham and Plymouth.

Scunthorpe United

Graham Alexander’s side have been in the running for the top six virtually all season and have been doing just enough to hang onto fifth place for the time being.

The Iron have played a match more than most of their rivals, and have just nine matches left this season.

Remaining fixtures

Shrewsbury (H), Rochdale (H), Oxford (A), Plymouth (H), Wimbledon (A), Charlton (A), Walsall (H), MK Dons (A), Bradford (H)

Counterintuitively, Scunthorpe’s biggest matches could be against sides at the wrong end of the table. Their recent from – five draws and two defeats in the last seven matches- makes these matches vital.
Despite some recent poor form, the Iron look a good bet to make the top six

If they can pick up 10 or 12 points from matches against strugglers Rochdale, Wimbledon, Walsall and MK Dons, they can probably make the top six without having beat any rivals.

Conversely, if they can beat high-flying Shrewsbury it may kick them out of their slump just in time for a late season charge.


Peterborough United

The Posh have won three in a row with new boss Steve Evans in place for two of those matches, and the run has seen them take control of sixth spot in League One.

Many eyebrows were raised when owner Darragh MacAnthony gave manager Grant McCann the boot, but if Evans can get the Posh into the top six it will look like an astute move.

Remaining fixtures

Oxford (A), Bristol Rovers (H), R’ham (A), N’ton (H), Plymouth (A), Rochdale (H), Blackburn (A), Shrewsbury (A), Fleetwood (A), P’Mouth (H)

The Posh have a relatively tough run in, with both Blackburn and Shrewsbury to play away from home in the final four matches of the season.
Steve Evans has taken over at Peterborough United

But it’s the two trips to play-off rivals which could determine their season. The away matches with Rotherham and Plymouth over Easter could see Peterborough kill off their rivals and fully cement their position in the top six.

If not, they may be relying on two favourable matches at the end of the season to make sure of their place in the top six.

Plymouth Argyle

The Pilgrims are the surprise package of the League One season. Derek Adams side looked set for a tough relegation scrap at the end of 2017, but have lifted themselves into play-off contention.

A remarkable run of one defeat in the last 16 matches should give the Devon side plenty of confidence heading into the final ten matches of the season.

Remaining fixtures

Bristol Rovers (H), Charlton (A), Southend (H), Scunthorpe (A), P’Boro (H), P’Mouth (H), N’ton (A), Rochdale (A), Rotherham (H), Gillingham (A)

Even with their excellent recent form, Argyle are still outside the top six as things stand, and need a win against potential top-six rivals Bristol Rovers this weekend.
Derek Adams has seen his Argyle side rise up the table in recent months

If they can pick up at least seven points from their next three matches, it should set them up well for clashes with fellow contenders Peterborough and Scunthorpe.

Depending on Rotherham’s form between now and May, the home clash against the Millers could be a winner-takes-all match for the top six.

Charlton Athletic

The Addicks have been in and around the top six for the majority of the season, and with a match in hand on many of their rivals, Karl Robinson’s side are still handily placed to make the top six.

However they have suffered a big slump in form and have lost their last three matches, scoring just one goal in the process.

Remaining fixtures

Fleetwood (H), Plymouth (H), Northampton (A), Rotherham (H), Bristol Rovers (A), Wimbledon (A), Scunthorpe (H), Shrewsbury (A), Portsmouth (A), Blackburn (H), Rochdale (A)

With their current form, Charlton’s next match is their most important. A home clash with Fleetwood is a must win for Robinson’s men if they want to realistically stay in the race for the top six.

The Addicks still have to face three of the top four too, with Scunthorpe and Blackburn visiting The Valley and a trip to Shrewsbury.

Bristol Rovers

The Gas worried they would be in a relegation battle after a disastrous run of form before Christmas, but a run of just two defeats in 13 matches has left some Gasheads dreaming of a top six finish.

Now an established League One side, Rovers are still a long shot for the play-offs, but given their recent upturn in results they could be in the mix come May.

Remaining fixtures

Plymouth (A), P’Boro (A), Bury (H), Fleetwood (A), Charlton (H), Blackburn (H), Rotherham (A), Wigan (H), Gillingham (H), Southend (A)

It feels like a big week for Rovers. Away trips to play-off rivals Plymouth and Peterborough will determine whether their final eight matches this season will have much riding on them.

Currently six points outside the top six, you feel Rovers will need seven wins from their last 10 matches or at least 20 points to put them in the running.

Rovers’ away form has improved in the last few months and they will be hopeful of picking up some points on the road in what could be a do-or-die week for their play-off hopes.

Tough clashes with Blackburn and Wigan also lurk down the line, and Rovers will need to be well in the mix at that point to keep any hopes alive.

Bradford City

Having spent most of the season in the top six, Bradford suffered a terrible slump at the start of year which ultimately cost boss Stuart McCall his job.

New boss Simon Grayson hasn’t been able to turn things around either and the Bantams are sinking like a stone without a win since New Year’s Day.
Simon Grayson hasn't been able to turn around Bradford City's form so far

Remaining fixtures

Wigan (H), Doncaster (A), Gillingham (H), B’Burn (A), Walsall (H), B’Pool (A), Shrewsbury (H), Portsmouth (H), Rochdale (A), MK Dons (H), Southend (H), Scunthorpe (A)

One reason for optimism at Bradford – because it certainly isn’t their form – is that they still have a few matches in hand. With 12 games to go, time is still on Grayson’s side.

The two-match spell after the Wigan match looks huge. An away trip to Doncaster followed by a home match with Gillingham represents a good chance for Bradford to get back to winning ways.

If they can’t, then it looks like another season in League One for one of the most well supported sides in the league.
Gillingham

Like Plymouth, Gillingham would have expected to be in a relegation battle given their form until Christmas.

Although their form hasn’t quite matched the remarkable run of Adams’ side, Steve Lovell has still guided the Gills to a great position.

Remaining fixtures

Blackburn (H), Bradford (A), MK Dons (H), Southend (A), Doncaster (H), Oldham (A), Rotherham (H), Blackpool (H), Bristol Rovers (A), Plymouth (H)
Steve Lovell has impressed with his Gillingham side

The Gills are currently seven points outside the top six and it’s certainly a long shot for them to get into the play-off shake up.

The trip to Valley Parade later this month looks a big test, if they can overcome a 20,000 strong crowd and continue the Bantams misery they will effectively end one of their rivals’ chances of the top six.

Portsmouth

Currently sitting seven points outside the top six, Pompey are the final team with a realistic chance of breaking into the top six this season.

But the form doesn’t look too good for Kenny Jackett’s side – just two wins in the last 11 matches.

Remaining fixtures

Oldham (A), Oxford (H), Walsall (A), Wigan (H), Rochdale (A), Plymouth (A), Bradford (A), Charlton (H), Bury (A), Peterborough (H)

With the play-offs already a very fanciful idea, every match is crucial for Jackett’s men.

They have a pretty favourable trio of matches coming up, as they take on three sides well away from the top 10, before a tough match against Wigan.