The final day of the Championship and League Two seasons take place this weekend, while the League One play-offs begin. TIBS News preview all the EFL action.
Championship
The final day of the Championship sees Luton host Reading as they attempt to hold on to the final play-off spot. Reading have endured a long season of trouble and will be eager to rebuild in the summer after finishing just above the relegation zone. Luton’s remarkable season could yet get better as they look to secure a miraculous return to the top flight.
Derby’s last Championship game for at least a year will take place at Pride Park on Saturday when they take on Cardiff. A valiant effort to avoid an inevitable relegation saw Wayne Rooney’s men gain plaudits throughout the season. Cardiff meanwhile have been disappointing all season and will just be happy to see the curtains fall on a forgettable campaign.
Sheffield United welcome champions Fulham to Bramall Lane as they try and hold onto their spot in the top six. Fulham secured the title with the 7-0 demolition of Luton in which Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his 43rd goal of the season. The Blades need a win to secure their place in the play-offs but a point would be enough providing Middlesbrough win by a single goal.
League One
MK Dons face off against Wycombe in the first play-off semi-final in a local rivalry. The two sides are both in fine form but Wycombe have experience of winning the League One play-offs which could prove hugely decisive against a very inexperienced MK side. Wycombe will also be saying goodbye to Adebayo Akinfenwa as he plays his last game at Adams Park.
Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland will compete in the other semi-final as they both try and return to the league that they believe they should be in. Sunderland haven’t lost since the 2-1 defeat against MK Dons in February and will be looking to continue that run. Wednesday meanwhile are coming into this off of the back of a 4-1 thrashing of Portsmouth which will give them much-needed confidence.
League Two
Port Vale travel to Exeter in a huge clash at the top of the table. Port Vale, who have won two of their last five, need all three points if they have any chance of sneaking into the automatic promotion spots. Exeter can secure the title with a win after capitalising on Forest Green’s collapse of form as they currently lie one point clear at the top. Should they match their rivals result, they will lift the trophy.
Forest Green themselves travel to Mansfield in another game that could have huge implications in the promotion race. Mansfield will start Saturday just one point behind Northampton in third but due to an inferior goal difference, need a win to secure a top three spot. Forest Green’s late season troubles have seen Exeter take the lead in the title race by just one point so there is an opening for Forest Green to sneak back into top spot.
Sutton travel to Harrogate as they look to round off a great season with a play-off place. They are currently one point outside the top seven and, with a win, could rise up to as high as fifth but know they absolutely need other results to go their way if they are to succeed. Harrogate have safely secured a spot in next year’s League Two campaign and have given themselves a strong starting point to work up the table next year.
By Joshua Stewart
