It is set to be another exciting weekend of action in Sky Bet League One. Sporting Life’s Tom Carnduff previews the latest round of games.
There is some daylight starting to appear at the top of the table, with Luton sitting six points clear of second-placed Barnsley.
The Hatters have continued building on the momentum gained from last season’s League Two success and now find themselves as the odds-on favourites with Sky Bet to win the title and secure back-to-back promotions.
They will be looking to continue their fine home form when Wycombe visit Kenilworth Road. Luton have won 12 of 15 games in front of their own supporters this term, drawing the other three.
Meanwhile, Barnsley will be hoping that the Chairboys’ recent good form will help them as they look to close that gap.
The Tykes face the trip to Gillingham this week, which is set to be a tough test for Daniel Stendel’s side.
Their opponents may have not won their past two home encounters, but have beaten Premier League Cardiff and league leaders Pompey at the Priestfield Stadium in recent weeks.
The Blues will want to halt a rough patch of form that has seen them drop into the play-off positions, and this week sees them come up against a Plymouth side who have picked up 15 points from the last 18 available.
Kenny Jackett’s men can take confidence in their away form, though, with Pompey boasting the best record on the road in England’s third tier.
Elsewhere, Sunderland’s games in hand mean that they could go level with Luton on points if they win those three extra fixtures in their favour.
They still sit fourth, despite playing three matches fewer than those around them. A trip to Oxford awaits this weekend – another team who have been achieving positive results lately.
Speaking of games in hand, Doncaster can capitalise on their current position over Peterborough when they welcome Posh to the Keepmoat on Saturday.
Former manager Darren Ferguson, who recently took to the London Road dugout for the third time, will be wanting a play-off finish for his side, although victory for the hosts will see them overtake their opponents, with two extra matches to play.
The other side sitting comfortably in the play-offs is Charlton. Lee Bowyer continues to get the best out of his players and they look good value for consecutive top-six finishes.
They welcome mid-table Southend to the Valley next. It won’t be an easy task with the Shrimpers picking up some good away victories in recent weeks, which includes a 4-0 win over Bradford.
The Bantams will hope that they can move out of the relegation zone when they take on Fleetwood.
Joey Barton’s side are stronger at home, although have earned at least a point in their past three away games and they’ll be wanting the same in West Yorkshire.
AFC Wimbledon remain at the bottom of the table, but can start to move closer to safety if they can earn a win against Burton.
The Brewers have experienced mixed results away from home. That said, they did earn a point away at Doncaster last time they were on the road.
Manager of the Month Stuart McCall will be hoping his outfit can continue their recent revival as they take on Accrington.
The Iron are unbeaten in their past three games at Glanford Park, which includes a point against Sunderland in their last fixture there.
Stanley have a decent enough away record, though, and will be hopeful that they can capitalise on the said ‘curse’ that sometimes comes with the monthly awards.
Shrewsbury proved themselves to be one of the FA Cup’s entertainers in the past month, coming from behind to beat Championship Stoke before scoring two away at high-flying Premier League outfit Wolves.
They will be hopeful of utilising the confidence gained from that good performance as they take on Bristol Rovers, who are just outside of the drop zone.
Another side looking to push themselves away for relegation trouble is Rochdale, who sit two points above the bottom four.
Coventry are the visitors this week. The Sky Blues have lost four of their past five on the road, so both sides will desperately want the three points.
Elsewhere, it’s a trip to the seaside for Walsall as they take on play-off outsiders Blackpool, with Terry McPhillips’ side sitting six points adrift of the top six.
The Saddlers do have a fairly decent away record overall, though, highlighting how they will be a tough opponent to beat.