A heavily reduced EFL schedule is in store this weekend with 44 EFL clubs in FA Cup action, but there are still encounters taking place in Sky Bet League One and League Two. Here’s the preview…
Argyle’s purple patch
Derek Adams’ Plymouth team could rise into the top-half of the League One table with victory over a Bury outfit who currently sit bottom.
The Pilgrims’ six-game unbeaten streak has lifted them away from any immediate relegation danger, and they’ll be looking to secure maximum points against the struggling Shakers.
September’s reverse fixture ended goalless but, prior to that meeting, the men from Gigg Lane had won the last three encounters between the two.
Turning point
Both Charlton Athletic and Oldham Athletic will have their sights on arresting respective slides in form.
The Valley was the location for the Addicks’ last league triumph (against Rochdale in November 2017), and it’s where Oldham, who’ve lost three of the last five, travel to on Saturday.
If proceedings are anything like they were the last time these two faced off, we’re sure to be in for a treat — with Charlton winning out 4-3 at Boundary Park earlier on in the campaign.
Around the grounds
Elsewhere, teams that got back to winning ways on Matchday 26; Oxford United and Blackpool, do battle at the Kassam Stadium.
Disappointing runs were ended with a home win over Milton Keynes Dons for the U's, and at Rochdale for Gary Bowyer’s men.
Currently 22nd in the standings, Northampton Town know the importance of obtaining a positive result at home to Southend United.
The Shrimpers are only four points above the League One relegation zone themselves, having lost five out of their previous six fixtures.
Sky Bet League One: Fixtures (3pm kick-off unless stated)
Saturday 6th January 2017
Charlton Athletic v Oldham Athletic
Northampton Town v Southend United (2pm)
Oxford United v Blackpool
Plymouth Argyle v Bury
Appointments: Click here for the match officials on weekend duty
Automatic high
A Colchester United triumph would see them move into third place in Sky Bet League Two, with none of the clubs above them taking to the field this weekend.
Cheltenham Town are the opponents at the Weston Homes Community Stadium — a ground where the Robins have lost on their only two visits.
They did, however, earn a first win against Colchester in just under 10 years with Kevin Dawson, Mo Eisa and Jamie Grimes all striking as Town prevailed in September.
Spireites' Stanley stutter
With Chesterfield just a point and place above the drop zone, putting an end to a six-game winless run at Accrington Stanley would be very much welcomed. Boss Jack Lester has been busy in the transfer market to try and improve the Spireites' fortunes.
Accrington drew a line under an unwanted record of their own on New Year’s Day, defeating Grimsby Town to pick up three points, following four consecutive losses.
A repeat of that outcome would be enough for the hosts to rise into the Play-Off places, with position dependent on goal difference.
Around the grounds
Two other clashes complete the League Two schedule; Forest Green Rovers versus Port Vale, and Grimsby Town versus Morecambe.
Forest Green have the chance to potentially navigate a way out of the bottom two, with Chesterfield a single point ahead of them in 22nd.
Occupying 21st spot are Morecambe, who’ll be encouraged heading to Grimsby after overcoming Yeovil Town in their last match.
The Mariners have found it tough going of late. Since a run of three straight wins, Russell Slade's side have scored just once, in a stretch of five results that has delivered just two points.
Sky Bet League Two: Fixtures (all 3pm kick-off)
Saturday 6th January 2017
Accrington Stanley v Chesterfield
Colchester United v Cheltenham Town
Forest Green Rovers v Port Vale
Grimsby Town v Morecambe
Appointments: Click here for the match officials on weekend duty