Three days of EFL action are coming up this weekend. We take an in-depth look at Matchday 35 below, although the ‘Beast from the East’ has been playing havoc with the EFL fixture schedule.
Some games have been called off already; others have pitch inspections due. You can keep up to date with all the postponements and pitch inspection news by clicking here. Now, back to the preview…
One place and one point
That’s all that separates Derby County and Fulham at the moment, with the Rams in fourth and the Cottagers in fifth.
Gary Rowett’s Derby side haven’t won in their last four outings though, leaving the men from Craven Cottage to reduce that gap over recent weeks.
There wasn’t much to choose between these two in their previous encounter either, when the points were shared in a 1-1 draw back in November.
Lions meet Black Cats
Millwall have the chance to make it four Sky Bet Championship victories on the bounce, when Sunderland visit the Den on Saturday.
Another triumph this time out could push Neil Harris’ team closer to the Play-Off positions — as for the Black Cats, they’re bottom of the pile at present.
That could change if they were to pick up three vital points on the road however; something they’ve managed three times in the league this season.
Around the grounds
Middlesbrough and Leeds United ring the curtain up on the EFL weekend, with the two meeting at the Riverside Stadium, live on Sky Sports.
After grabbing a late win against Bristol City, Cardiff City will be looking to earn a fifth straight triumph — they travel to Brentford.
Villa Park is the setting for Aston Villa’s encounter with Queens Park Rangers – Steve Bruce’s team will want to keep pace with the aforementioned Bluebirds.
Then, in Saturday’s late kick-off, leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers’ intentions will be placed firmly on returning to winning ways when they welcome Reading to Molineux.
Sky Bet Championship: Matchday 35 fixtures (3pm kick-off unless stated)
Friday 2nd March
Middlesbrough v Leeds United (7:45pm - live on Sky Sports)
Saturday 3rd March
Aston Villa v Queens Park Rangers
Barnsley P-P Norwich City
Bolton Wanderers v Preston North End
Brentford v Cardiff City
Bristol City v Sheffield Wednesday
Derby County v Fulham
Ipswich Town v Hull City
Millwall v Sunderland
Nottingham Forest v Birmingham City
Sheffield United P-P Burton Albion
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Reading (5:30pm - live on Sky Sports)
APPOINTMENTS: Match officials on weekend duty
Sunday showdown at Ewood Park
Two of League One’s high-flying sides face off on Sunday at noon, as Blackburn Rovers entertain Wigan Athletic.
Rovers lead the way from the chasing pack but, given the four games their opponents have on them, you feel victory is paramount for Tony Mowbray’s men.
The reverse fixture finished in a goalless draw earlier on in the campaign — here’s hoping for goals this time around…
Oldham on the up
Respective victories over Bradford City and Milton Keynes Dons have seen Richie Wellens’ Oldham have somewhat of a resurgence, as they strive to climb out of the relegation zone.
Sandwiched in between those two wins was an impressive point against Blackburn and, with a trip to Scunthorpe United to come, they’re looking in good shape.
It’s no win in four for the Iron, who have stagnated slightly in their promotion bid. Could they get back on track in front of the Glanford Park faithful on Matchday 35?
Around the grounds
We begin our look at rest of League One with Peterborough United’s encounter against Shrewsbury Town. After leaving Mansfield Town during the week, new Posh boss Steve Evans has a tough assignment at the side currently positioned second in the table.
Six successive wins could become seven for Plymouth Argyle, that’s if they manage to see off Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena.
Three points would be vital for Milton Keynes Dons, as they attempt to pull themselves closer to safety. Bristol Rovers, whose midweek fixture against Wigan was postponed due to a frozen pitch, make the journey to Stadium:MK.
Chris Powell’s start to life at Southend United has seen the Shrimpers go on an unbeaten run which has yielded 13 points from a possible 15. Walsall have the task of putting an end to that streak on Saturday.
For more information on postponements and pitch inspections, click here.
Sky Bet League One: Matchday 35 fixtures (3pm kick-off unless stated)
Saturday 3rd March
AFC Wimbledon v Charlton Athletic
Blackpool v Northampton Town
Bradford City P-P Portsmouth
Doncaster Rovers v Bury
Gillingham P-P Rotherham United
Milton Keynes Dons v Bristol Rovers
Oxford United P-P Fleetwood Town
Rochdale v Plymouth Argyle
Scunthorpe United v Oldham Athletic
Shrewsbury Town v Peterborough United
Southend United v Walsall
Sunday 4th March
Blackburn Rovers v Wigan Athletic (12 noon – live on Sky Sports)
APPOINTMENTS: Match officials on weekend duty
Around the grounds
Should these fixtures beat the weather, we have a hefty chunk of League Two action on the way…
Two teams with top seven aspirations face off, when Mark Robins’ Coventry City host Lincoln City, who’ll be keen to put an end to their run of successive losses.
Forest Green Rovers will be looking to build on three wins in four outings when they travel to a Crewe Alexandra side that comprehensively defeated Lincoln 4-1 at Sincil Bank on Matchday 34.
Table-topping Luton Town, who have a three-point lead at the summit, face Cambridge United, who’d picked up three consecutive victories before last weekend’s away reverse at the hands of Accrington Stanley.
For more information on postponements and pitch inspections, click here.
Sky Bet League Two: Matchday 35 fixtures (all 3pm kick-off)
Saturday 3rd March
Barnet v Port Vale
Cambridge United v Luton Town
Carlisle United v Grimsby Town
Cheltenham Town v Notts County
Coventry City v Lincoln City
Crawley Town v Wycombe Wanderers
Crewe Alexandra v Forest Green Rovers
Exeter City v Chesterfield
Morecambe v Colchester United
Newport County P-P Accrington Stanley
Stevenage v Mansfield Town
Swindon Town v Yeovil Town