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A look ahead to the weekend action

28 January 2021

With another busy and exciting midweek fixture list done and dusted, it's time to look ahead to the weekend's EFL action, as the games continue to come thick and fast!

Below, we've picked out just a few of the big games taking place across the three divisions...

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Reading v AFC Bournemouth

It's 5th versus 6th to kick-off the weekend's action on Friday evening, as Reading host AFC Bournemouth. The hosts remain right in the mix and could even move into the automatic promotion places once again, should results go their way across the weekend.

The visitors, meanwhile, have hit a bump in the road in recent weeks, and will be looking to bounce back following back-to-back defeats in the league. Goal difference is in their favour, though, and victory here could see them move up to fourth ahead of Saturday's fixtures. 

Norwich City v Middlesbrough

The league leaders are in action in Saturday's early kick-off, and could extend their lead at the summit to nine points before the day's other fixtures are played. Having won each of their last three league games, Norwich City will be full of confidence as they prepare to face Middlesbrough.

Boro have hit a rough patch, with three defeats from their last four league games, including a 3-0 home loss to Rotherham United on Wednesday, but remain on the fringes of the Play-Offs under promotion specialist Neil Warnock. They've lost each of their last six against Norwich, and will be hoping for a change of fortunes here.

Brentford v Wycombe Wanderers

Wycombe Wanderers will make the 28-mile journey to Brentford this weekend, looking to boost their survival bid with a win over the Bees. It certainly won't be easy though, as their opponents have ambitions of their own at the other end of the table and, like Reading, could soon find themselves in the top two.

The Chairboys were the first-ever visitors to the Brentford Community Stadium back in September, when it took penalties to split the sides in Round One of the Carabao Cup, but there are points on the line this time around. Who will come out on top in the 33rd competitive meeting between the teams?

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AFC Wimbledon v Milton Keynes Dons

It is the first meeting at the new-look Plough Lane between AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons, and with both teams also looking to distance themselves from the relegation zone, this game certainly has a lot riding on it. 

The hosts slipped into the bottom four with defeat at in-form Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night, while their opponents are six points better off and sit 16th in the standings, but are also coming into the weekend on the back of a defeat. With three important points on the line, it's a game neither side will want to lose.

Lincoln City v Doncaster Rovers

It's Lincoln City who lead the way in Sky Bet League One following the midweek action, which saw them take full advantage of Hull City's slip-up at Accrington Stanley with a vital 1-0 victory at fellow promotion hopefuls, Portsmouth.

However, Doncaster Rovers are just six points behind the Imps, and with two games in hand, making this arguably the game of the weekend. Both sides are in fine form, and this clash could go a long way to deciding where the two end up come the end of the campaign.

Northampton Town v Wigan Athletic

While a point for Northampton Town in midweek lifted them out of the drop zone, they'll be hoping to back up the result with a win over wounded Wigan Athletic, who were on the wrong end of a 5-0 scoreline at home to Blackpool on Tuesday night.

Just two points and three places separate these two ahead of kick-off, making it a real six-pointer, as the old saying goes. Things are so close that victory for the hosts could see them jump to 17th, while the visitors know they could leapfrog their opponents with a win here.

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Carlisle United v Exeter City

Saturday's early kick-off pits sixth-placed Carlisle United against ninth-placed Exeter City, in a game between two sides with promotion ambitions. The hosts will be well rested after the weather saw their midweek trip to Newport County postponed, while Exeter will be eager to get back to winning ways after losing at home to Morecambe last time out.

Carlisle have a number of games in hand on the sides around them but could regain top spot with maximum points, while the incentive for Exeter is a place in the Play-Offs once again, should they make the long trip count. On paper, this one looks an unmissable League Two clash.

Forest Green Rovers v Cheltenham Town

Just 20 miles separate Forest Green Rovers from Cheltenham Town, and it's a similar story when you look at the league table. There's just a point between the Gloucestershire rivals, with the former in second place and the latter in fourth, meaning both have a chance at finishing the weekend top of the tree if they can pick up a win here.

Both teams won their last league match, with Cheltenham 2-0 winners at home to Oldham Athletic in midweek, and looking for just a second-ever victory over Forest Green in what will be the ninth meeting between the two.

Grimsby Town v Stevenage

Points are equally as precious at the other end of the table, and this weekend sees 23rd take on 22nd, as Stevenage travel to Grimsby Town. Both sides are in need of a win, but Stevenage will be hoping to build on the point they gained at home to Colchester United on Tuesday. 

Grimsby had their trip to Barrow called off in midweek, and will be hoping that the extra preparation will work in their favour, as they look to climb out of the relegation zone with a win. They're just a point behind Stevenage, but have shipped 43 goals in the league so far in 2020/21, making goal difference an important factor.

 


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