LEAGUE TWO FINAL DAY: WHO WILL MAKE THE PLAY-OFFS? - OPINION

The 2023/24 League Two season has been full of twists and turns and somehow, there are still three play-off places up for grabs but who will be joining MK Dons?

In terms of the promotion race, every factor has already been decided heading into the final day. Stockport County eventually won the division, with Mansfield Town and Wrexham also confirming their respective promotions, whilst MK Dons are guaranteed to finish fourth.

Heading into the final day of the season, there are still six teams that could finish within the final three play-off places which are; Doncaster Rovers, Crewe Alexandra, Barrow, Crawley Town, Bradford City and Walsall.

Starting from most likely, let’s take a look at what each of the six sides needs to do on the final day…

Doncaster Rovers

Beginning with Grant McCann’s Doncaster Rovers who were 22nd at the end of January but have won ten matches in a row and now find themselves almost certain of a play-0ff place in League Two this season – a truly outstanding achievement but it’s not confirmed just yet.

Doncaster travel to Gillingham on Saturday knowing that their dreams of a play-off place are all within their own hands. Fortunately, Crawley Town in eighth are the only side that can mathematically catch Doncaster to force them to miss out.

Fortunately, Donny needs just one point to confirm their top-seven finish, but if they win and better Crewe’s result, they will be guaranteed home advantage in the play-offs.

Crewe Alexandra

Crewe have been one of League Two’s surprise packages this season, but face the pressure off the television cameras this weekend in their hopes of confirming a place in the top seven.

The club have an excellent away record this season as they prepare for a trip to relegation-threatened Colchester United, knowing there is only one side outside of the top seven that can mathematically catch them.

Despite not scoring in their previous two games, Crewe only needs a point to clinch their place, although if they better Doncaster’s result they will have a home advantage.

Barrow AFC

Pete Wild’s Barrow have been nothing short of excellent for almost all of the season, but a poor run of form has now put them in jeopardy of missing out on the top seven completely.

On Saturday, Barrow will host already-promoted Mansfield Town with the hopes of using the home advantage to pick up a crucial three points, which in turn would confirm their play-off place.

Due to their points total, a point would be enough to eliminate Bradford and Walsall from the running, although they would miss out if Crawley won. Therefore, Barrow needs to get a win otherwise their hopes slip out of their control.

Crawley Town

Scott Lindsey’s side have managed to transform themselves from pre-season relegation favourites to promotion contenders, but their dreams of a top-seven finish are placed out of their control heading into Saturday’s game.

Crawley are another side with home advantage as they welcome Grimsby Town to the Broadfield Stadium, knowing they need to win. The club are winless in their last four games and needs to find their form from early April quickly otherwise they will miss out.

On the final day, Crawley Town have to win to give themselves a fighting chance and will secure seventh if Barrow drops points. However, a draw could be enough providing Walsall and/or Bradford don’t win and Barrow lose heavily.

Bradford City

Graham Alexander’s Bradford City are unbeaten in their last six matches, winning five of them which included wins against three of the top ten in League Two.

However, there is a debate as to whether the Bantams have left their battle too late to make the top seven. Although, Bradford host Newport County this weekend which will bring them confidence despite having the 16th best home record in the league.

The Bantams should beat Newport County, but their result won’t mean anything if Barrow avoids defeat or Crawley beats Grimsby Town as they can’t mathematically catch either Doncaster or Crewe.

Walsall

Although extremely unlikely, there is still a bizarre world in which Walsall could finish the campaign with a League Two play-off place but they would need more than one miracle.

The Saddlers travel to AFC Wimbledon knowing they have to pick up three points to have any chance of securing a top-seven finish and they will also be relying on results elsewhere.

For Walsall to finish seventh, they need a big win whilst Bradford avoids a win, Crawley loses and Barrow loses with their being a six-goal turnover. Therefore, if Walsall were to win 4-0 against AFC Wimbledon, Bradford and Crawley (for argument’s sake) lose and Barrow lost by two goals, the Saddlers would finish seventh on goals scored.

Who do I think will make the League Two play-offs?

I am a massive lover of late drama and although it would be incredible for Walsall to finish seventh, it is very unlikely. I think Doncaster and Crewe will both secure their play-off places without any difficulty which leaves three teams competing for one spot.

Barrow have by far the toughest fixture and I think they will lose against Mansfield, putting the ball into Crawley’s court. I expect Bradford to use their experience and beat Newport but despite their form, I can see Crawley bouncing back and winning which will see them finish seventh.

Readers, let us know your thoughts on Twitter @TheSportsDeckUK or @CallumTDUK. 

The post League Two Final Day: Who Will Make The Play-Offs? – Opinion first appeared on The Deck.

2024-04-26T11:01:39Z dg43tfdfdgfd