There’s never a dull moment in the EFL, with three leagues of complete madness going on throughout the season. Even if you support a club within the EFL, it can still be hard to keep up with what’s going on or know which are the EFL fixtures to pay the most attention to.
So, it’s that time again, here are the top five EFL games going on this weekend.
Plymouth Argyle vs Sheffield United – Saturday 12, 12:30PM KO
A huge game at both the top and bottom of the Championship in the first of the top EFL fixtures this weekend.
Plymouth are in desperate need of points as they sit bottom of the table, five points adrift. Sheffield United have fallen off in the automatic promotion race, losing their last two games, a win down south could see them back on top spot.
The Blades haven’t scored in their last two games but have 12 away wins this season. The Argyle have been at their best at home this campaign, with their last win coming at Home Park against Norwich City.
The race for the top two requires teams to win every week and Chris Wilder’s side are lucky to still be in it, a win in this game is imperative to put the pressure back on their opponents.
Plymouth has the hardest run in possible, with Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Leeds United yet to play. Points are needed and time is running out.
Doncaster Rovers vs Wimbledon – Saturday 12, 12:30PM KO
Rovers haven’t lost in their last five games, picking up two wins. Wimbledon have almost matched their opponents form but fell to a shock loss at midtable Swindon Town last week.
Doncaster sit three points off first place Bradford City, with Wimbledon just two points worse off. This promotion race will go down to the wire.
Both teams could be in the top three by full-time or as low as seventh. Definition of must win.
Millwall vs Middlesbrough – Saturday 12, 3PM KO
The glory of the play-offs and that chance of the Premier League. In the next of our top EFL fixtures, we have two sides desperate to be in the play-offs face off on Saturday as Millwall play Middlesbrough.
For Millwall, a win could put them on course for an unlikely run to the top six. As for Middlesbrough, they thought the top six was a formality but will need a win here to get back in.
Alex Neil’s Lions have won back-to-back games and are outsiders to get in but, in the Championship, it is all about hitting form at the right time and they are doing just that.
Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough saw the play-offs as a minimum for this season yet have underperformed. Getting in the top six is imperative, lucky for them they have beaten Millwall on their last two meetings.
Bristol Rovers vs Exeter City – Saturday 12, 3PM KO
Relegation fight time as Bristol Rovers have a must win game at home to Exeter City.
Bristol Rovers have lost five straight games and now sit just three points above the relegation zone. Problem is, the team under them, Burton Albion, have a game in hand. Only adding to the importance of this game.
Exeter is more than likely safe by this point but a win and other results going there way would mathematically secure their League One status.
There’s no hiding the importance of this game, Rovers lose and due to their inferior goal difference, they could be in the bottom four at full-time.
Morecambe vs Carlisle United – Saturday 12, 3PM KO
The last of our top EFL fixtures brings quite literally the basement battle. 23rd and 24th face off in League Two.
Neither team can be mathematically relegated in this game but for either to lose, it would almost certainly secure their fate.
Morecambe are six points from safety whilst Carlisle are eight points from safety. Neither team is currently on terrible form, but it could all be too little, too late.
Lucky for the pair 21st placed Tranmere Rovers play Accrington Stanley on the same matchday, meaning the gap can only be a maximum of nine or 11 points at full-time.
This might not be the best game this weekend but it sure as hell is one of the most important.
Honourable Mentions
In the Championship Burnley host Norwich City on Friday night, looking to cement their grip on a top two spot. Leeds United take on Preston North End on Saturday, in need of yet another win or risk falling back out of the top two.
In League One, Wycombe Wanderers play Stevenage, desperately needing a win to stop Wrexham running away with second place. Reading travel to in form Northampton Town, knowing a win keeps them in the play-offs.
Finally in League Two, Bradford City host Swindon Town, aiming to not slip up and keep first place. Harrogate Town take on Grimsby with the hosts needing a win to get closer to safety, with the visitors needing points to keep them in the play-off race.
