With just two rounds of matches remaining, there is still plenty to play for in League Two– with the entire top half still mathematically in with a chance of promotion this season and several massive head-to-heads taking place this weekend.
Six teams can still go up automatically, while another six could still reach the play-offs. One relegation spot has already been filled but two sides are still in danger of facing the drop as the season reaches what is sure to be a dramatic climax.
Here we look at the current state of play, trying to unpack all of the various permutations and looking at the season defining matches which will be taking place over the next two weekends in the EFL’s closest division.
Promotion race sees double head-to-head
At one stage of the season the League Two title seemed destined for Walsall, but that seems a lifetime ago now with the Salders having failed to win in their last 12 to see them drop out of the automatic promotion places. They are now fourth on 74 points.
Doncaster Rovers top the pile on 78 points, with Port Vale a point behind and Bradford City two points further back. Fifth placed AFC Wimbledon on 70 points and sixth placed Notts County on 69 are not out of it either.
Saturday lunchtime sees five of the top six in action as AFC Wimbledon host Port Vale, Doncaster take on Bradford and Notts County travel to Harrogate Town. Remarkably, the game at the Eco-Power Stadium could see either or both secure promotion.
Doncaster will secure promotion if they beat Bradford or if Walsall lose. A Walsall defeat would also open the door for Port Vale and Bradford to secure promotion if they win. It would be some sight at the Eco-Power Stadium if both sides end up celebrating promotion.
Play-Off race equally close
Given how much would need to go in their favour for automatic promotion, it is likely that AFC Wimbledon and Notts County will be focusing on securing their place in the play-offs. The last spot is currently held by Grimsby Town on 67 points, although Colchester United, Salford City and Chesterfield are all within three points of the Mariners.
Even Crewe Alexandra and Bromley, on 62 points, aren’t completely out of it. On Saturday, Grimsby travel to MK Dons, while Salford City and Colchester United will be looking to keep the pressure on when they meet at the Peninsula Stadium.
Chesterfield will be looking to keep their top seven challenge alive when they host already relegated Morecambe. Due to that Salford v Colchester clash, Grimsby cannot seal their play-off spot on Saturday.
However, they could do so when they host AFC Wimbledon on the final day, but the Dons are likely to still have something to play for themselves. Colchester finish their season at home to Barrow, while Salford travel to relegation threatened Carlisle United.
Morecambe down- one to join them
Morecambe have been battling against the drop all season and their relegation was confirmed on Easter Monday when they were beaten by Salford. Carlisle are in danger of joining them, however the Cumbrians have enjoyed a remarkable revival since the arrival of Mark Hughes in February.
They are four points adrift of safety and will be relegated on Saturday if they lose to Cheltenham or Tranmere Rovers beat Crewe and Accrington avoid defeat to Chesterfield. However, they have taken 10 points from their last four games, including a dramatic 3-2 in over promotion chasing Port Vale on Good Friday.
Although they are relying on other results going their way, as well as keeping that run going themselves in order to pull off an unlikely escape, they are giving themselves every chance of preserving their EFL status.