Cambridge could claim top spot with a win over MK Dons in one of three 12:30 pm kick-offs from League Two on Saturday.
A nervous-looking Bromley face another tricky test of their title credentials when they take on big-game specialists Accrington Stanley.
Salford will be aiming to avoid a fifth successive defeat when they travel to take on Colchester.
League Two is back with another 11-game fixture slate on Saturday, 28th February, with the day’s action kicking off with a trio of lunchtime contests at 12:30 pm.
Eight more matches follow in the traditional 3 pm slots in the afternoon, including Crewe vs Tranmere, Notts County vs Grimsby and Oldham vs Crawley.
With just four points separating first from fifth near the top of the table, Saturday could be a pivotal day for this season’s title race and battle for automatic promotion. Ahead of the action, we’ve got tips and predictions for all 11 League Two games on the card.
Cambridge United vs MK Dons (Saturday, 12:30 pm)
Cambridge could go top of League Two with a victory over fellow title contenders MK Dons in Saturday’s lunchtime kickoff and Neil Harris’s side will be determined to grab their opportunity with both hands. Cambridge haven’t lost at the Cledara Abbey Stadium in six months, winning nine and drawing three of their 12 games at that venue since September. Home advantage could be the deciding factor again here.
Score prediction: Cambridge United 2-1 MK Dons
Shrewsbury vs Walsall (Saturday, 12:30 pm)
Shrewsbury are building a real head of steam and their coupon-busting 2-1 win at Salford on Tuesday was their fourth successive victory in League Two. In contrast, Walsall are now winless in seven attempts and the Saddlers failed to score in four of those matches. A resurgent Shrewsbury hold all the aces in this one.
Score prediction: Shrewsbury 2-0 Walsall
Swindon vs Bristol Rovers (Saturday, 12:30 pm)
Swindon’s shock 2-1 reverse at home to Crewe last weekend saw them tumble down to fifth spot in the standings, though they really shouldn’t have lost there, having mustered 21 shots to Alexandra’s seven. The Robins should be able to straighten their flight path against Rovers however. The visitors don’t like leaving Bristol and have lost each of their last four away games.
Score prediction: Swindon 2-0 Bristol Rovers
Barnet vs Chesterfield (Saturday, 15:00 pm)
Both Barnet and Chesterfield are targeting a finish in the playoff positions, though the host’s form is tailing off and having dropped points in five of their last seven league fixtures, the Bees could be stung again. Chesterfield have lost only once in ten games, though they did draw six times during that run. A point at the Hive Stadium would be a useful one for the Spireites, however.
Score prediction: Barnet 1-1 Chesterfield
Barrow vs Gillingham (Saturday, 15:00 pm)
Gillingham were two goals down after just 17 minutes in last week’s eventual 3-0 loss at home to Oldham, and with confidence dwindling, the Gills have now lost five of their last six fixtures. Barrow’s form has been just as wretched however, with eight defeats recorded in their last nine games in League Two. These teams drew (2-2) in December’s reverse fixture, and with form in both teams slumping, another point apiece could be in the works.
Score prediction: Barrow 1-1 Gillingham
Bromley vs Accrington (Saturday, 15:00 pm)
Bromley might have been unseated from top spot by the time they kick off against Accrington, so the title chasers will need to prove their mettle against Stanley. Bromley were fortunate to escape with a point last weekend after they were peppered with 25 shots from Harrogate (0-0). This Accrington side has a habit of performing in tough-looking assignments. They’ve already beaten Salford and Notts County this year, and they could frustrate a wilting Bromley.
Score prediction: Bromley 1-1 Accrington
Colchester vs Salford (Saturday, 15:00 pm)
Salford boss Karl Robinson described Salford’s form as “horrific” this week, though City might struggle to snap their run of four straight losses when they visit Colchester. The host’s 4-1 win over Barnet last weekend, which included a Jack Payne hattrick, got their playoff push back on track, and Colchester can strengthen their hand with another win over an out-of-sorts Salford.
Score prediction: Colchester 2-1 Salford
Crewe vs Tranmere (Saturday, 15:00 pm)
Crewe rebounded well from their loss to Fleetwood (0-1) with a superb 2-1 victory at Swindon and a date with a Tranmere side in freefall looks like another chance to get points on the board. Tranmere were in full self-destruction mode when they were hammered 5-0 by Notts County last weekend. That was Rovers’ heaviest loss of the season so far, with boss Andy Crosby describing it as his “worst day as Tranmere manager”. Expect the visitors to toil again.
Score prediction: Crewe 2-0 Tranmere
Fleetwood vs Newport (Saturday, 15:00 pm)
Fleetwood came from two goals down to beat Barrow (3-2) in their last league fixture, with an own goal from the visitor’s Wyll Stanway sealing the deal in the 94th minute. Buoyed by that dramatic comeback, Town will back themselves to beat bottom club Newport. Visiting County have lost six of their last seven away contests and no team in the division has lost more matches on the road in total this term (11) than the Exiles.
Score prediction: Fleetwood 2-0 Newport
Notts County vs Grimsby (Saturday, 15:00 pm)
Notts County needed a pick-me-up following their 1-0 loss to Shrewsbury and their superb 5-0 demolition job on Tranmere last weekend was the perfect tonic. Next up is Grimsby, who had been in solid form but have now suddenly won only once in five matches. Town were completely outplayed by Bristol Rovers (1-3) last time out, and they could come up short again against Notts County’s superior class.
Score prediction: Notts Co 3-1 Grimsby
Oldham vs Crawley (Saturday, 15:00 pm)
Micky Mellon’s Oldham have been productive of late, securing successive clean sheets in wins over Bristol Rovers (2-0) and Gillingham (3-0) in their last two outings. The improving form of striker, Mike Fondop, who scored in both of those games, has made a big difference, and with the 32-year-old spearheading the attack, Oldham can see off struggling Crawley.
Score prediction: Oldham 2-0 Crawley
