Gary Caldwell takes charge of Wigan for the first time since his return to the club when the Latics host Luton on Thursday evening.
Two of the division’s bottom four face off at the Pirelli Stadium when Burton host Rotherham in a relegation six-pointer on Tuesday.
Two of the league’s prime playoff contenders collide at the University of Bradford Stadium when Bradford take on Stockport.
There is a full set of 12 League One fixtures on the cards in midweek, with all but one of the matches scheduled for Tuesday evening, before Wigan and Luton contest Wednesday’s solitary encounter.
Highlights include Bradford’s playoff tussle with Stockport, Burton’s relegation skirmish with Rotherham, and leaders Cardiff’s clash with AFC Wimbledon, though all 12 fixtures have plenty riding on them.
As per the usual run of things, we’ve got League One predictions and tips for all of the midweek matches from England’s third tier.
Barnsley vs Peterborough (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
Wins are still proving hard to come by, but Barnsley have been scoring plenty of goals of late. They notched another three at the weekend in a thrilling 3-3 draw with AFC Wimbledon and the Tykes have registered ten times in their last four assignments overall. Expect more of the same when they host Peterborough at Oakwell.
Score prediction: Barnsley 2-2 Peterborough
Bradford vs Stockport (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
Bradford (5th) can leapfrog playoff rivals Stockport (4th) with a win on Tuesday, though recent form suggests Country can avoid being overtaken. The visitors are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions, winning six times along the way, and they can dig out at least a point when they land in Bradford.
Score prediction: Bradford 1-1 Stockport
Burton vs Rotherham (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
Tuesday’s tussle between Burton (21st) and Rotherham (23rd) is the very definition of a relegation six-pointer, though the visiting Millers might be the happier outfit come full time. They’ve lost just once in four league games and that solitary defeat came when Rotherham lost to leaders Cardiff (0-3) last week. Burton have failed to win eight of their last nine matches in League One and Rotherham could have the edge.
Score prediction: Burton 1-2 Rotherham
Cardiff vs AFC Wimbledon (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
Cardiff won 3-0 at Rotherham last week despite playing for 70 minutes with ten men following Ryan Wintle’s dismissal. The league-leading Bluebirds followed that triumph up with another at the weekend with another three-goal showing against Luton (3-1) and City should be in command again when hosting an inconsistent Wimbledon outfit.
Score prediction: Cardiff 3-1 AFC Wimbledon
Doncaster vs Huddersfield (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
Doncaster’s had the weekend off, so they should be energised for their skirmish with highflying Huddersfield on Tuesday. Rovers held Town in the EFL Trophy (1-1) before winning the tie on penalty kicks just seven days ago, and drawing inspiration from that showing, they could frustrate their playoff-chasing opponents again.
Score prediction: Doncaster 1-1 Huddersfield
Exeter vs Wycombe (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
The goals have dried up for Exeter of late, who failed to score in each of their last three fixtures. That lack of cutting edge might be their undoing when they host Wycombe. Visiting Wanderers lost at Reading last time out, though they did score two consolation efforts against the Royals just days after they put four goals past Doncaster. A more dangerous Wycombe could profit here.
Score prediction: Exeter 1-2 Wycombe
Leyton Orient vs Plymouth (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
Leyton Orient did well to escape with a point having been under siege at Stockport in their last assignment, however, they are now winless in four and that record could be extended further on Tuesday. Plymouth ran riot at Blackpool (4-0) at the weekend and should be buoyant as a result. Argyle have won five of their last seven league matches on the road overall, and they can strike again in this one.
Score prediction: Leyton Orient 0-2 Plymouth
Lincoln vs Northampton (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
Lincoln had to be content with a point when they conceded an 82nd-minute equaliser in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bolton, though the Imps can rebound straight away with a win over Northampton. The Cobblers had keeper Ross Fitzsimons to thank for their stalemate at Exeter (0-0) at the weekend, though automatic promotion contender Lincoln are classier and are more likely to convert their chances.
Score prediction: Lincoln 2-0 Northampton
Stevenage vs Port Vale (Tuesday, 7:45pm)
Stevenage strengthened their playoff bid with a 1-0 win over Huddersfield on Saturday, aided by a dramatic late goal from captain Carl Piergianni. A meeting with bottom club Port Vale on Tuesday looks like another good opportunity for a confident Borough to get more points on the board. Vale have lost eight of their 14 away games in League One since August and they can be opposed again on their travels.
Score prediction: Stevenage 1-0 Port Vale
Blackpool vs Mansfield (Tuesday, 8.00pm)
Mansfield’s lengthy unbeaten run in League One came to an end against Peterborough (2-1), though their giant-killing in the FA Cup at Burnley (2-1) last time out would have restored any lost confidence. Blackpool meanwhile, were hammered by Plymouth (0-4) in their last outing, conceding 22 shots in that mauling. Lacking in self-belief, the Tangerines could be turned over again on Tuesday.
Score prediction: Blackpool 0-1 Mansfield
Reading vs Bolton (Tuesday, 8pm)
Reading’s 3-2 win over Wycombe on Saturday was their third victory in four games, so they should have enough momentum to provide a stiff test for visiting Bolton. Wanderers have collected 17 points from the last 21 on offer since their last league defeat to Peterborough in early January however, and the promotion hopefuls can match the in-form Royals.
Score prediction: Reading 1-1 Bolton
Wigan vs Luton (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
Gary Caldwell returned for a second stint at Wigan this week and the Scot’s first mission will be to halt Athletic’s five-game losing streak. Visitors Luton have lost six of their last seven away matches in League One and with the new manager bounce giving Wigan a lift, there is a chance that Caldwell could enjoy the perfect start here.
Score prediction: Wigan 1-0 Luton
