EFL WATCH: FOUR GAMES YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS WEEKEND
- Nathan Smith
- Feb 12, 2021
- 4 min read
THE CHAMPIONSHIP - Huddersfield Town vs Wycombe Wanderers (13th February - KO 3pm)
After a relatively strong start, Huddersfield Town have hit a dip in form over the past few weeks. Winless in their last six league games, Carlos Corberan will be looking to turn around the first significant winless streak in his short managerial career. While dominating possession in most of their recent games, the Terriers struggle to break down defences has proven to be a thorn in their side as of late, and as they wait for confirmation for new striker Oumar Niasse, they will be looking to Frazier Campbell and Duane Holmes to boost Huddersfield in front of goal.
Winless in their last five league games, Wycombe Wanderers are expectedly struggling with life in the Championship. Gareth Ainsworth knows his side are capable of producing results at this level, but teams quite simply have a lot more financial strength than the Chairboys. However, if Wycombe want to pull off the seemingly impossible, these are the games they need to try and get a point from. A solid defence will be necessary for Wycombe so Ryan Tafazoli and Anthony Stewart will need to be at there best.
While Huddersfield sit 17th, they are only five points off 22nd placed Derby County, so a continuing slide in form could have big consequences, whereas if Wycombe want to perform a great escape, they must start soon.
LEAGUE ONE - Bristol Rovers vs Swindon Town (13th February - KO 3pm)
Having not won in eight league games, manager Paul Tisdale was dismissed from his job as Bristol Rovers manager after just three months in charge. This leaves Rovers very much back at square one, as caretaker manager Tommy Widdrington looks to guide his team out of a relegation battle. With the team looking low on confidence, they will be looking to experienced players like Erhun Oztumer and Jack Baldwin to guide the rest of the side through these testing times.
It has not been entirely plain sailing for Swindon Town this season either, on or off the pitch. Focusing on the football, Swindon quite simply have not got going. Flashes of what they can do are there, if you look to the 3-2 win against Ipswich Town but it has not been enough for the Robins as they sit in the relegation zone. Having lost Mark Travers due to him being recalled, Swindon may look to young goalkeeper Archie Matthews to go in between the sticks on Saturday.
A win for Bristol Rovers will move them up to potentially 18th and of course put a bit of a gap between them and Swindon, but a win for the Robins more than likely will see John Sheridan's side move out of the relegation zone and overtake Rovers.
LEAGUE TWO - Bolton Wanderers vs Stevenage (13th February - KO 3pm)
If you asked most Bolton Wanderers fans what their expectations were for this season, automatic promotion would have most likely been your answer. However, it has not gone to plan whatsoever for Ian Evatt's side as they languish down in 19th. Consistency has been the issue for Wanderers, with the side clearly having the ability to win games at this level but they simply haven't put a run of form together to move Bolton up the table. The signing of Marcus Maddison could prove to be a master stroke and Evatt will be happy that his red card was rescinded, making him available for this Saturday's game.
Another side who have struggled this season, Stevenage have put a bit of distance between themselves and Southend United after a steady upturn in results. It is wins that Alex Revell's side have struggled for this season, but with eleven draws, it is clear that his side are capable of getting results. With three wins out of their last five league games, Stevenage may be a side on the up and could find themselves well clear of a relegation battle in no time.
While not exactly a relegation battle, both sides have struggled for consistency this season, so they have the chance to start a good run of form which could see either side launch an uncexpected play-off push.
WILDCARD - Brentford vs Barnsley (14th February - KO 1pm)
The league leaders Brentford have been on an absolute tear as of late, having scored 17 goals in their last four league games. The form of Ivan Toney has been superb all season and he has been the perfect Ollie Watkins replacement, with 23 goals in 28 games. Having last lost in the league on the 24th of October, Thomas Frank's side look unstoppable and have the chance to build a bit of breathing space between themselves and the teams sitting in the play-off positions.
Barnsley have been one of the most enjoyable teams in the Championship this season, with their emphasis on young players and ability to go toe to toe with any team. Valerian Ismael has made a name for himself in England with Barnsley and has been a great replacement for Gerhard Struber who left very early on in the season. They have struggled for form as of late however, with no wins in five league games and will need to turn some of their recent draws into wins if they want any hope of a play-off push.
This should be a very interesting game, and Brentford could continue their great run of form but Barnsley will be looking to frustrate the Bees on Sunday.
Comments