Photo credit: www.skysports.com
Sky Sports+ is set to broadcast every match from the Championship, League One, and League Two during the Easter weekend, making it a crucial time for teams across all leagues as they approach the final matches of the season.
As we head into a pivotal few days, here’s an overview of the current situation in each league…
Don’t have Sky? Discover how to secure Sky Sports or stream on NOW without a contract.
Already subscribed? Enjoy EFL matches through the Sky Sports app!
Championship Promotion: Can Sheffield United Revive Their Chances on Good Friday?
The anticipated competition for promotion sees Leeds United and Burnley leading the charge. Sheffield United finds themselves in a challenging situation after suffering three consecutive defeats, now five points behind the top two with only four matches remaining. Their immediate goal is clear: win on Good Friday and hope for missteps from their rivals.
Key promotion matches: Watford vs Burnley (3 pm), Sheffield United vs Cardiff (5:30 pm), Oxford vs Leeds (8 pm).
Championship Play-offs: Bristol City Holds the Upper Hand
In the race for play-off positions, it appears that only two spots are up for grabs among five contenders. Currently, Bristol City (64 points) and Coventry City (63 points) lead the challenge, with West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough, and Millwall all closely trailing at 60 points each. A significant match this weekend will be the showdown between Coventry and West Brom, while Bristol City will face Sunderland, a potential preview of a future semi-final.
Key play-off matches (all 3 pm): Blackburn vs Millwall, Bristol City vs Sunderland, Coventry vs West Brom, Middlesbrough vs Plymouth.
Championship Relegation: Plymouth Keeps Survival Hopes Alive
After a crucial victory over Sheffield United, Plymouth has managed to maintain their slim chances of staying in the division. Currently at the bottom of the table, they sit below Luton, separated only by goal difference, and are two points adrift of Cardiff, currently in 22nd. Clubs up to Stoke City in 18th place are likely feeling the pressure as they navigate this tense Easter weekend ahead of them. The showdown between Derby and Luton could be pivotal in the relegation battle.
Key relegation matches: Derby vs Luton (12:30 pm), Middlesbrough vs Plymouth (3 pm), Norwich vs Portsmouth (3 pm), Stoke vs Sheffield Wednesday (3 pm), Swansea vs Hull (3 pm), Sheffield United vs Cardiff (5:30 pm).
League One Promotion: Wrexham or Wycombe?
With Birmingham having secured the top position, the battle for second place remains tight, notably between Wrexham and Wycombe, who are separated by just a single point currently. Wycombe boasts a marginally better goal difference. Stockport and Charlton continue to stay within striking distance should there be any slips from the two frontrunners.
Key promotion matches (all 3 pm): Bolton vs Wycombe, Charlton vs Northampton, Peterborough vs Stockport, Wrexham vs Bristol Rovers.
League One Play-offs: Can Reading Maintain Their Position?
Despite off-field challenges, Reading has secured the fourth play-off position with 69 points and four games remaining. They are being closely pursued by Leyton Orient and Bolton, both at 66 points, with Huddersfield not far behind at 64 points, all vying for a coveted play-off spot.
Key play-off matches (all 3 pm): Bolton vs Wycombe, Huddersfield vs Cambridge, Leyton Orient vs Barnsley, Reading vs Lincoln.
League One Relegation: Can Burton Find Their Way to Safety?
Burton’s fortunes have turned around dramatically as they now find themselves out of the relegation zone, thanks to a string of positive results. They head into Easter with a game in hand over the teams below them, primarily contesting with Bristol Rovers to avoid entering League Two.
Key relegation matches: Exeter vs Burton (1 pm), Wrexham vs Bristol Rovers (3 pm).
League Two Promotion: Port Vale in the Lead
Port Vale has emerged as the likely favorites for the League Two title following a strong run of form. However, eyes will be on Bradford’s match against Notts County on Thursday night to determine if Vale can start Good Friday as the outright leaders. Walsall, once looking secure for automatic promotion, now faces the risk of playoff contention, with Doncaster pressing closely behind.
Key promotion matches: Bradford vs Notts County (Thu 8 pm), Carlisle vs Port Vale (3 pm), Tranmere vs Doncaster (3 pm), Walsall vs Harrogate (3 pm).
League Two Play-offs: Colchester Gearing Up for a Push
The competition amongst League Two teams battling for play-off positions remains fierce, with even 10th-placed Salford City believing they can secure a spot in the top seven. Colchester will look to continue their solid form and advance past Grimsby into seventh place.
Key play-off matches (all 3 pm): AFC Wimbledon vs Chesterfield, Colchester vs Crewe, Grimsby vs Swindon, Salford vs Accrington.
League Two Relegation: The Stakes for Carlisle
Morecambe appears primed to exit the English Football League after an 18-year tenure, currently sitting seven points from safety. Carlisle faces a similar predicacy, trailing Accrington by six points and with an inferior goal difference. It’s clear they need wins to stay afloat.
Key relegation matches (all 3 pm): Bromley vs Morecambe, Carlisle vs Port Vale, Salford vs Accrington.
EFL Fixtures on Sky Sports+ Over Easter Weekend
All matches kick off at 3 pm unless otherwise stated. Matches in bold will be broadcasted live on Sky Sports Football.
Thursday – April 17
League Two: Notts County vs Bradford (8 pm)
Good Friday – April 18
Championship: Derby vs Luton (12:30 pm), Blackburn vs Millwall, Bristol City vs Sunderland, Coventry vs West Brom, Middlesbrough vs Plymouth, Norwich vs Portsmouth, Preston vs QPR, Stoke vs Sheffield Wednesday, Swansea vs Hull, Watford vs Burnley, Sheffield United vs Cardiff (5:30 pm), Oxford vs Leeds (8 pm).
League One: Exeter vs Burton (1 pm), Birmingham vs Crawley, Bolton vs Wycombe, Charlton vs Northampton, Huddersfield vs Cambridge, Leyton Orient vs Barnsley, Peterborough vs Stockport, Reading vs Lincoln, Rotherham vs Mansfield, Shrewsbury vs Wigan, Stevenage vs Blackpool, Wrexham vs Bristol Rovers.
League Two: AFC Wimbledon vs Chesterfield, Bromley vs Morecambe, Carlisle vs Port Vale, Cheltenham vs Gillingham, Colchester vs Crewe, Fleetwood vs Barrow, Grimsby vs Swindon, MK Dons vs Newport, Salford vs Accrington, Tranmere vs Doncaster, Walsall vs Harrogate.
Easter Monday – April 21 (All matches kick off at 3 pm unless otherwise stated)
Championship: Cardiff vs Oxford, Hull vs Preston, Leeds vs Stoke, Luton vs Bristol City, Millwall vs Norwich, Plymouth vs Coventry, Portsmouth vs Watford, QPR vs Swansea, Sheffield Wednesday vs Middlesbrough, Sunderland vs Blackburn, West Brom vs Derby, Burnley vs Sheffield United (5:30 pm).
League One: Barnsley vs Peterborough, Blackpool vs Wrexham, Bristol Rovers vs Stevenage, Burton vs Birmingham, Cambridge vs Leyton Orient, Crawley vs Exeter, Lincoln vs Bolton, Mansfield vs Reading, Northampton vs Shrewsbury, Stockport vs Huddersfield, Wigan vs Rotherham, Wycombe vs Charlton.
League Two: Newport vs Walsall (12:30 pm), Accrington vs Carlisle, Barrow vs Tranmere, Chesterfield vs Bradford, Crewe vs MK Dons, Doncaster vs Colchester, Gillingham vs AFC Wimbledon, Harrogate vs Fleetwood, Morecambe vs Salford, Notts County vs Cheltenham, Port Vale vs Grimsby, Swindon vs Bromley.
Listen to the Essential EFL Podcast for Insights and Analysis
Sky Sports provides the Essential EFL podcast channel, offering comprehensive coverage of the Championship, League One, and League Two.
Among the latest episodes are interviews and discussions featuring managers from various clubs, providing unique insights into the ongoing season.
EFL Interviews: Catch engaging conversations with managers such as Johnnie Jackson of AFC Wimbledon, Kevin Nolan of Northampton, and Inigo Calderon of Bristol Rovers.
Championship Predictions: Tune in as Simeon Gholam and David Prutton discuss what to expect on Good Friday in the Sky Bet Championship.
Don’t miss out on the latest discussions and insights!
Frequently Asked Questions About NOW Sports Membership
Find answers to all your questions about accessing EFL action directly on your device without needing a Sky Sports subscription.
Your Comprehensive Guide to Sky Sports+ and Watching Your EFL Team
Learn everything about Sky Sports+, including the ways you can follow your favorite EFL team during this season.
Source
www.skysports.com