League Two, eyes on top-ranked Mansfield, which cannot commit any more missteps and has to beat Colchester: news and predictions.
When there are eight days to go until the end of games, at the top of the League Two standings, the fourth tier of the English soccer system, is Mansfield, which still has a four-point lead over the second, Stockport. The Stags are unquestionably the number one favorite for direct promotion, but they have slowed down a bit in the last period, picking up two defeats in four games.
Last weekend, however, they bounced right back, overwhelming Bradford 5-1 away. Colchester, second-last in the standings and entangled in the fight not to be relegated, should not pose a threat either. Since December, the U’s have scored only one victory and are unlikely to get out of the “den” of the leader unscathed: expect at least three goals in total. On the other hand, those who seem to have no more goals are Harrogate, which has been floating in mid-table for some time now, far from both the playoff and relegation zones. The three points have been missing for more than a month and a half, and in the home match against Bradford could come the third draw in a row after those with Wrexham and Barrow. One team in confidence is Doncaster, which is setting its sights on a third consecutive success. Since February the Vikings have lost only to Walsall and second-last Forest Green cannot be considered a credible threat.
League Two, surprise Sutton?
A possible surprise could be a positive result from Sutton, bottom of the table but still in the race for safety. Amber and Chocolate, galvanized by their success in the salvation clash with Forest Green, will most likely give Accrington, currently far from the playoffs, a hard time.
There will be no shortage of goals and excitement in the challenge between Notts County and Salford. The hosts are coming off a draw and a win, two matches in which they scored five goals in total, but the guests have also been prolific as they won 3-1 over Morecambe a week ago.
Balance is expected instead in the match between Barrow and Newport: the Exiles still believe in the playoffs and could create more than one headache for the Bluebirds, frustrated by two draws in a row with Walsall and Harrogate. Challenges with at least one goal each side also feature those between Crewe Alexandra and Wimbledon and between Stockport and MK Dons.
League Two: possible winners
Mansfield (in Mansfield-Colchester, 1:30 p.m.)
Harrogate or draw (in Harrogate-Bradford, 2 p.m.)
Doncaster (in Doncaster-Forest Green, 4 p.m.)
Sutton or tie (in Sutton-Accrington, 4:00 p.m.)
The games by at least one goal per team
Barrow-Newport, 4 p.m.
Crewe Alexandra-Wimbledon, League One, 4 p.m.
Stockport-MK Dons, 6:15 p.m.
The games of at least three goals total
Mansfield-Colchester, 1:30 p.m.
Notts County-Salford, 4:00 p.m.