🏆 League One Table

📰 What to Watch

• Lincoln’s Unbeaten Run: The Imps look to extend their unbeaten streak to 10 games on Thursday night against Burton. They’ve already beaten the Brewers twice this season 1-0 and sit comfortably in the automatic promotion places.
• Manning’s Huddersfield Debut: The Saturday 12:30pm kick-off sees Liam Manning’s first game in charge after replacing Lee Grant. The new boss faces a tough test against third-placed Bradford City – sixth versus third with seven points between them.
• Title Race Showdowns: Cardiff (1st) host Stockport (4th) in a huge clash at the top, while Plymouth’s resurgent form sees them face Luton in a match that could have playoff implications.
• Bolton’s Finishing Woes Continue: The Trotters top the expected points table and create chances galore, but Steven Schumacher’s side continue to struggle with converting opportunities. Can Mason Burstow end his goal drought against Orient?
• Mansfield’s Magnificent Run: The Stags have won four on the bounce and are flying up the table. Can they make it five straight wins against struggling Stevenage?
• Wigan’s Shock Slide: The Latics sit a surprising 18th, just one point above the drop zone. This is a must-win at Doncaster to ease relegation fears.
• Northampton’s Buffer Gone: The Cobblers’ five-point cushion has evaporated after five without a win. The visit to Blackpool could define their season.

📺 Live on TV

• Thursday 7:45pm: Lincoln City vs Burton Albion – Sky Sports+
• Saturday 12:30pm: Huddersfield Town vs Bradford City – Sky Sports+

All other 3pm Saturday kick-offs available on Sky Sports+

Lincoln City vs Burton Albion

📅 Thursday, 23rd January | ⏰ 7:45pm | 🏟️ LNER Stadium | 📺 Sky Sports+

Lincoln City (2nd) host Burton Albion (19th) as the Imps look to extend their remarkable unbeaten run to 10 League One games. Lincoln have already beaten Burton twice this season – 1-0 in the League Cup and 1-0 in the league – and sit comfortably in the automatic promotion places. Burton are just one point clear of the relegation zone despite having 30 points, highlighting how competitive this League One season has become.

Team News: Lincoln’s recent form has been excellent with possession stats trending upwards as they evolve their direct style. Burton’s Jake Beasley has been their standout signing from Blackpool, while Brad Collins on loan from Coventry boasts one of the best save percentages in the division. Burton have only conceded 35 goals but struggle for goals with just 26 scored.

Key Battle: Lincoln’s direct approach vs Burton’s defensive solidity. The Brewers are solid at home but will need to be more front-footed than their usual 10-men-behind-the-ball approach.

⭐ Huddersfield Town vs Bradford City (12:30pm Kick-Off)

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 12:30pm | 🏟️ John Smith’s Stadium | 📺 Sky Sports+

Huddersfield Town (6th) host Bradford City (3rd) in Liam Manning’s first game in charge of the Terriers. This is a massive clash between sixth and third, with seven points separating the two Yorkshire rivals. Manning replaces Lee Grant despite Huddersfield sitting in the playoff places, with poor away form (11th in away table, 8 defeats) proving decisive. Bradford have been the surprise package this season, sitting third in their first year back at this level.

Form:

Team News: Manning inherits a squad with 16 new signings still bedding in. Huddersfield have only lost two of 13 home games but struggle away. Bradford boast Max Power as one of the season’s best signings – his experience and passing ability have been crucial. The Bantams are well-organized, physical, and have shown they can compete with anyone in the division.

Key Battle: Manning’s tactical approach vs Bradford’s physicality. Will we see an immediate new manager bounce or will Bradford’s momentum continue?

🏆 Cardiff City vs Stockport County (Title Race Clash)

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 3:00pm | 🏟️ Cardiff City Stadium | 📺 Sky Sports+

Cardiff City (1st) host Stockport County (4th) in a crucial clash at the top of League One. The Bluebirds have won 11 of their 13 home games and are passing every test with flying colors, with Yusuf Salah’s 12 goals leading the way. Stockport are finding their mojo post-Christmas and boast the second-best away record in the division, though defensive mistakes (including two hilarious own goals last week) remain a concern.

Team News: Cardiff have signed goalkeeper Tyra from Everton after submitting all their accounts – the points deduction lingering doubts are now gone. Stockport have added Josh Stokes and Daycross Cogley from Bolton, though questions remain about whether Ben Hinchcliffe needs replacing in goal after his long service since the National League days.

Key Battle: Cardiff’s home dominance vs Stockport’s excellent away form. Both teams in title contention make this a genuine six-pointer.

Plymouth Argyle vs Luton Town

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 3:00pm | 🏟️ Home Park | 📺 Sky Sports+

Plymouth Argyle (14th) host Luton Town in a match that could have playoff implications for the resurgent Pilgrims. Plymouth are four unbeaten and up to 14th after looking dead and buried at the bottom earlier in the season. Fair play to the Plymouth board for keeping faith in Tom Cleverley when many would have sacked him – injuries are returning and they’re reaping the rewards. Luton continue to frustrate, alternating between excellent and poor performances.

Team News: Plymouth’s injury crisis is easing and Cleverley’s tactics are clicking into place. The Pilgrims don’t turn losses into draws enough – if they’d converted just four defeats into draws, they’d be 9th and two points off the playoffs. Luton beat teams they should but drop points unexpectedly, lacking the consistency expected of them.

Key Battle: Plymouth’s momentum vs Luton’s quality. Can the Pilgrims make it three wins in a row?

⭐ Bolton Wanderers vs Leyton Orient

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 3:00pm | 🏟️ University of Bolton Stadium | 📺 Sky Sports+

Bolton Wanderers host Leyton Orient in what promises to be a fascinating encounter. Bolton top the expected points table and are one of the best-coached sides in the division under Steven Schumacher, but they continue to struggle with finishing their dinner. Orient arrive with the 22nd-best away record in the league, having won just three and lost nine on their travels, conceding a worrying 27 goals in 12 away games.

Form:

Team News: Bolton have signed two new goalkeepers and Schumacher switched to a back three against Wigan in their last outing – a system he used during his successful spell at Plymouth. They’ve only conceded two goals in their last two games after previously having the worst defensive record with 43 goals conceded. Orient are desperately searching for consistency on the road, having scored 16 but shipped 27 away from Brisbane Road.

Key Battle: Mason Burstow (Bolton) vs Orient’s defense – Can the young striker finally end his goal drought and give Bolton the clinical edge they’ve been missing?

Blackpool vs Northampton Town

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 3:00pm | 🏟️ Bloomfield Road | 📺 Sky Sports+

Blackpool (21st) host Northampton Town (20th) in a huge six-pointer at the bottom of the table. The Cobblers have seen their five-point buffer above the relegation zone completely evaporate following five games without a win, while Blackpool have returned to Steve Bruce-ball and lost three in a row – conceding five, two and one in those defeats.

Team News: Northampton desperately need to rediscover their early-season form before they get dragged into a genuine relegation scrap. Blackpool are in freefall under Bruce and need to stop the rot immediately before the gap to safety becomes insurmountable.

Key Battle: Both defenses will be under immense pressure in a game neither can afford to lose.

Stevenage vs Mansfield Town

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 3:00pm | 🏟️ Lamex Stadium | 📺 Sky Sports+

Stevenage host Mansfield Town as two teams heading in completely opposite directions collide. Mansfield arrive on a remarkable run of four consecutive wins and are surging up the table, while Stevenage are in absolute freefall. The hosts started the season well as a well-organized, physical side, but the quality in the division has caught up with them and they’re now struggling badly.

Team News: Stevenage’s early-season momentum has completely disappeared and they look devoid of confidence. Mansfield, by contrast, are playing with swagger and look capable of extending their winning streak.

Key Battle: Mansfield’s in-form attack vs Stevenage’s crumbling defense.

Doncaster Rovers vs Wigan Athletic

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 3:00pm | 🏟️ Eco-Power Stadium | 📺 Sky Sports+

Doncaster Rovers host Wigan Athletic in a crucial match for the visitors. Donny won last time out but remain in the drop zone, while Wigan are winless in three and find themselves in the shocking position of 18th – just one point above the relegation zone. This is a must-win for the Latics, who have somehow found themselves with just 12 teams between them and the playoffs despite sitting perilously close to the bottom three.

Team News: Wigan simply must win this game to ease growing relegation fears. While they’re only three wins from the playoffs mathematically, the reality is they’re in a relegation battle and need points urgently.

Key Battle: Wigan’s experience vs Doncaster’s desperation for points.

Port Vale vs Exeter City

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 3:00pm | 🏟️ Vale Park | 📺 Sky Sports+

Port Vale host Exeter City in a match between two teams at different ends of the spectrum. Vale are in serious danger of being cut adrift at the bottom after collapsing against Mansfield last time out, while Exeter are in decent form despite worrying financial news that they may need to cut their playing budget by £1.5 million next season if they can’t sell players.

Team News: Port Vale desperately need points before the gap becomes too large. Exeter will want to maintain their momentum despite the off-field budget concerns that could affect their future planning.

Key Battle: Port Vale’s fight for survival vs Exeter’s push for mid-table security.

Reading vs Barnsley

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 3:00pm | 🏟️ Select Car Leasing Stadium | 📺 Sky Sports+

Reading host Barnsley as the Royals look to bounce back from a defeat to Leyton Orient that dented their playoff ambitions. Barnsley have stopped the rot with a draw and a win after a difficult spell, but Reading manager Ruben Selles made pointed comments in his post-match interview last week that suggest his players will be fired up for this one.

Team News: Reading need to rediscover their consistency if they’re to maintain their push for the top six. Barnsley will be looking to build on recent improvements and climb away from trouble.

Key Battle: Reading’s attacking threat vs Barnsley’s improving solidity.

Rotherham United vs AFC Wimbledon

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 3:00pm | 🏟️ AESSEAL New York Stadium | 📺 Sky Sports+

Rotherham United host AFC Wimbledon in a match between two struggling sides. The Millers simply cannot buy a win at the moment and are deep in the relegation mire, while Wimbledon’s late defeat to Orient has left them just two points above the drop zone – a remarkable turnaround for a side that was being tipped for a playoff push earlier in the season.

Team News: Rotherham are desperately searching for their first win in what feels like an eternity. Wimbledon need to arrest their recent slide before they get dragged into a genuine relegation battle.

Key Battle: Two teams desperate for points – who wants it more?

Wycombe Wanderers vs Peterborough United

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 3:00pm | 🏟️ Adams Park | 📺 Sky Sports+

Wycombe Wanderers host Peterborough United as the Chairboys look to continue their impressive rise up the table. Wycombe have climbed to 9th after back-to-back wins and could incredibly find themselves in the playoff places with the right result – a remarkable achievement. Peterborough’s playoff ambitions were slightly dented by defeat last time out, but they remain capable of turning up and producing quality performances.

Team News: This is genuinely one of the hardest fixtures to predict this week, as both teams are capable of brilliant performances but also inconsistent. Wycombe have momentum, but Posh have quality.

Key Battle: Wycombe’s momentum vs Peterborough’s attacking talent.

🔮 Our Gameweek 29 Predictions

Thursday 23rd January

Saturday 25th January – 12:30pm

Saturday 25th January – 3:00pm

⭐ Match of the Week: Huddersfield Town vs Bradford City (Saturday 12:30pm)

The standout fixture this week sees Liam Manning take charge of his first game as Huddersfield manager against Yorkshire rivals Bradford City in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. This is a fascinating tactical battle between sixth and third, separated by seven points, but more significantly it marks the beginning of a new era at the John Smith’s Stadium. Manning inherits a squad sitting in the playoff places but underperforming on the road – can he immediately solve the away day blues that cost Lee Grant his job? Bradford, meanwhile, have been the surprise package of the season in their first year back at this level, sitting third thanks to Max Power’s leadership and Graham Alexander’s well-drilled, physical approach. With 16 new Huddersfield signings still bedding in and questions about whether Manning’s attractive possession football will work immediately, this Yorkshire derby promises drama, intensity, and will set the tone for the Terriers’ second half of the season. The early kick-off time adds extra spice to what should be a raucous atmosphere.

👀 Manager to Watch: Liam Manning (Huddersfield Town)

While Huddersfield don’t have a fixture this weekend, all eyes will be on Liam Manning’s preparation for his first game in charge of the Terriers. The former Bristol City and Oxford boss has replaced Lee Grant despite the team sitting in 6th position – a decision driven by Huddersfield’s woeful away form (11th in the away table with 8 defeats). Manning has never stayed at a club long enough to make a lasting impact, and Huddersfield fans will be hoping he breaks that pattern. His attractive, possession-based style should suit the squad assembled over the summer, but the real test will be whether he can solve the away day blues that cost Grant his job. With significant investment in 16 new players still bedding in, Manning’s approach in his opening weeks could define Huddersfield’s season – playoff push or mid-table mediocrity?

What This Gameweek Means for the Relegation Zone

The bottom of League One is becoming increasingly congested, with Northampton’s five-point buffer completely evaporating and Wigan shockingly finding themselves just one point above the drop zone. This weekend could be pivotal in shaping the relegation battle for the run-in.

Best case scenario: Teams like Northampton and Wigan secure crucial wins and create breathing space, while Port Vale and Rotherham continue to struggle, potentially becoming cut adrift.

Worst case scenario: The favorites fail to win their must-win games, dragging more teams into genuine relegation danger. Wimbledon dropping points at Rotherham could see them slip into the bottom four, while defeats for Northampton and Wigan would leave them looking over their shoulders with growing concern.