On a bustling Good Friday, April 18, 2025, all eyes in the lower tiers of English football turn to League One and League Two, with every team in action and critical points at stake. With 23 matches scheduled in League One and 11 in League Two, fans are in for a thrilling day of football.
The early kick-off sees Exeter City host Burton Albion at St James Park at 1:00 PM BST. Exeter is looking to secure their League One status with a victory, while Burton, just outside the relegation zone, aims to continue their fight for survival. The Grecians, sitting 15th in the league, are ten points clear of the drop zone and have been in fine form, losing only two of their last 11 matches since a mini-break in Spain. The Brewers, on the other hand, have shown resilience, climbing out of a nine-point deficit earlier in the year and now sitting just outside the bottom four on goal difference.
As the match kicks off, the atmosphere is electric. Exeter's confidence is palpable, and they dominate early possession. Oluwabori nearly puts Exeter ahead, poking home a free-kick from Woods, but the goal is ruled offside, much to the dismay of the home fans. Despite the setback, Exeter continues to press, creating several chances but failing to convert. As the game progresses, it becomes clear that both teams are desperate for points, leading to a back-and-forth battle on the pitch.
Meanwhile, in the 3:00 PM kick-offs, Birmingham City welcomes relegation-threatened Crawley Town to St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park. Birmingham, having already secured the league title, is keen to break records as they face a Crawley side struggling to avoid relegation. The Blues are expected to dominate this match, with predictions leaning towards a 2-0 victory for the home side.
In another pivotal clash, Bolton Wanderers take on Wycombe Wanderers. The Trotters, currently eighth, are looking to secure a playoff spot but are up against a Wycombe side in third place, aiming for promotion. With injuries affecting Bolton's squad, they are predicted to lose narrowly, with a scoreline of 0-1.
Fifth-placed Charlton Athletic is also in action, facing Northampton Town at home. With a playoff spot within reach, Charlton is favored to win 1-0, thanks to their strong home record and Northampton's struggles in front of goal.
Promotion hopefuls Huddersfield Town host Cambridge United, who are in dire straits, facing potential relegation if they lose. Huddersfield is predicted to win 1-0, putting further pressure on Cambridge, who are seven points adrift of safety.
In the race for the playoffs, Leyton Orient looks to secure their third consecutive win against Barnsley. Currently seventh in the league, Orient is just three points behind sixth-placed Reading. They are predicted to win 2-1, continuing their pursuit of playoff glory.
Stockport County, chasing promotion, aims to secure their fifth consecutive win against Peterborough United. Stockport sits fourth in the league, while Peterborough is mid-table. This match is predicted to end in a 1-1 draw, as both teams look to assert their positions.
Reading, in the playoff hunt, faces Lincoln City, who are set for a mid-table finish. The hosts are favorites to win 2-1, looking to solidify their playoff aspirations.
Rotherham United, comfortably mid-table, takes on relegation-battling Mansfield Town. The hosts are expected to win 2-1, given Mansfield's recent struggles.
Bottom club Shrewsbury Town could face relegation today as they welcome Wigan Athletic. With Shrewsbury still winless in 13 matches, they are predicted to draw 1-1, possibly sealing their fate.
Finally, Blackpool travels to Stevenage, knowing they need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. This mid-table clash sees Blackpool favored to win 2-1, as they push for maximum points.
In a day filled with drama and high stakes, every match promises to be crucial, with teams battling for survival, promotion, and playoff spots. As the games unfold, fans will be glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting the outcomes that could shape the future of their clubs.
