Wrexham is set to continue their League One campaign as one of the very few matches this weekend, with several fixture postponements due to international call-ups impacting the schedule.
As the international break takes center stage, it has traditionally caused a spotlight to shine on the two English Football League (EFL) divisions below the Premier League, particularly League One and League Two. This increased spotlight is primarily due to the absence of Premier League matches. Consequently, the footballing landscape is significantly affected, leading to higher attendances and increased revenue from TV coverage for clubs in these divisions.
Your third-tier clubs are in the spotlight, but the postponements raise concerns. As the quality of players in the EFL has improved, many clubs are facing more interruptions than before. Currently, League One is grappling with a substantial number of postponed games. According to reports, clubs can call off matches if at least three players are called up for international duty. Additionally, the rule states that those players must have participated in a first-team fixture this season for the match to qualify for postponement.
This weekend, specifically in matchday 38, six League One matches have been postponed, with all except one rescheduled for Tuesday, April 8. This includes fixtures like Mansfield Town against Leyton Orient and Burton Albion's match with Wigan Athletic, which will now take place on the same date. The only match significantly moved is the encounter between Birmingham City and Stevenage, with that fixture waiting for a later date of Thursday, April 24.
Notably, Wrexham's clash with Stockport County is one of the few League One matches not affected by the international call-ups, remaining a focal point for fans this Saturday. The game will take place at the Racecourse Ground, kicking off at 3 PM local time.
Before Wrexham's game, League Two also had its share of postponements with the only impacted match being Salford City versus Doncaster Rovers, now rescheduled for Tuesday, April 15.
Fans looking to hear the action live can tune into talkSPORT 2, which will provide exclusive commentary for the Wrexham game. Coverage of the event begins with Ian Danter and former England defender Micky Gray lending their insights. This follows earlier coverage of both the early kick-off in League Two, where Notts County is hosting Crewe at 12:30 PM.
The planned fixtures listed for League One this matchday reflect a unique situation wherein half the matches have been postponed. Despite these interruptions, action continues in the EFL with matches scheduled to resume fully next weekend—Saturday, March 29—where every team in League One and League Two will be back in action at 3 PM.
In total, the following League One matches that have been postponed will see rescheduled dates:
- Mansfield Town vs Leyton Orient – to be played on Tuesday, April 8.
- Burton Albion vs Wigan Athletic – to be played on Tuesday, April 8.
- Shrewsbury Town vs Reading – to be played on Tuesday, April 8.
- Bolton vs Rotherham – to be played on Tuesday, April 8.
- Wycombe Wanderers vs Huddersfield Town – to be played on Tuesday, April 8.
- Stevenage vs Birmingham City – to be played on Thursday, April 24.
The League Two fixture, Salford City vs Doncaster Rovers, has also been affected and is slated for Tuesday, April 15.
Despite these postponements, the excitement for fans continues as Wrexham aims for a strong performance against Stockport County. With significant media coverage and the enhanced visibility of EFL football, the fans’ engagement remains high, reflecting the passion and dedication surrounding third-tier football.
The upcoming matches promise a full schedule, with viewers eagerly anticipating another round of dramatic clashes as League One and League Two football make a return next Saturday.
