Soccer

Several teams target promotion as EFL campaigns edge towards conclusion

Portsmouth, Stockport and Wrexham are among the clubs who could secure their place in the next tier by the end of the weekend.

John Mousinho, Dave Challinor and Phil Parkinson, left to right, have promotion in their grasp
John Mousinho, Dave Challinor and Phil Parkinson, left to right, have promotion in their grasp
By Tom White, PA Sport Data Journalist

The first EFL promotion places could be confirmed this Saturday, with Portsmouth, Stockport and Wrexham all looking for the results to rubber-stamp their elevation.

Here, the PA news agency looks at what is required in each division.

Championship

Southampton can secure a Championship play-off spot if results go their way on Saturday
Southampton can secure a Championship play-off spot if results go their way on Saturday (Steven Paston/PA)

Rotherham are down and nothing else will be decided this weekend at either end of the table, though Southampton will secure a play-off place unless they lose and Coventry and Preston both win.

League One

Portsmouth could have a Saturday to celebrate
Portsmouth could have a Saturday to celebrate (Kieran Cleeves/PA)

Portsmouth will be confirmed as a Championship team for next season if they beat third-placed Bolton.

Should Pompey drop points, they can still be promoted on Saturday if they at least match the results of both second-placed Derby and fourth-placed Peterborough, who face Leyton Orient and Oxford respectively.

At the bottom, Carlisle are already relegated and the other three places will remain in contest at least until midweek, though Fleetwood could end Saturday nine points adrift of safety with only nine to play for.

League Two

Stockport need only a point against Morecambe to secure their promotion.

Wrexham could join them with victory over bottom club Forest Green, if MK Dons do not beat Mansfield in the battle of fourth against third – that would also send Stockport up even if they lose. The top three are already secure in the play-offs as a minimum and could be joined by MK Dons.

Relegation issues will not be confirmed, but Forest Green could be left six points adrift with two games remaining.