Derby County will be watching on as their rivals play some of their games in hand, which will have a huge impact on the League One promotion race.
The League One promotion race is entering its final few weeks as teams across the division look to put their name in the hat for second place. Derby County currently hold that honour, with Paul Warne steering them towards the top.
However, the full picture of the push for second is currently unknown, with plenty of teams playing a different number of games. Derby have ten games remaining this season, though rivals Bolton, Barnsley and Peterborough all have more to play.
Some of those are in the coming midweek fixtures, with some big ties ahead in the context of the promotion picture. With that said, here’s a look at everything you need to know to keep across the big matches that impact the Rams.
Key League One fixtures
Peterborough United Vs Northampton Town – March 5, 7:45pm.
Barnsley Vs Bolton Wanderers – March 5, 7:45pm.
Derby County rival watch
Three of Derby’s promotion rivals are in action, but only in two fixtures as a key head-to-head will see one team at least drop points. Starting with the simplest, Peterborough host Northampton Town in the first of their two games in hand they hold over the Rams.
The Posh sit seven points behind second, meaning a win in both of those matches will put them within touching distance. The Cobblers are mid-table, but recent draws with Bolton and Oxford will give some hope of denying a win for Darren Ferguson’s men.
Another key match in the promotion race comes further north as Barnsley host Bolton in a clash between third and fourth. It’s tough to know what exactly is a good result in this head-to-head, for a number of reasons.
The hosts hold two games in hand over Derby, meaning that a win in both would put them three points clear in second. With a favourable run of fixtures, the Tykes could put themselves in the driving seat for promotion.
However, there’s also the possibility of a Bolton victory that would take them level with the Rams. In this instance, Ian Evatt’s team would move level with second, on the same amount of matches played.
While that would seemingly keep Barnsley away for a bit longer, Derby still have to play the Wanderers in mid-March. A draw would see both teams drop points but it remains to be seen just how important one point gained could be by the end of the season.
