Fantasy EFL: Team News and Key Stats for Every League Two Fixture This Weekend
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Fantasy EFL: Team News and Key Stats for Every League Two Fixture This Weekend

Fantasy EFL: Team News and Key Stats for Every League Two Fixture This Weekend

With the games coming thick and fast in League Two, we are now entering match week 7 as the league begins to take shape. All 24 teams are in action this weekend so EFL Fantasy managers can look forward to some encounters.

The transfer window is shut and the squads for the season are ready. Let's go into a deep dive of every fixture and see what to expect!

Newport County vs Bristol Rovers

The early kick-off at the Rodney Parade Stadium promises to be an enticing one.

Newport have won 1 of their opening 6 fixtures, drawing 1 and losing the remaining 4. Currently, the side are looking to bounce back after a string of 4 consecutive losses in the league. The end of the transfer window saw Newport complete the loan signing of 24-year old Ghanaian striker Nathaniel Opoku from Belgian side OH Leuven. With Opoku expected to make his debut this weekend, Newport fans can be hopeful for some more firepower this weekend.

After being relegated from League One, Bristol Rovers have had a relatively slow start to life in League Two, picking up 7 points from their opening 6 fixtures, and losing 3 times. Club captain Alfie Kilgour is hoping to spark some life into the side after a poor start. The Gas managed to resign Joel Cotterill on loan for another season at the end of the window. Pairing with experienced veteran Josh McEachran in the midfield, Rovers fans can be assured of some more stability and hopefully look for some more consistent results.

While it may seem like a bottom half scrap, this game is between two sides that are yet to fully click. The fixture promises goals, yet it may ultimately be Bristol Rovers who come out on top in South Wales. However, it is not unlikely that Newport County score in front of their home crowd, so a draw is not off the cards, although a win for the home side appears an anomaly.

Barnet vs Shrewsbury Town

Barnet have had a steady start to life back in the Football League following their promotion, with the side currently sitting in 15th position. After a somewhat lacklustre window, the Bees have managed to steady themselves after losing their opening 3 fixtures, with the side now racking up 7 points. After securing the loan signing of Chelsea academy graduate Ronnie Stutter, Barnet can look to him as a goalscoring threat.

Shrewsbury Town have had a dismal start to the season, sitting second from bottom after picking up a mere 2 points thus far. With the Shrews failing to win a game as of yet, it is unlikely that they do so away to Barnet this weekend. However, there is some astute quality in the side as they were only relegated from League One last season. The transfer window saw them bring in a good blend of youth and experience to balance the squad, but they are yet to gel.

Therefore, Barnet should ease past Shrewsbury in this fixture.

Barrow vs Swindon Town

Two regulars in League Two over recent years, this fixture promises to be a tight one. Swindon have begun the season in high spirits, sitting 5th after the opening 6 fixtures on 12 points - just 2 points off league leaders Gillingham. The transfer window saw the club acquire the loan signing of 19 year-old English striker Princewill Ehibhatiomhan who has begun the season in fine form. Princewill has scored 2 goals thus far in cup competitions for the Robins, and this form should translate into the league soon as the player learns his surroundings. Fantasy EFL managers can look to the former England U17 international to bring goals and excitement into their sides this weekend.

Playing away to Barrow has often proved a difficult task in League Two owing to the sheer physicality and togetherness of the side. Currently, Barrow sit in 18th place in League Two as they have struggled to maintain consistency. After losing 4 out of a possible 6 games thus far, it shouldn't be long until Barrow start picking up some points.

Despite playing away this weekend, Swindon are likely to have the edge over Barrow owing to their fine start in the league this season. Swindon have scored 11 goals so far this season, the joint highest in the division, with goals coming from across the attack and the midfield. Their electric start should see them ease past Barrow.

Cambridge United vs Oldham Athletic

After a fantastic transfer window, Cambridge United are looking to bounce back to League One at the first time of asking. However, this is easier said than done as the side currently sit in 10th place after 6 games. After a comfortable 2-0 victory over Newport County last time out, Cambridge look to be getting the engines started. Left winger Sullay Kaikai has been in stunning form as of late for Cambridge, picking up 3 assists and netting 1 goal so far this season, a shrewd pick up for any EFL Fantasy manager.

Oldham have endured a somewhat stable start to life back in the Football League following their promotion last season, with the Owls sitting in 19th position.

Unfortunately for Oldham, the force of Cambridge United may be too much for them to handle. This is a clash in which last season one team played in League One, and the other played in the Conference National. Therefore, there is a huge gulf in class between the two sides, and with Cambridge having a home advantage, things may be looking rather bleak for the Owls this weekend.

Cheltenham Town vs Accrington Stanley

It has been a slow start to say the least for Cheltenham Town this season as they sit bottom of the league after 6 games. However, their 1-1 draw to Salford City last weekend may suggest an upturn in form. Cheltenham lack goals after losing last season's talisman Matty Taylor, and their creative output is lacklustre owing to the departure of Liam Dulson. Furthermore, their business in the transfer window suggests that their lack of firepower may be a persistent problem this season. Cheltenham have conceded the most goals in the league thus far with 12, and only scored 2 in response.

Accrington Stanley do not sit in a position too dissimilar to Cheltenham Town this season, as the side sit 21st in the division. After a goalless draw to Shrewsbury Town last time out, the side have only managed to find the back of the net 3 times this season. Their defensive record is a lot better than Cheltenham's however, only conceding half the amount of goals with 6.

This match looks to be a stalemate this weekend, there is a chance of goals for both sides, yet nothing to suggest an outright winner. With both sides failing to register a win yet this season, a point for each side appears the most logical conclusion.

Colchester United vs Crewe Alexandra

After the opening 6 fixtures, Colchester have only managed to win once and sit in 17th place, however the peak of their powers is far from being attained. After signing Spurs prospect Jaden Williams, Colchester look to bolster their attacking options. Scoring 6 goals thus far, it has not been a quiet season in front of goal just yet. Their last match saw them draw to newly promoted Barnet, which may suggest an upwards trajectory for the side. In addition to this, Colchester's victory over Wycombe Wandereres in the EFL Trophy in which Williams netted his first goal suggests there is more to come from the side.

Crewe Alexandra have come out swinging in League Two after some astute business in the transfer window towards the end. Dion Rankine was signed on a two year deal from League One side Wigan Athletic, and with the player set to debut for the Railwaymen this weekend, fans of Crewe Alexandra can look forward to some electric attacking displays as the side continue to mount pressure at the top half of the table.

Therefore, despite Colchester's resurgence, it appears that the force of Crewe Alexandra may be too much to handle this weekend. Playing away may be a factor for Crewe, however this should not phase them as they are set to soar past their opponents.

Harrogate Town vs Crawley Town

Out of their opening 6, Harrogate Town have won twice, drawn twice, and lost twice. Therefore, it's been a reasonably steady start for the side in League Two as they sit around mid-table in 14th. New signing Conor McAleny has began the season in steady form, picking up 1 goal from 5 appearances in the league thus far, although fans can expect more to come from the 32-year old attacking midfielder. With the side scoring 7 goals thus far, there may be some more action needed for the Sulphurites to a make a real impact this season. However, there are defensive concerns as the side has struggled to close out games, conceding 8 goals.

Crawley have started in poor form this season with the side yet to register a win. Last weekend saw a thrilling 2-2 draw for the side against Colchester United, which may suggest signs of improvement for the Red Devils. The acquisition of experienced winger Harry McKirdy from Bromley has paid off so far, with the player netting 2 goals and bagging 1 assist after featuring in all 6 of Crawley's opening games.

Nonetheless, despite Crawley's goal threat, it looks as if this may be a draw for both sides. As the season is still in the early phases, this is not a crisis for either side, and one point each would be a fair reflection on how their seasons have gone respectively.

MK Dons vs Grimsby Town

The Dons are currently 7th in the league, winning 3 games, drawing 2, and only losing just 1. They have scored 10 goals so far and only conceded 3. Their business in the window saw the acquisition of proven winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing on a free transfer. So far, Mendez-Laing has 1 goal and 1 assist to his name, and the player appears to be pulling the strings down the left flank for the Dons. In additIon to this, the Dons boast one of the best defensive records in the league, only conceding 3 goals. Last weekend saw MK Dons lose narrowly to Walsall in a controversial fixture.

After the high of their midweek triumph against Manchester United in the EFL Cup, Grimsby were brought back down to earth after a 1-0 loss to Bristol Rovers. However, the season has started strongly for Grimsby who are currently in 8th place, winning 3 of their opening 6. The side have scored 10 goals so far this season and will be looking to new signing Jude Soonsup-Bell to bolster their firepower.

Both teams are capable of finding the back of the net as well as they are defending their own, therefore a high scoring draw may be the most viable outcome from this one.

Notts County vs Fleetwood Town

After failing to win promotion via the playoffs last season, Notts County have hade a steady start to the season, currently placing 13th. Their midtable position is reflective of their defensive form, with the side conceding 9 goals in the league. Despite losing veteran talisman David McGoldrick at the end of last season, the Magpies have not lacked goals in the side, netting 11. Matthew Dennis has come out this season in fine goalscoring form, netting 5 goals in 7 appearances for Notts County so far.

Fleetwood sit 9th in the league after an exciting first 6 fixtures. The side have only lost one game and last weekend saw them win on the road against Barrow. Top scorer Will Davies has netted 3 goals thus far, and with the transfer window adding more defensive stability, Fleetwood can become a real force in League Two this season.

Despite Fleetwood's form, the overall quality of the Notts County side should help them to a victory this weekend. High scoring Matthew Dennis hasn't missed a beat this season, and his form looks set to continue as the Magpies look to reclaim their rightful spot in the playoff positions.

Salford City vs Tranmere Rovers

Salford's transfer window was a logical one as opposed to anything out of the ordinary, removing deadwood and bringing in proven quality. Therefore, their league form is a product of this. Sitting 11th after 6 games, Salford have 10 league points to their name. Last weekend the side endured a tough draw to bottom of the league Cheltenham Town, and they will be looking to rectify their mistakes imminently.

Tranmere are 2 points behind Salford in 12th place. After going unbeaten in their first 5 games, the Rovers lost to Notts County last time out. The club has not been short on goals this season either, scoring 9. Left midfielder Omari Patrick has been in fine form this season, scoring 4 of Tranmere's goals and assisting a further 2.

The electric form of Omari Patrick may see Tranmere return to winning ways this weekend as the side look to pick up 3 points on the road. It will be a cagey affair, but Tranmere should breeze past them this time round.

Walsall vs Chesterfield

Last season's play off finalist Walsall have set out to replicate their form this season, so far the side have won 4 and lost 2. Goals have been hard to come by for the Saddlers this season, only scoring 6 times, but their defence has been sturdy as they have only conceded 4 times. Walsall's business in the window appeared viable, acquiring some EFL-proven talent that will be sure to help them achieve their goals this season.

Chesterfield have had a fantastic start to the League Two season and sit in 2nd place, just 1 point off the top spot. The side have scored 11 goals this season, conceded 8, and only lost once. The club's top scorer this season has been Albanian attacking midfielder Armando Dobra with 3 goals so far. Their attacking options are fluid and Chesterfield have the ability to draw goals out of any player on the pitch.

Owing to Chesterfield's fine form and goalscoring prowess, and taking into account Walsall's lack of firepower, a narrow win for Chesterfield seems probable. Walsall will gain their momentum eventually, but whilst Chesterfield steamroll on, it will take more than defensive stability from the Saddlers to stop the rampage.

Bromley vs Gillingham

Against popular belief, Bromley have had a thrilling start to the League Two campaign and sit in 3rd place after 6 games. The side are unbeaten in the league, winning 3 and drawing 3. Last week saw the Ravens comfortably win 2-0 over Harrogate Town. Top scorer Nicke Kabamba has netted 3 times for the Ravens this season, and the former Woking and Barnet man looks set to continue his fine form.

Gillingham have started the season in tremendous form by winning 4 and drawing 2. Unbeaten, the Gills are top of the log. It has been a steady set of results thus far, with nothing too flashy coming from the Gills in terms of goals scored, but with only 3 conceded, Gillingham boast the joint best defensive record in the league.

A cagey affair is set to unfold between these two sides. However, Gillingham may just edge this one due to their sheer no-nonsense defensive prowess.

Closing Remarks

That concludes the overview for match week 7. There are many decisions to be made for EFL Fantasy players, can Gillingham maintain their unbeaten run? Will Cheltenham muster a point? Only time will tell as we look forward to another round of fixtures in the EFL League Two.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Arthur Turner

EFL Transfer and News Writer

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