Football Park's 2025/26 EFL League One MW9 Saturday Preview
Blogs

Football Park's 2025/26 EFL League One MW9 Saturday Preview

Football Park's 2025/26 EFL League One MW9 Saturday Preview

The top two face off in League One on Saturday, and after Cardiff dropped points for the first time since Matchday 2 of the season last weekend, there is a real possibility that they may lose their spot at the top of the table at the hands of Bradford.

We can also look forward to a Greater Manchester Derby as The Latics impressed last time out with their new signings producing in big moments, but Bolton will be up for the fight with the backing of their own fans at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

There's rumblings of managers already under increased pressure in the division and it could be crunch time for some on MW9, as owners begin to lose their patience.

Bolton Wanderers vs Wigan Athletic

Last week, Wigan blew away a Doncaster side who have started life back in League One brightly this season. Callum Wright was finding pockets of space on the left, getting an assist and Dara Costelloe came in for the suspended Saydee and got on the scoresheet. It was Fraser Murray who really shone though, as the winger provided a goal and an assist extending his tally to 5 goal contributions in his debut season so far.

Bolton extended their unbeaten run to 7 games, thanks to Cozier-Duberry's 94th-minute equaliser away to Leyton Orient last weekend. Albeit 5 of those games have ended in a draw and boss Steven Schumacher will be reliant on Burstow to continue his impressive form in front of goal.

Arsenal loanee Amario Cozier-Duberry's twinkle toes have got Trotters fans off their seats in recent weeks and Wigan's defence will have to bring their A-game to keep him at bay. Full-back Jordi Osei-Tutu is training again with the first team after sustaining a hamstring injury earlier in the season, but Schumacher insists he's not rushing the defender back too soon, given his history of fitness troubles.

Wigan are yet to pick up a win on the road this season. Despite the clean sheet against Doncaster last week, there were still some signs of weakness in defensive areas. Bolton haven't lost at home yet this term, so they will feel that at least a point from this one is achievable in front of their own fans.

Lincoln City vs Luton Town

Lincoln have still only lost just once all season and despite being second best at times away to Burton, they prevailed as 1-0 victors, thanks to Sonny Bradley's header. It was a dogged performance that gives them early signs of belief that they could be in and around the play-offs come the end of the season.

Luton will feel more aggrieved that their 23 attempts on goal amounted to nothing as they were defeated at home to Plymouth. Two penalties were how they found the net and just 6 shots finding the target shows they are creating an abundance of chances, but lacking that clinical edge. It was a calamity of errors in their defence that led to their eventual undoing against Argyle.

The Imps will have Rob Street available for selection after serving his one game suspension. Their midfield of Mcgrandles and Bayliss were made to work really hard by Burton, who compact that area of the pitch.

Substitutes made an impact for Luton against Plymouth. Naki Wells scored his penalty and Cohen Bramall provided more intensity down the left flank.

This shapes up to be a close battle at the LNER Stadium on Saturday, as The Hatters will be relying on their good away record to shine through. Luton can go above the home side with a win.

Doncaster Rovers vs AFC Wimbeldon

Doncaster who have been exceptional at times this season, were given a severe reality check in their visit to Wigan last weekend. Their most promising moments came from Luke Molyneux, but they had to take their hats off to their opponents who took their chances when they arrived.

The visiting side Wimbledon broke their four game losing streak by beating Rotherham 2-1 last weekend. And on the balance of play it was no more than they deserved. Stevens was back amongst the goals and both Reeves and Hippolyte worked tirelessy in the middle, with the former getting his side back into the game with his first of the season.

Rovers need to put their last defeat behind them, as they are yet to lose at home all season. Wimbeldon's only points on the road this campaign came on Matchday 2, so they'll be desperate to put that right on Saturday.

Sharp and Gibson just didn't get into the game last week, but a return to their own ground may be the remedy that they desire to bring out the best in both of them. Dons defender Ryan Johnson will be hoping to stop them from doing just that as he was a standout performer in their recent victory.

Reading vs Leyton Orient

It's not looking good for Noel Hunt's Reading, who are now 21st in the table having won just once all season. Facing a well drilled Barnsley side in their last game, they showed spells of promise, but left with nothing to show for their efforts.

It was heartache for Orient, who were victims of a last minute equaliser by Bolton last week. They should feel encouraged by Koroma providing another assist and continuing to make valuable goal contributions to his team. Tommy Simkin was solid in goal when called upon and almost clung on for a clean sheet.

It's been difficult to throw praise Reading's way this season, and they've been the architect of their own downfall at times, with Ashqar Ahmed's needless challenge at Oakwell Stadium, resulting in them conceding a penalty. They've been so dependant on Lewis Wing to create opportunities and he proved how dangerous he can be from set pieces against Barnsley.

Back at home, Reading should feel they can get something from this game. As the manager becomes under increasing pressure it has emerged this week that Gareth Ainsworth might be in contention for the role, should a result not go the hosts way.

Don't discount Orient, who have Ballard now spearheading the attack. He opened his account for his new club against Port Vale a couple of weeks back.

Wycombe Wanderers vs Northampton Town

With confirmation of Dodds parting ways with Wanderers this morning, newly appointed Michael Duff will take charge of The Chairboys for the first time on Saturday. Spirits were high ahead of their trip to Peterborough last week, after a convincing win against Mansfield the game prior. They were brought back down to Earth after finding it difficult at times against a Posh side visibly desperate for a first win.

Northampton picked up a fourth clean sheet of the season in an expertly managed 1-0 victory to Blackpool. Max Dyche put his body on the line to fend off a late fight back from the visitors, after Cameron McGeehan's 82nd minute strike gave them the lead.

Since the Wycombe duos arrival on deadline day, Woodrow and Bell have conjured up three goal contributions between them and they'll be looking to add to that at the weekend. Whilst Northampton aren't a side known to leak goals, they have struggled to find the net this season having scored just 5 times.

With a game back on home soil and a new man in the hot seat, Wycombe will be hoping that their new look front three can show the quality that we have seen a glimpse of already. Northampton will be looking for Man United graduate, Ethan Wheatley to start finding some much needed goals for The Cobblers.

Huddersfield Town vs Burton Albion

It was an all Yorkshire affair in Huddersfield's last league match, facing a Bradford side determined to get back to winning ways. That's exactly what they did and despite The Terriers being on top in large spells, they left with nothing to show for their efforts.

Burton lost to a compact Lincoln side, but not for the want of trying. They prodded and probed all the way up until the final whistle, just coming up short. That's been the story of their season thus far.

If Ledson's volley and Taylor's crossbar attempt had found the net in the first half for Huddersfield against Bradford, it could have been a very different story. A main positive was Redmond's strike off the bench on his league debut.

Burton were encouraged by many performances in their last league outing, with Lofthouse and Revan looking to make things happen all afternoon from either wing.

It may be a closer encounter then people anticipate looking at the table, but the fact that Burton have picked up no points away from home this season will bring an overriding sense of optimism to the Huddersfield supporters.

Blackpool vs Barnsley

Steve Bruce is under the cosh as Blackpool manager. After 7 games this season they sit in 23rd position with just 4 points on the board. They've also only scored a single goal in their last four league games, despite creating lots of chances against Northampton last week.

Meanwhile Barnsley have been very impressive to date. They largely have Keillor-Dunn to thank, having scored 5 league goals, the joint most in the division. Despite goalkeeper Murphy Cooper's error, that let Jack Marriott in against Reading, his saves in the second half showed why boss Conor Hourihane has so much faith in the young shot stopper.

Head to head there is really no comparison. Barnsley have scored the joint most goals in the league, whereas Blackpool have conceded the second most. If there was a positive for Blackpool to take from their last result, it would be that Josh Bowler was trying to make things happen on debut linking up well with Danny Imray down the right.

Blackpool will be pleased that they are returning to their home patch and the players should be well up for the task of turning their fortunes around in front of their own supporters. Barnsley could go top with a win, should Cardiff draw to Bradford.

Plymouth Argyle vs Peterborough United

Plymouth are going into the game against Posh with back to back victories under their belt. Despite yielding the most goals in the division, including 4 in their last two outings, they've scored 7 goals in that time. Last week Ibrahim was the hero, though he knew very little about his winning goal at the hands of an exasperated Luton.

It was a first win of the season for Peterborough at the weekend, who fully deserved all three points at home to Wycombe. Matthew Garbutt's midfield display was very impressive, opening the scoring for his side. Archie Collins looked back to his best after questions of his commitment to Posh seem to have evaporated with the English midfielder doing the talking on the pitch.

Tom Cleverley's side have managed to turn a corner. As mentioned Arsenal youth star, Bradley Ibrahim has played a pivotal role in their recent victories in the midfield, alongside Malachi Boateng and his three goals in the last two games have seen his side climb to 17th in the league.

These two teams are sitting in first and second for goals conceded in League One, meaning this scoreline could amount to anything and is set to be a really intriguing encounter.

Cardiff City vs Bradford City

Top of the league Cardiff were held to Stockport in their last fixture. In the first half especially, The Bluebirds looked like a team that had not played for two weeks. The late leveller really flattered them, after facing 14 shots from The North-West outfit, the game really could of and should of been out of sight.

It was a different story for Bradford, as Bobby Pointon scored two goals and showed the level that he was producing towards the beginning of the campaign. They were very clinical in attack and were quick to right the wrongs from their trip away to Doncaster the previous week.

It will take a lot to break down a Cardiff side, who have conceded just twice all season. Rubin Colwill their danger man will also be eager to get back amongst the goals. Bradford are expected to be again without Curtis Tilt in defence which could be a game changer.

With both teams sitting on 17 points, and Bradford having played a game extra, the visitors will be desperate to win this one in order to not lose ground on the hosts.

Port Vale vs Mansfield Town

There has been some encouraging signs coming out of Port Vale, since the closure of the transfer window. Devante Cole now has 2 goals in as many appearances for his new club, as they soaked up Exeter's pressure away from home last week, hitting them on the counter.

Nigel Clough's team, despite not winning in their last three can be pleased with their performance and result against a strong Stevenage side in their most recent fixture. Not to mention they were without Cargill at the back due to a hamstring problem and Regan Hendry has missed the last two league games with a knee issue, with both players part of a long injury list for The Stags.

Vale had lost their last four league games before victory over Exeter last time out and for a team with a record like that, they don't concede many goals. Just 9 goals conceded this season, with three clean sheets as well in that time. Their opponents have let in one more than that, but have also scored three more and Tyler Roberts will be desperate to add to that tally by scoring his first goal for his new side.

Both Vale and Mansfield have shown they can produce some good performances this season and despite the home sides league position, they will feel that results are due to start picking up heading into Autumn.

Stevenage vs Exeter

Stevenage find themselves in 4th heading into this weekend's action, a position that they would of snapped anyone's hand off to be in at this stage of the season. It is their solidity in defence that has been given the most praise and despite a draw against Mansfield away last week, they'll feel favourites to get back to winning ways against The Grecians.

Visitors Exeter are struggling to build any momentum, having now lost both of their last two games. In those defeats, they failed to score and it remains to be seen where goals will come from if both Magennis and Wareham fail to contribute.

It doesn't bode well for the away side, who are going to have to face one of the best defensive partnerships in the division. Both Charlie Goode and Carl Piergianni have made 33 clearances combined in the last two games. Talk about walking brick walls.

Exeter need assistance from some of their more creative players like Cox and Aitchison, or else it could become a long season for those fans at St James Park.

Much To Ponder

There is some nail biting contests going ahead this weekend in the third-tier, and it could be a defining week for certain clubs and their seasons.

The onus is on Blackpool, Burton and Reading all to get results. Peterborough already showed they are capable of far more then they've shown this season, following last weeks promising result. But failing to win could see them already drift to 4 points from safety depending on how other games pan out.

Meanwhile Cardiff with a game in hand on their opponents Bradford, can create some much welcomed breathing space at the top of League One. Barnsley are hot on their tails and can be expecting a tough test from Blackpool who at this stage have nothing to lose.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Theo Nicholson

Writer

Videos
See more
Argentina's Massive Talent Pool | Off The Bar Podcast Episode 4 ft. Nacho Z
Seb & Colin Welcomes their first guest ‪@soynachoz‬ where they chat all things South American Football | Off the Bar Podcast Episod
Gyokeres Already a Failure? | Off The Bar Podcast Episode 3
Is Gyokeres already a flop? 🤔 VAR in the Championship & the West Ham Situation | Off The Bar with Colin & Seb Episode 3
Olise to win the next Ballon D'or | Off The Bar Podcast Episode 2
Did Dembele Deserve the Ballon D'or? 🏆 Olise the next winner? & players mental health! | Off The Bar with Colin & Seb Episode 2
Latest In News
See more
Should Have Stayed At Home Mate: La Liga Player Gets Sent Off After Just 50 Seconds in Real Madrid Defeat

Should Have Stayed At Home Mate: La Liga Player Gets Sent Off After Just 50 Seconds in Real Madrid Defeat

La Liga News

The Premier League Flop That Nobody is Talking About

The Premier League Flop That Nobody is Talking About

News

United Win at Anfield For First Time In 10 Seasons, Villa Comeback at Tottenham: Super Sunday Review

United Win at Anfield For First Time In 10 Seasons, Villa Comeback at Tottenham: Super Sunday Review

Premier League News

Join our newsletter

Become a part of our community and never miss an update from Football Park.