Carlisle
7 points from last 6 games
Grimsby (A)
Crawley (H)
Yeovil (A)
Average league position of opposition - 19.3
We have every chance if we win these three winnable games. On paper we have the easiest run-in though if Yeovil still have something to play for a week on the last Saturday we could have problems.
Exeter
4 points from last 6 games
Stevenage (A)
Oldham (H)
Forest Green (A)
Average league position of opposition - 9.7
Their form has dropped off of late and all three teams that they have to play have something to play for. With only one home game I can see them dropping out of the playoff positions quite easily.
Colchester
6 points from last 6 games
Yeovil (A)
MK Dons (H)
Lincoln (A)
Average league position of opposition - 9
With Lincoln and MK Dons still to play, Colchester could well have left it too late. Yeovil will be scrapping for points and Lincoln’s last-game attitude could be critical, especially if they need the points to be champions. Can’t see it though.
Stevenage
10 points from last 6 games
Exeter (H)
Mansfield (A)
Cheltenham (H)
Average league position of opposition - 8.3
Stevenage are in good form and putting in a charge, but Mansfield will still be looking for points and are in great form. May have left it too late.
Newport
11 points from last 6 games
Macclesfield (A)
Lincoln (H)
Oldham (H)
Morecambe (A)
Average league position of opposition - 14
With an extra game to play and in terrific form Newport are in prime position to take 7th place. Lincoln could be the fly in the ointment though and the extra game could tax tired legs during a testing fortnight. It’s all in their hands.
Swindon
7 points from last 6 games
Crewe (H)
Cheltenham (A)
Notts Co (H)
Average league position of opposition - 18
An easy run-in on paper and two home games means that Swindon should be there or thereabouts at the death. But will Notts County have something to play for? Could be close.
Oldham
11 points from last 6 games
Mansfield (H)
Exeter (A)
Newport (A)
Northampton (H)
Average league position of opposition - 8.7
Another side with an extra game in hand but it’s a difficult run-in with games against Mansfield and Newport, so I fear that it’s too late for Oldham.
Overall
We have the best chance. The other sides will be taking points off each other (except Swindon) so that’s to our advantage. This all just shows how important that win against Lincoln was. Against us is our injury list - we simply can’t afford any more. It’s time for the players to step up.