Cardiff vs Stevenage

Leg 1: Cardiff to beat Stevenage

Relegation from the Championship gave Cardiff City a much needed reset after years of hanging on by a thread. Brian Barry-Murphy took the reins in the summer and his side three points clear at the top of the table.  The Bluebirds have been relentless at home, taking 27 points from nine games in the capital, including the last six.

Stevenage, to the surprise of many, are still keeping pace with the front runners and sit fifth, just five points off the automatic promotion places. Alex Revell has done a fantastic job at Boro and has recently signed a new long-term contract. Despite his sides impressive away record, Cardiff’s home form should see them win a seventh in a row.

Bradford vs Port Vale

Leg 2: Bradford to beat Port Vale

After a six-year exodus, Bradford sealed promotion back to League One  in dramatic fashion, with Antoni Sarcevic scoring a stoppage time winner on the final day. The Bantams have started strong on their return, losing just three times – the fewest in the division. Graham Alexander’s sit sit third with a game in hand so will be keen to ensure they make full advantage on Tuesday.  At Valley Parade, Bradford have lost just once, taking 26 points from a possible 33.

Port Vale recently parted ways with Darren Moore after a slow start to the season rooted to the bottom of the table. The Valiants are already ten points adrift after failing to win any of their last 11. When the sides met in Yorkshire last year, Bradford ran out 2-1 winners and look value to do it again.

Stockport vs Doncaster

Leg 3: Stockport to beat Doncaster

Heading into last season’s playoffs as favourites, Stockport were beaten by Leyton Orient over two controversial legs. The Hatters are back this season looking to go one better and are six points off second place Lincoln.

23rd place Doncaster Rovers are the visitors to Edgeley Park, looking to gain ground on Plymouth heading into the new year. Rovers head into this game after four straight losses, conceding 12 goals in the process. Grant McCann’s side have also taken just eight points on the road, failing to win any of their last eight league away games. Doncaster also have the second worst defensive record in the league, so may struggle to contain a potent Stockport attack.

Cheltenham vs Swindon

Leg 4: Cheltenham Double Chance vs Swindon

Cheltenham looked destined for back-to-back relegations after a dismal start to the season under Michael Flynn. However, the appointment of Steve Cotterill after a spell at rivals Forest Green has seem them climb ten points clear of safety, fifth in the form table in this period. The Robins have won ten from 16 games under the experienced campaigner, including 16 from a possible 21 at home. Cheltenham also defeated Swindon 0-1 in the last meeting a few weeks ago.

While Swindon sit third after a strong start to the season, their mounting injury list coupled with a hectic festive period, suggests they may struggle at an inform Cheltenham.