Portsmouth vs Ipswich

Leg 1: Ipswich To Win

It was a new years day to forget for Portsmouth who were trounced 5-0 at Bristol City in a tepid performance. Pompey look in grave relegation danger, with John Mousinho’s squad looking thread bare. The lack of squad depth was evident, with Tayo Singerr being introduced as a late substitute – a player who has spent most of the season at non-League Moneyfields.

Ipswich on the other hand, can flex their financial muscle from the parachute payments, with Kieran McKenna having the luxury of rotation over busy periods. This has perhaps been to their detriment after a slow start, but the Tractor Boys are now flying. Ipswich are now up to second, having lost just once in their last eight, a run that has seen them win five games, including a double over leaders Coventry.

With Portsmouth’s mounting injury list and small squad compared to an Ipswich side with an abundance of quality that are purring, the away side should come away with the victory.

Cardiff vs Wigan

Leg 2: Cardiff To Win

In the end, Cardiff would’ve taken a point at Wycombe, but will be disappointed not to have taken more, with Callum Robinson and Joel Colwill both squandering golden chances to win it. The Bluebirds are now just three points clear at the top of the table but still have a game in hand on second place Lincoln. Brian Barry Murphy’s side boast the best home record in the division, taking 30 points from a possible 36, including victory in the last seven in the capital.

Eight points off the playoffs but just three clear of safety, Wigan are amongst a host of teams who know a big January could swing the pendulum in their favour. Ryan Lowe’s side have struggled on the road, winning just two games from 12. They were also beat 0-2 in the reverse fixture, so another tough afternoon is in store.

Huddersfield vs Exeter

Leg 3: Huddersfield To Win

Installed as one of the pre-season favourites for promotion, Huddersfield started the season slowly but are slowly picking up under the inexperienced Lee Grant. The Terriers are fifth in the league, seven points off automatic promotion so will be looking to build momentum.

Like Cardiff, home form has been imperative for Huddersfield, taking 24 points from 12 and scoring 25 in the process, including seven in the last two.

Exeter make the long trip up to Yorkshire, looking to build the gap over bitter-rivals Plymouth who occupy the final relegation spot. The Grecians have won three from four but still struggle away, losing nine of the 12 on the road.

Harrogate vs Swindon

Leg 4: Swindon To Win

Harrogate look destined for relegation. They have lost four in a row without scoring and their last win came in September, losing 11 in 14 since then. Simon Weaver has been at the club for 17 years now, so the loyalty towards the 48-year-old may be to The Sulphurites detriment, as change looks needed.

Swindon are at the other end of the table having won four from the last five, conceding just once in the process. The Robins now sit second in the table, boasting the best away record in the league. Ian Holloway’s side eased to a 3-1 victory in the reverse meeting and will be expecting to repeat similar.

Salford vs Shrewsbury

Leg 5: Salford To Win

Salford are unbeaten in their last seven games, winning five of these. At home, The Ammies have lost just twice and taken 24 points from 12 in their quest for automatic promotion.

Shrewsbury are just two points clear of relegation after eight games without a win and four losses in a row. The pressure is building on Michael Appleton who is tasked with preventing back to back relegations for Salop. Away from home, only Crawley have fewer points than Shrewsbury’s six away from home.