Birmingham vs Stoke

Leg 1: Birmingham Win

After smashing the League One point record last season with 111 points, another promotion was the aim for Birmingham. However, a season of consolidation looks to be the best they can hope for, sat in 13, five points off playoffs.  The Blue’s struggle has come away from home, taking just 12 points from 15 as opposed  26 from 13 at home – the fifth best record in the Championship.

Stoke are ticking along nicely in their promotion hunt, just two points off the playoffs. Mark Robins was coy in his post-match press conference after the 1-2 loss to Middlesbrough – a match marred by poor officiating. Bosun Lawal’s sending off means the Potters’ are potentially missing 17 players for Saturday’s trip – not ideal preparation against a side so dominant at home.

Hull vs Swansea

Leg 2: Hull Win

Hull have surprised many with their performances this season and look serious promotion contenders in fourth, boasting six wins from their last eight. Serej Jakirovic epitomises what owner Acun Ilicali wants in a manager – playing fast, attacking expansive football and not relenting when in the lead.

Swansea are already on their second manager of the season with Alan Sheehan sacked after a poor start to the campaign. Vitor Matos was appointed as his replacement, making him the first manager outside of the UK and Ireland to manage the Welsh side since Carlos Carvalhal seven managers ago. It has been a slow and steady start to life for the Portugues, whose won six and lost six of his 13 games in charge. The Swans have struggled on the road, losing six of the last seven games away from home, taking just 11 points from 13.

Stevenage vs Mansfield

Leg 3: Mansfield Double Chance

Stevenage are defying the odds by challenging for promotion amongst other bigger clubs with bigger budgets, with Alex Revell being rewarded with a new bumper contract. However, things are starting to unravel for Boro who are without a win in seven. When looking at the underlying metrics, Stevenage rank 20th, so expect them to continue to drop down the league in recent weeks.

Mansfield were a team I was hot on pre-season and my trust in them looks to be paying dividends. The Stags are tenth and have won five games in a row, including away at Barnsley, Bolton and Sheffield United and at home to Bradford and Port Vale. Nigel Clough has found the right balance in his team, combining experience and hard work to build a team that are hard to beat. They also perform well on the road, taking 15 points and are unbeaten away since their defeat to runaway leaders Cardiff in November.

Cheltenham vs Grimsby

Leg 4: Cheltenham Double Chance

Cheltenham have undergone a bit of a renaissance under Steve Cotteriil who has steered the club 12 points from the drop. A big reason for this is their home form under the experienced manager, managing at least a draw in six out of eight at Whaddon Road.

Grimsby have been blighted by inconsistences all season but now see themselves on a four-game win run in all competitions, as well as boasting four straight league clean sheets. However, David Artell’s side have struggled against sides they are expecting to beat, drawing against Shrewsbury and losing to Tranmere in recent weeks. While The Mariners are a force to be reckoned with, the hosts look a tough big in the betting.