BARNSLEY v BRENTFORD
Barnsley's failure to turn a string of draws into wins looks like costing the Oakwell club a chance of a play-off place. However, last week's 3-2 victory at Rushden gave the Yorkshire club a glimmer of hope but the Tykes must surely take maximum points for their remaining games. The Bees continue to fight for their lives and last week's draw at Sheffield Wednesday opened up a two-point gap between the London club and the relegation zone.
Shaily's verdict: The Bees can win a point, and with it another step towards safety.
BLACKPOOL v SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Despite having little to play for at this late stage of the season, Blackpool shocked promotion chasing Brighton last week, after comprehensively beating the Seagulls 3-1 at Bloomfield Road. Like Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday have only pride to play for, and the news that star striker Guylain Ndumba will receive a three match ban, following his straight red card against Grimsby two weeks ago, is a big blow for boss Chris Turner.
Shaily's verdict: A tough one to call but home advantage could swing it the Seasiders' way.
BOURNEMOUTH v TRANMERE
Last week's defeat at play-off rivals Hartlepool was a bitter pill to swallow for the Cherries and Shaun O'Driscoll's side now find themselves five points and two places bellow the top six. Having enjoyed such an impressive FA Cup run Tranmere would have been forgiven for taking the foot off the pedal. However, Rovers have taken 17 points for their last eight games, bettered only by Stockport.
Shaily's verdict: The Cherrries to revive their play-off hopes with a home win.
BRIGHTON v PETERBOROUGH
Barring unlikely accidents Brighton look set to take their chance in the lottery that is the play-offs. Any slim chance the Seagulls had of gate-crashing the automatic promotion party went following last week's defeat at Blackpool. Just a moth ago Just over a month ago Peterborough looked in real danger of losing their Second Division status but 14 points from their last eight matches has lifted Barry Fry's side four points above the drop zone.
Shaily's verdict: On current form there is little between these two sides and Posh can take a point.
COLCHESTER v WREXHAM
After a run of drawn games, Colchester bounced back to form with a 4-1 win at Notts County last week and the U's will now be setting their sights on finishing in the top half of the table. With just seven points from their last 24, the wheels seem to have come off Wrexham's season and a play-off place now seems out of reach. Despite their end-of-season slump, the Dragons can be proud of their return to the Second Division and manager Denis Smith can now start planning for next season.
Shaily's verdict: Wrexham have been hit by injuries and suspensions in recent weeks and a Colchester home win looks the most likely outcome.
GRIMSBY v RUSHDEN
Grimsby suffered a heavy defeat at promotion chasing QPR last week and the Mariners will be desperate for maximum points in this one after slipping back into the relegation zone. Rushden have taken just four points from their last eight games and the Diamonds are in real danger of becoming embroiled in a relegation dogfight themselves.
Shaily's verdict: A six-pointer if ever there was one - Grimsby to edge a nervy contest.
HARTLEPOOL v NOTTS COUNTY
Hartlepool have been the surprise package in the Second Division this season and another three points will take Pool to the verge of the play-offs. Notts County are currently lying in 23rd place in the table, and with a five-point gap to safety, games are running out fast for the Magpies.
Shaily's verdict: Pool to cement their place in the top six- home win.
LUTON v BRISTOL CITY
Having beaten Plymouth and QPR, and drawing with Swindon, in their last three games City have not given up hope on an automatic promotion spot. The re-signing of Scott Murray has helped Danny Wilson's side recapture the winning formula and the battle to for a place in the top two looks like going right down to the wire. An untimely slump in form looks like costing the Hatters a play-off spot, with Mike Newell's men now seven points off the play-off pace.
Shaily's verdict: Danny Wilson's side will be desperate for the points, but the Hatters will not go down without a fight and City may have to settle for a share of the spoils.
OLDHAM v PLYMOUTH
Oldham are just two points and two places above the relegation zone and the Latics still need a couple of victories to guarantee their safety. Plymouth still have a five-point cushion at the top despite Tuesday night's defeat at Bristol City. Despite that loss the Pilgrims are still in poll position and remain odds-on to be in the First Division next season.
Shaily's verdict: Argyle to take a giant step towards promotion with another three points on the road.
QPR v STOCKPORT
Stockport come into this game on the back of a morale-boosting 3-0 win at Chesterfield, a result that lifted County three points above the drop zone. QPR are currently in second place, a point above Bristol City, so Ian Holloway's side can't afford any slip-ups at this pivotal stage of the campaign. Rangers boast the best home record in all of the Nationwide leagues and Hoops' fans will be expecting another three points from this one.
Shaily's verdict: Both sides need the point s for totally different reasons and Rangers may not have things their own way - draw.
WYCOMBE v SWINDON
Wanderers' fans are coming to terms with the fact they will be playing Third Division football next season. In contrast, Swindon are enjoying an impressive campaign and look
Set to take their place in the play-offs. The attacking partnership of Tommy Mooney and Sam Parkin continues to thrive and has been the foundation of the club's fine campaign.
Shaily's verdict: They may be down but they are certainly not out - Wycombe for a shock home win.
