by The League One promotion race looks set to heat up as the clubs battle it out for the Championship.
The Wanderers are right in the mix as they look to build on last term’s fifth-placed finish, which ultimately ended in heartbreak.
Portsmouth and Derby are currently in the top two spots, with Peterborough and Barnsley also in the picture.
How do the Whites compare to their promotion rivals? The Bolton News after looking at the top five clubs and what they can expect from their finals.
PORTSMOUTH
Current situation: 1st
Form: DWWWD
Remaining fixtures: Shrewsbury (H), Bolton (A), Barnsley (H), Wigan (H), Lincoln (A)
Portsmouth have put themselves in a strong position to be crowned champions after their draw against Derby.
John Mousinho’s side now have a five-point lead over the Rams despite having played a game less at this stage.
Pompey are winless in their last 14 games, with their last win coming against Leyton Orient on January 13.
However, back-to-back games against Wanderers and Barnsley will be tough as both sides battle to gain ground on the automatic promotion spots.
Going to Lincoln on the final day could also prove challenging, with the Imps looking to secure a top-six finish and book their place in the play-offs.
DERBY
Current situation: 2nd
Form: DWLWW
Remaining fixtures: Wycombe (A), Leyton Orient (H), Cambridge (A), Carlisle (H)
The point to leave Fratton Park was a disaster for Paul Warne’s side but it keeps the promotion race interesting going into the closing stages.
Derby now have a four-point cushion over Wanderers, who have a game in hand against Shrewsbury to factor into the equation.
The next few games for the Rams could be crucial – Wycombe is never an easy place to visit and Leyton Orient have proven this season that they are capable of pulling off an upset in the big games .
Warne’s men have found a way to get results without being at their best in recent weeks and will be hoping to continue that trend as they aim to return to the Championship at the second attempt.
FENNY
Current situation: 3rd
Form: WDLWD
Remaining fixtures: Bristol Rovers (A), Portsmouth (H), Shrewsbury (H), Port Vale (H), Peterborough (A)
The Whites go into the run full of confidence after their emphatic win against Reading, with Aaron Collins’ superb hat-trick leading the way.
Ian Evatt’s side will be keen for revenge when they host Portsmouth following a 2-0 win at Fratton Park in front of the TV cameras earlier in the season. Fans were left wondering what could have happened after missing Dion Charles with the scores level.
The trip to Peterborough on the final day of the promotion race could have huge implications, with both clubs looking to ease the pressure on Derby.
With the Shrewsbury game rearranged, it could be vital for Wanderers to make it three games in a row at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The Whites have collected more points at home than any other team in the division since the start of the campaign, including 14 wins and just three defeats.
PETER BURRAY
Current situation: 4th
Form: WLLWW
Remaining fixtures: Port Vale (H), Oxford (A), Fleetwood (H), Bristol Rovers (A), Cheltenham (A), Bolton (H)
Peterborough surprised few this season to be in the promotion race at the business end of the campaign despite major changes to the squad over the summer.
Darren Ferguson already has several promotions with Posh on his CV and hopes to lead his young squad back to the second tier.
However, they have plenty of work to do if they are to have any chance of breaking into the automatic promotion spots. Sunday’s Bristol Street Motors Cup final against Wycombe at Wembley could affect their preparation for the remaining league games.
The upcoming trip to Oxford looks tough on paper as they try to regain their place in the top six.
Ferguson’s side will also be desperate to make the most of their home advantage against Wanderers on the final day, especially if they still have something to play for.
BARNSLEY
Current situation: 5th
Form: WLDWL
Remaining fixtures: Charlton (A), Stevenage (A), Reading (H), Portsmouth (A), Blackpool (A), Northampton (H)
Barnsley had all the momentum in the world a few weeks ago but things can change quickly in football, and boss Neill Collins is now under pressure.
There were chants of the head coach being sacked from some supporters during the first half at Burton on Monday, but the Tykes eventually came back to win 3-1 at the Pirelli Stadium.
The Yorkshire outfit have now won their last two games, including wins against Lincoln and Cambridge.
Barnsley still have trips to Stevenage, Portsmouth and Blackpool to make despite their success on the road this season. Only Pompey can better the total of 42 points picked up away from home, compared to Oakwell’s 32 points.
