League One Permutations: Who could be promoted and relegated this weekend?

We take a look at all of the League One permutations ahead of third-tier's final round of fixtures this weekend and analyse which teams could be celebrating promotion and who could be slipping through the trap door.

It's been another enthralling EFL season with promotions spots and relegation places still to be confirmed with just one round of fixtures left to play.

Portsmouth have already captured the league title ahead of their 2023/24 curtain-closer against Lincoln City, but which side will be joining them in the automatic promotion spots come Saturday afternoon?

Well, Derby County are in the driving-seat at present, but any potential slip-up would open the door for Bolton Wanderers to gazump them and propel themselves into second place on the final day.

It's all to play for in the battle for a play-off berth too.

We already know that two of Derby, Bolton and Peterborough will feature in the end-of-season promotion shootout, but with just two points separating Barnsley in fifth and Blackpool in eighth, it's anyone's guess as to which other two sides will finish the campaign in the top six.

At the other end of the table, Carlisle United, Port Vale and Fleetwood Town have all had their fate sealed - dropping down to League Two - with Cheltenham Town still hoping to pull off a miraculous recovery having started the week five points adrift of safety.

Will they manage to secure the points they need to pull Burton Albion or Cambridge United back into the mire, or have the Robins left it all too late?

We don't have to wait too long to find out.

Here are all of the permutations for the clubs with everything left to play for in League One this weekend.

League One - Automatic Promotion Race

Table:

	MP	W	D	L	GD	Points
1: Portsmouth	45	27	13	5	+35	94
2: Derby	45	27	8	10	+39	89
3: Bolton	45	25	11	9	+35	86
4: Peterborough	45	25	8	12	+28	83

Derby County (1/1000)

The Rams just need a solitary point against already-relegated Carlisle United to secure automatic promotion back to the Championship.

Paul Warne's side currently hold a three-point cushion over Bolton, meaning a draw would be enough to ensure they retain second spot, irrespective of whether their promotion rivals win their match.

Bolton Wanderers (100/1)

Bolton's fate is out of their own hands, but they could still be celebrating promotion on Saturday if they were to beat top two rivals Peterborough United.

However, the three points would only be enough to guarantee a top two finish if Derby were to lose to Carlisle and there was a four goal swing.

For example, if Derby were to lose 2-0 and Bolton win 2-0, then the Trotters would secure automatic promotion by virtue of scoring more league goals during the campaign, with both sides locked on the same amount of points and same goal difference.

If Derby avoid defeat, Bolton will feature in the play-offs.

League One - Play-off Battle

(Odds will display when market is available)

Table:

	MP	W	D	L	GD	Points
5: Barnsley	45	21	12	12	+18	75
6: Lincoln City	45	20	14	11	+27	74
7: Oxford United	45	21	11	13	+22	74
8: Blackpool	45	21	10	1a4	+18	73

Barnsley (1/5)

It's not often that a club dismisses their manager a few days before the final game of the season when occupying a play-off position, but that's what Barnsley have opted to do.

The Tykes are enduring a dismal run of form, accumulating nine points from their last 11 league matches, but their play-off fate remains in their own hands and a win at home to Northampton Town will secure a top six finish.

Even a draw might be enough, providing only one of the teams below them - Lincoln City, Oxford United and Blackpool - wins their match.

Lincoln City (8/13)

Lincoln have been one of the form teams in the division in 2024 and Michael Skubala's outfit know a win over champions Portsmouth at Sincil Bank should be enough to book their play-off place.

With that said, if Barnsley and Lincoln win but Oxford United better Lincoln's result by five goals against Exeter City, Oxford will climb above Lincoln on goals scored.

The Imps can afford to draw their final day encounter, as long as both Oxford United and Blackpool both fail to win their respective matches.

Oxford United (5/4)

Oxford United have watched a play-off place slip from their clutches after being held by Stevenage in their last outing.

The U's need to beat Exeter City and hope either one of Barnsley or Lincoln City fail to win their respective matches to finish in the top six.

A draw could still be enough for Des Buckingham's men, providing one of Barnsley or Lincoln lose and Blackpool fail to win away at Reading.

Blackpool (10/3)

It is thanks to Blackpool's 3-2 win over Barnsley last week that we have a thrilling conclusion to the League One play-off battle.

A trip to Berkshire to face Reading awaits Neil Critchley's outfit and only a win will suffice if they're to sneak into the play-off places. That outcome would require at least two of Barnsley, Lincoln City and Oxford United not winning.

League One - Who Will Avoid The Drop?

(Odds will display when market is available)

	MP	W	D	L	GD	Points
Cambridge Utd	45	12	11	22	-22	47
Burton Albion	45	12	10	23	-25	46
Cheltenham	45	12	8	25	-23	44

Cambridge United (10/1)

Cambridge missed the opportunity to preserve their League One status as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Wycombe in midweek.

Garry Monk's side travel to Burslem to face already-relegated Port Vale and a draw will be enough to avoid the drop.

Even if they suffer defeat on the final day, Cambridge can still stay up, providing both Burton Albion and Cheltenham Town don't win their respective matches.

Burton Albion (3/1)

Burton bounced back from their loss against Cheltenham to secure a vital win over Reading which means their survival fate remains in their own hands.

The Brewers travel to Fleetwood Town, who were relegated last week, and a victory will keep them out of the bottom four. Essentially, as long as Burton match Cheltenham's result, they're safe.

If Cheltenham fail to beat Stevenage, John Brayford's side can afford to draw or lose their encounter with Fleetwood and stay in the division.

Cheltenham (4/11)

It's win or bust for Cheltenham, who must go to Stevenage and emerge with all three points if they're to have any chance of avoiding relegation.

A win won't be enough however, as the Robins require Burton Albion to drop points to survive. There is the possibility that Cambridge slip into the bottom four, providing Cheltenham win, Burton win and Cambridge lose.