How do Port Vale, Bradford City, Walsall & Doncaster Rovers’ final 4 League Two fixtures compare - Saddlers have a big advantage | OneFootball

FLW has a look at the fixtures of Port Vale, Bradford City, Walsall and Doncaster Rovers as they battle for promotion from League Two.

The race for promotion from League Two promises to be exciting, with at least four clubs in the mix for the three automatic promotion places.

It had appeared that Walsall would run away with the title, as they boasted a 12-point lead in January, but a run of two wins in 17 means they have dropped to third.

Port Vale appear to have found form at the right time, with four successive victories meaning they lead the way at the moment.

However, Bradford trail the Valiants by just three points, and Doncaster are a point behind their Yorkshire rivals, so it’s all to play for in the final four games.

At this stage of the campaign, the fixtures can be huge, as one slip-up could impact the work you have done over the past eight months.

So, here at FLW, we have analysed the run-in, looking at which club has the advantage on paper, but it remains to be seen whether that plays out on the pitch.

Port Vale’s remaining fixtures

Darren Moore’s side are in a commanding position, and their four-point advantage over fourth place means they are firm favourites to go up.

Port Vale need seven points to guarantee promotion due to Bradford and Doncaster playing each other, so there will be an expectation that they can get two wins and one draw from these four games.

Nevertheless, it won’t be easy, as the next three games come against teams who are fighting for things.

Next up, they go to Carlisle, with the hosts realistically needing to win to help their survival chances, whilst Grimsby and Wimbledon are both in the play-offs.

In theory, a final day home game against Gillingham is a good way to end, but they are unbeaten in eight and under new management in Gareth Ainsworth, so they could be a tough nut to crack.

Bradford City’s remaining fixtures

Bradford looked in a strong position a matter of weeks ago, but one win in four has halted that momentum, which included a dramatic, late 5-4 loss to Swindon last time out.

Like Vale, the Bantams have a difficult run-in, as they face a Notts County side in the play-offs, before making the trip to Chesterfield, who will need to win to stay in contention for a top seven finish.

After that, the standout fixture during the run-in takes place, as Graham Alexander’s side travel to Doncaster. It promises to be an electric atmosphere, and it could have a massive bearing on this promotion race.

If Bradford are in the top three going into the final day, they will fancy their chances, as mid-table Fleetwood visit Valley Parade.

Walsall’s remaining fixtures

Despite their worrying wobble, it’s fair to say that Walsall have the kindest run-in on paper, and they really will believe they can win promotion.

As it stands, Mat Sadler’s men are set to play three of the seven worst teams in the league in the next three games. Pleasingly for Walsall, it’s likely none of them will have anything to play for.

Harrogate and Newport should already have enough points on the board to ensure safety, and whilst Accrington have work to do, there’s a strong chance they are confirmed as safe by the time they visit the Bescot Stadium.

Walsall end the season with a home game against Crewe, who will need a miracle to be in the mix for a play-off place.

So, it’s a great set of fixtures for Walsall, but they need to improve quickly to ensure they take advantage.

Doncaster Rovers’ remaining fixtures

Doncaster are on the same points as Walsall, but they have a tougher run-in than their promotion rivals.

Firstly, they go to Tranmere on Good Friday, who may need another win to guarantee safety, before they face a Colchester side battling to get points to reach the play-offs.

Then, it’s the huge Bradford game at the Eco-Power Stadium, before a final day trip to Notts County, which is another tough challenge for Grant McCann’s side.

Of course, the dynamics could change by then, and Doncaster will hope that Notts County have their play-off place all sewn up, as they may be inclined to rest players, but that’s by no means a guarantee.